Legend of the south and a great in Hip hop history, Scarface has announced he's leaving rap behind. Whether or now that's true, we'll have to wait and find out in the following months. Now to his much now loved album that we're reviewing today. After The Last of a Dying Bre Scarface followed up with a much ignored album, The Fix. Given little attention this would also be the end of Scarface's reign as a gold/platinum selling artist. However the reviews did not follow the trend and were mostly positive. His debut Mr. Scarface is Back is one of my favorite albums of all time, But does the album still live up 12 years later? Well, let's find out.
The Fix
Just an musical intro setting up our tones. The rest of the album follows a very blues/folk like sound to it going against the grain of popular Hip hop at the time.
Safe
When he start hustlin' that's when he started robbin', that's when niggas started plottin'
Our opening track Face advises young hustlers to keep their game out or they'll fall off or get taken out. He relates this to his past as a criminal in the game now reflecting as an older man. Solid opening, beat is very good musically as well.
In Cold Blood
Spot my enemy and kill him the American way. I turned my dream into a reality with a fuck you mentalityThis will take you back to a time of a young hungry Kanye producing beats people still liked. Here our host tells his story coming up as a thug in the game and that has no mercy and no remorse for his actions. Follows up to Safe, well.
Guess Who's Back feat. Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel
holy shit i was not prepared for Jay to just hop in with that sheep voice, but damn anyhow he puts in his work. It's a interesting combination between the two with a mix of New York and Houston Hip hop. Scar gives a dope verse then it's finished by the former trigga man of Roc-a-Fella Beanie Sigel. Beans gives some great work and I believe this is the beginning of his friendship with our man in question in here.
My Block
The most well known song on this outing is My Block. That's also deservedly so. Face describes his upcoming on his block and it's a great entry. And if you wonderin' yes, it does in fact bump in the whip.
Keep Me Down
My personal favorite on this album with a very nice tune in the background, Scarface tells us people are trying to keep him from succeeding in music. Looking back..that might've been truer than we thought. Essentially a "tell off the haters" song, but it doesn't seem as tired as any of the more recent ones we've heard.
What Can I Do feat. Kelly Price
A beautiful opening tune and Scarface opens slowly in a much more reflective state. He thanks God for letting him rise up everyday and live and Kelly sings with extreme sweetness over the beat.
In Between Us feat. Nas and Tanya Herron
Esco! Nasty Nas drops a feature, I have assume in return for Face's bugged verse on Favor for a Favor.
Nasty opens up actually condemning murder and street activity.
I don't respect killers, I respect throughout knowledge
Tanya has a very interesting voice I may add, very scratchy and raspy but she works with it. Scarface follows up doubting his own mental state as he's done in the past.
Someday feat. Faith Evans
A Neptunes beat? Damn ain't this a fusion of interesting elements. Toss in the late wife of Biggie Smalls, Faith Evans singing and you've got a great song. More reflection through Faith (get it?) and God. It's rather long, but it doesn't really drag.
Sellout
It's been a long time coming but now i'm back at it. Flipping the script, from balling to gangsta rap classics.
What might be a precursor to Hip Hop is Dead, our MC tears down sellout rappers only in the game for the money proclaiming he's still in it because he loves it.
Heaven feat. Kelly Price
Another great beat by Ego central and a cat named T-Mix. Scarface finds out title in a girl and he feels it's a real love. Also a real Heaven. Another sweetly sung track.
I Ain't The One feat. WC
Represent the Westside Connection, WC steps in the place. Granted some of lines about semen and penises are a little alarming for this album. They end on a "Just cause i got emotional don't mean you can fuck wit me" type of track. Not the best but it's an okay ending track.
Fixed
Our outro follows the original interlude to the album, a bit funky of a beat but it finishes this off.
The Highlights:
My Block
Someday
The Lowlight:
I Ain't The One and that's only really by default.
The Gem:
Heaven
Is It Worth a Purchase?
I'd say certainly. If you're a southern Hip hop fan you likely already have this album but if you don't check out the previously mentioned tracks. The instrumentals are great, the production's top notch and Scarface delivers a very reflective album with a rough edge to it. Great guest appearances at well from all star emcees.
Overall Grade: A
Until Next Time, One Love.
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