The Roosevelt, Long Island–born rapper, now based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, introduces himself as a grounded, narrative-driven voice who stands refreshingly apart from hip-hop’s trend cycle. Blending the craftsmanship of rap’s golden era with a modern, self-aware sensibility, ACE MEDA4 delivers a project built on intention and lived experience.
Rooted in the storytelling tradition of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, ‘Life / Stories’ bridges generations of listeners, those who came up on classic lyricism and those searching for depth in contemporary hip-hop.
“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.”
What makes ACE MEDA4’s arrival even more striking is its purity: no industry co-signs, no viral blueprint, no manufactured narrative. “I’m just a guy who loves making music, period,” he says, and that clarity anchors the project.
The album opens with the explosive “WE IN HERE,” featuring Rayla Devine, a high-energy introduction that pairs crisp production with a classic hip-hop bite. “NOBODY” leans into a West Coast pulse reminiscent of Dr. Dre’s early influence, while “LIKE I LOVE YOU” expands the palette with funk-driven grooves that highlight his versatility.
Across the tracklist, ACE MEDA4 balances personal reflection with sharp social insight, mirroring the duality hinted at in the album’s title: “Some things are life, some things are stories, both come from my mind.”
With ‘Life / Stories’, ACE MEDA4 steps forward with purpose, delivering a mature, unflashy, and deeply resonant debut. It’s a project that honors the genre’s foundation while carving out a fresh, much-needed space in today’s hip-hop landscape, one defined not by hype, but by honesty.
