Mase Studio Albums and Release Timeline
Mase, born Mason Betha, released his debut studio album Harlem World in 1997 under Bad Boy Records and Arista Records. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 and was certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA. His second album, Double Up, dropped in 1999 and reached number 11 on the Billboard 200, later earning Platinum certification. After a hiatus, he returned with Welcome Back in 2004, which peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold. Most recently, Mase released the mixtape Deluxe in 2023, signaling a return to independent releases outside major label structures.
Label History and Distribution Partners
Mase's early career was defined by his association with Bad Boy Records, founded by Sean "Diddy" Combs, and distributed by Arista Records and later Universal Music Group. Harlem World and Double Up were released under this partnership, which placed the albums in major retail and streaming channels worldwide. After leaving Bad Boy, Mase signed with Roc-A-Fella Records and distributed through Def Jam Recordings for Welcome Back. In recent years, he has utilized independent distribution for newer projects, including Deluxe, which is available on major digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Forbes covered his return to independent releases as part of a broader trend of veteran hip hop artists bypassing traditional label deals.
Chart Performance and Commercial Certifications
Billboard and RIAA Milestones
Harlem World produced the single "Feel So Good," which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself spent multiple weeks in the top five and was certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA. Double Up generated the hit "Get Ready," which peaked in the top 20 on the Hot 100, while the album earned Platinum status. Welcome Back produced the single "Welcome Back," which reached number 16 on the Hot 100, and the album was certified Gold by the RIAA. The RIAA database tracks these certifications and provides searchable records for Mase's releases.
Streaming and Digital Sales
Mase's catalog is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. His albums continue to generate streams, with Harlem World and Double Up consistently appearing in hip hop playlists.