Rapper, songwriter, and recording artist ACE MEDA4 steps forward with his anticipated debut album ‘Life / Stories’, a project that firmly establishes him as a fresh, authentic voice operating outside the conventional hip-hop narrative. Now based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the Roosevelt, Long Island native blends the timeless lyricism of rap’s golden age with a modern sensibility, creating a sound that resonates with both long-time hip-hop fans and listeners seeking something deeper, more lived-in, and true to life.
Rooted in the storytelling traditions of the artists he grew up admiring, ACE MEDA4 explores universal themes, personal reflection, and sharp social observation. His music sits intentionally between eras, bridging those who embrace contemporary rap and those who still crave the craftsmanship and narrative power of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. “Everyone that started listening to rap in the 80s, 90s and 2000s didn’t suddenly stop liking rap in the 2020s,” he explains. “They continue to love the art form but want to hear stories that reflect who they are now rather than who they were in their youth.” With this ethos, ACE MEDA4 proudly steps into a niche he describes as adult contemporary rap, offering a lane for listeners who have grown with the genre rather than aged out of it.
The album opens with the explosive “WE IN HERE” featuring Rayla Devine, a hard-hitting track that channels the energy of classic hip-hop with crisp production and an undeniable flow. Elsewhere, “NOBODY” leans into a West Coast feel, echoing the influence of Dr. Dre while maintaining a modern edge. Tracks like “LIKE I LOVE YOU” introduce rhythmic funk-infused elements, showcasing the range of ACE MEDA4’s artistic identity and his ability to expand the borders of what contemporary hip-hop can sound like.
He shares “A way to express and share parts of myself and my perspective while also exploring concepts and thoughts outside of myself. Hence the split in the title. Some things are life, some things are stories, both come from my mind.”
With ‘Life / Stories’, ACE MEDA4 confidently steps into the spotlight with a debut that honors the roots of the culture while carving out a space uniquely his. Stream the album here.
