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list Feb 15 2024 Written by

Ranking Scarface’s Albums

Scarface Houston

Scarface is an undisputed icon of the genre, a true pioneer who played a pivotal role in placing Southern Hip Hop on the map. His decades-long career, both as part of the Geto Boys and as a successful solo artist, has left an indelible mark on the culture, boasting a catalog of classic songs, albums, and guest appearances.

Drawing deeply from his personal struggles with depression, drug abuse, and suicidal tendencies, his lyrics resonate with an authenticity unmatched by many. This vulnerability, coupled with undeniable lyrical prowess, solidifies him as one of the greatest lyricists Hip Hop has ever witnessed.

This list delves into Scarface’s solo works, excluding the Geto Boys albums and the compilation albums My Homies (an album that has its moments, but with Scarface only appearing on two of the thirty songs), Balls And My Word (very mediocre, consisting solely of unused cutting floor material) and My Homies Part 2 (a pretty bad album, released without Scarface’s knowledge or permission). His remaining nine solo albums showcase his undeniable talent, with two arguably reaching the pinnacle of absolute classics.

We invite you to engage in the comments below! Share your thoughts on the rankings, and let us know which Scarface album reigns supreme in your personal opinion. Let’s celebrate the enduring legacy of this Southern rap royalty.

scarface solo albums best to worst

9. Emeritus (2008)

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Emeritus, billed as his retirement album, falls short of the brilliance seen in other Scarface releases. It lacks the cohesive flow we’ve come to expect – the production feels disjointed, and an overabundance of guest appearances disrupts the album’s core identity. Despite flashes of lyrical brilliance, the lack of standout tracks (a rarity for Scarface) leaves an overall sense of disappointment. While not without merit, it’s certainly among Scarface’s weaker efforts. 6.5/10

8. The World Is Yours (1993)

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Scarface’s sophomore album finds the rapper delivering a solid performance, showcasing his undeniable talent. However, it fails to reach the heights of his debut or his critically acclaimed follow-up, The Diary. While standout tracks like “Now I Feel Ya” show off his lyrical prowess, the album lacks the overall focus and cohesion that define his best works. 7/10

7. The Last Of A Dying Breed (2000)

Scarface - The Last Of A Dying Breed - Front

Opinions tend to clash over this Scarface release. While it may not rank among his absolute best, it’s certainly a step up from earlier efforts like My Homies. Sure, it lacks the punch of its predecessor The Untouchable (1997), but with its tighter structure and fewer guest spots, it boasts a stronger focus. Although the production could use some polish, Scarface’s lyrical delivery remains sharp as ever. Standouts like “Look Me In My Eyes” prove there’s a lot to appreciate in this under-rated album – a testament to Scarface’s consistent talent, even when the overall package falls short of greatness. 7/10

6. Made (2007)

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Is Scarface’s Made his most underrated album? Despite achieving critical and commercial success, it often flies under the radar in discussions of Scarface’s top-tier work. Perhaps because we’ve come to expect nothing less than excellence from him?

The album boasts stellar production throughout, albeit with a slightly darker tone than its classic predecessor, The Fix. Lyrically, Scarface is in top form on most tracks, with only a rare miss like “Dollar.” Personally, “Never” stands out as a favorite, showcasing Scarface’s clever wordplay around a recurring sample of the word “never.” Other gems like “Burn,” “Who Do You Believe In,” and especially “The Suicide Note” ensure there’s no shortage of great tracks to enjoy. 7.5/10

5. Deeply Rooted (2015)

Deeply-Rooted

Seven years after his supposed swansong, Emeritus, Scarface roared back with the critically acclaimed Deeply Rooted. While Emeritus felt like a slight fade in Scarface’s signature fire, Deeply Rooted reignited it with a vengeance. This time, however, the flames burned with a new maturity, reflecting on life with a spiritual depth. Deeply Rooted cemented Scarface’s status as a rap legend, solidifying his position among the top dogs of the game. Tracks like “Steer,” “God,” and “All Bad” are testaments to the album’s brilliance.

If this truly is his finale, Scarface exits on a high note, a far more fitting conclusion than the underwhelming Emeritus might have left. Deeply Rooted not only is one of the best releases of 2015 but also deserves its place among the best works of Scarface’s illustrious career. 8/10

4. The Untouchable (1997)

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Following up on his 1994 masterpiece, The Diary, was always going to be a daunting task. But with The Untouchable, Scarface’s fourth solo album, he manages an admirable feat – mostly succeeding with this new work.

While the beats on The Untouchable might not quite pack the same punch as those on The Diary, and the album lacks the same level of overall cohesion, Scarface’s lyrical prowess remains undeniable. He delivers his signature streetwise and gangsta raps infused with his trademark raw emotion and introspective depth. Few rappers in the game, past or present, can match his ability to convey emotions with such power and conviction. The album also holds significance for featuring one of Tupac Shakur’s final guest appearances before his passing, on the legendary track “Smile.”

Even if The Untouchable doesn’t reach the absolute pinnacle of Scarface’s work, it is a strong part of his impressive catalog, further solidifying his commercial success with a second platinum-selling album. 8/10

3. The Fix (2002)

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Many hail The Fix as Scarface’s crowning achievement, and it’s easy to understand why. The production boasts soundscapes crafted by a young, on-fire Kanye West, perfectly complementing Scarface’s lyrical mastery. He blends his signature street narratives with thought-provoking social commentary, creating a powerful and engaging experience. Tracks like “Guess Who’s Back” featuring Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel, “In Between Us” featuring Nas, “In Cold Blood,” “Safe,” “Keep Me Down,” and the iconic “On My Block” remain unforgettable examples of Scarface’s prowess.

This mature and confident album is a cornerstone of Scarface’s discography and a defining release of 2002. 8.5/10

2. Mr. Scarface Is Back (1991)

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Mr. Scarface Is Back marked the explosive launch of Scarface’s solo career, drawing heavily on his experience with the Geto Boys (even being recorded alongside their classic We Can’t Be Stopped). This dark and brooding debut echoed the themes of his group work, filled with dark humor, provocative street narratives, and violent imagery, all interwoven with Scarface’s struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Short, sweet, and focused at just twelve tracks, the album features no skits or guests, a welcome element for some listeners. It also boasts our favorite Scarface track, the atmospheric “A Minute To Pray And A Second To Die,” which masterfully utilizes an interpolation of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues” to amplify the power of the lyrics. Mr. Scarface Is Back will forever be considered one of the most powerful and impactful debut albums in the game. 8.5/10

1. The Diary (1994)

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Scarface’s third solo album, The Diary, is arguably his magnum opus and unquestionably our personal favorite. This raw and haunting masterpiece showcases a cinematic experience in just ten tightly packed tracks. Featuring only one guest spot from Ice Cube, the album thrives on its focused intensity. Every song, from “I Seen A Man Die” and “Hand Of The Dead Body” to “The White Sheet,” “No Tears,” “Goin’ Down,” and “Mind Playin’ Tricks ’94,” is a Scarface classic, ensuring a listening experience devoid of filler. The Diary is not just a staple of Southern Hip Hop, but an undisputed classic of the entire genre. 9/10

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One response to “Ranking Scarface’s Albums”

  1. Jay says:

    My personal ranking goes
    #1 The Diary (obviously) 95/100
    #2 Mr. Scarface is Back 85/100
    #3 The Fix 85/100
    #4 Deeply Rooted 80/100
    #5 The World is Yours 80/100
    #6 The Untouchable 75/100
    #7 Last of a Dying Breed 75/100
    #8 Made 70/100
    #9 Emeritus 55/100

    What a discography

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