Mase

Shortly after releasing Double Up in 1999, Mase left hip-hop while at the top of his game to get his life right with God. Five years later, he’s back, and not much has changed — well, except for the fact that he’s noticeably cleaned up his act. In the past, for instance, Mase was all about seducing the ladies; now he says they don’t have to take their clothes off (“Keep It On”). And on “I Owe,” he reveals that he’s no longer drinking or smoking. Mase doesn’t spend the entire album playing it straight, though. Tracks like “Breathe, Stretch, Shake,” “Harlem Lullaby” and “Into What You Say” will get the clubs hopping. Fans may Welcome Back Diddy’s protegé with open arms — and if they do, he should thank God for that.