Vincent Mason

Vincent Lamont Mason Jr. (born March 24, 1970) is a rapper, producer, DJ, who is one third of the hip hop group De La Soul. Mason is also known as Maseo, P.A. Pasemaster Mase and Plug Three.

Career

Kelvin Mercer ("Posdnous", "Plug One", "Plug Wonder Why", "Mercenary") and David Jude Jolicoeur ("Trugoy the Dove", "Plug Two", "Dave") were already friends when Mason joined the pair to form De La Soul in 1987. The trio came to the attention of Prince Paul, then a member of Stetsasonic, with a demo recording of "Plug Tunin'". Paul facilitated a record deal for Mason and his colleagues with the Tommy Boy label and produced their first album, 3 Feet High and Rising.

Mason's role in De La Soul is primarily that of a DJ, with Mason stating that he is “a b-boy to my heart”, drawing inspiration from life experience and contemporary global events. However, Mason has also featured as a vocalist on songs such as "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)" (from De La Soul Is Dead) and for De La Soul's guest appearance on the Jungle Brothers recording, "Doin' Our Own Dang". Mason also recorded the introductory laugh for De La Soul's collaboration with Gorillaz, "Feel Good Inc.".