Masta Ace Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Explore Masta Ace net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday in this comprehensive profile of the Brooklyn hip-hop storyteller.
Masta Ace Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
A Brooklyn-born hip-hop storyteller whose enduring career spans over three decades.
Introduction
Duval Clear, better known by his stage name Masta Ace, is an American rapper and record producer who emerged from Brooklyn’s Brownsville community and went on to become a revered figure in hip-hop thanks to his storytelling, concept albums and underground credibility. Born on December 4, 1966, his age/birthdate and birthday are often referenced by fans and media alike. As for personal life, Masta Ace is married to singer and TV-personality Leschea, and his estimated net worth is around $1 million, according to publicly available sources.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Duval Clear |
| Age/Birthdate | December 4, 1966 |
| Birthday | December 4 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, songwriter, record producer |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
| Relationship Status | Married to Leschea |
| Known For | Solo albums (“Disposable Arts”, “A Long Hot Summer”), membership of Juice Crew, influence on underground & mainstream hip-hop |
From Brownsville to Beat-making: The Story Behind His Rise
His journey began in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, where Duval Clear grew up surrounded by the hip-hop culture of the 1980s.
While attending the University of Rhode Island, he entered a local rap contest and won studio time, which eventually led to a connection with producer Marley Marl. That led to his guest appearance on the classic posse-cut “The Symphony” with the Juice Crew, marking his entry into hip-hop’s mythology.
He then debuted his solo album Take a Look Around (1990) and later formed his crew Masta Ace Incorporated, releasing SlaughtaHouse (1993) and Sittin’ on Chrome (1995).
Defining moments in Masta Ace’s journey include:
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Winning a Brooklyn rap contest and securing studio time under Marley Marl.
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Featuring on the Juice Crew’s “The Symphony”, establishing his early presence.
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The release of Disposable Arts (2001), a concept album that reinforced his storytelling reputation.
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Coming forward with his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) around 2013, showing strength and resilience.
Main Sources of Wealth
The core pillars of Masta Ace’s wealth include:
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Music recordings & royalties – his solo albums, collaborations (Masta Ace Incorporated, eMC) and catalog generate income via streaming, physical sales and licensing.
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Independent label activity – through his imprint M3 Records and related ventures, he has earned from artist development and releases.
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Live performances & touring – though not at the mega-star scale, touring and festival appearances contribute to earnings.
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Licensing & legacy catalog exploitation – his influential status means catalog tracks may be licensed for media and compilation use.
Relationships & Family Life
Masta Ace is married to fellow artist Leschea, and they have one daughter together.
He has spoken publicly about how his wife has been his pillar of support, especially after his multiple sclerosis diagnosis was revealed.
Key insights into Masta Ace’s relationships and personal life:
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His marriage to Leschea (married since around 2001 per available sources) has often been referenced in interviews.
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Family plays a significant role: he dedicated the album MA DOOM: Son of Yvonne to his late mother Yvonne.
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His health condition (MS) and his open conversation about it reflect transparency in his personal life.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Masta Ace leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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Staying active physically — in interviews he notes working out and maintaining movement as part of managing his MS.
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Dedication to storytelling and education — he has moved into projects beyond rap, including stage musicals and writing.
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Rooted in his Brooklyn upbringing — his music references Brownsville, and his albums chart personal narratives rather than pure luxury displays.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Below is a breakdown of his estimated net worth and how the pieces fit together.
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Music recordings & royalties | ~$0.5 million (approx) | CelebrityNetWorth estimate |
| Independent label & ventures | ~$0.3 million (approx) | Industry analysis & interviews |
| Live performance/touring | ~$0.2 million (approx) | Estimated from touring scale |
While estimates place his net worth at around $1 million, it’s worth noting that legacy acts in hip-hop often have modest publicly reported fortunes relative to mainstream super-stars. His value lies less in flashy assets and more in sustained influence, catalog longevity and creative independence.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Masta Ace is frequently described by critics as one of the most under-appreciated MCs of his era. His influence is evident: major artists, including Eminem, have cited him as an inspiration.
He’s known for concept albums, narrative versions of hip-hop (rather than party-rap) and a conscientious approach to his craft. His public image blends authenticity, resilience (particularly given his MS journey) and dedication to the culture.
In the broader hip-hop community, his work is seen as bridging the golden age of East Coast rap with modern independent trajectories, offering a blueprint for artists who prioritize craft over commercial flash.
Conclusion
Masta Ace’s story is one of steady, meaningful progression: from a Brownsville kid with big dreams, to a respected elder-statesman of hip-hop. His age/birthdate (December 4, 1966) marks the birth of a voice that blended lyrical intelligence and street-real narrative. His birthday (December 4) is celebrated by fans who know his work. With an estimated net worth around $1 million, Masta Ace may not be a billionaire rapper, but his relationships—especially with his wife Leschea—and his personal life reflect depth beyond the typical rap persona. Ultimately, his legacy isn’t just in what he earns, but in how he earned it: on his terms, through story, substance and survival.
Emily John