Mase Comeback Inspired By Jacko

Rapper-turned-pastor Mase is back... because of Michael Jackson.

Mase (real name Mason Betha) told New York City's Power 105.1 FM on June 26 in which he aired his remix of Drake's "Best I Ever Had," which was his first release in five years.

"Mike passed away and it just lit the fire in me — it made me go in the studio and do something," Mase said, according to Billboard.com. "I'm excited. I asked my nephew who is the hottest thng out there and he said 'Drake!' When I listened to his music I said, 'I'm going to jump on this joint."

Mase, the former prodigy of Sean "Puffy Combs," released his debut solo album, Harlem World, in 1997. He followed it with 1999's Double Up before he announced he was leaving rap to become a preacher. Mase returned to music with 2004's Welcome Back, a Christian rap record.

It's not known whether Jackson's death will inspire Mase enough to release a fourth album, but perhaps DMX should take note of Mase's current profession and seek him out right away. Or not.