Ranking All Scarface Studio Albums
It’s surprising that conversations about the Rap GOAT always fail to mention Scarface even though his consistency and talent far exceed many of the heralded East Coast and West Coast rappers. Other than his diehard fans, few others know that Scarface was also a producer, producing Devin The Dude’s debut album and producing his own debut album, Mr. Scarface Is Back. In this article, we review and rank all Scarface albums from the worst to the best.
11. The World Is Yours (1993)
Coming in at number eleven on our list of the Scarface albums ranked is his second studio album, The World Is Yours, which saw Scarface still struggling to find his own sound and style as a rapper. The result was an album not as acclaimed as his debut studio album. From the instrumentals to the guest appearances, this album is probably the worst on Scarface’s discography.
10. My Homies (1998)
This album was more of a Rap-A-Lot compilation than a real Scarface album for many. The fact that Scarface does not appear in most songs makes you even forget that you are listening to a Scarface album. The album was also so long and boring to listen to since it included 30 songs. On a positive note, the many rappers featured in the album give us a chance to hear many different rap styles. The production is also excellent, and anytime that Scarface raps, his verses are an absolute joy to listen to.
9. My Homies Part 2 (2006)
This album was produced in 2006 and is Scarface’s eighth studio album. The album was the second of a sequel following the 1998 album, My Homies. Given how the previous album, My Homies, turned out, it seemed to go down the same route since it was pretty similar. However, disc one was great, and the album featured a few inspiring guest appearances and great verses from Scarface himself.
8. The Last of a Dying Breed (2000)
This album was another one from Scarface’s discography that strayed too far away from his usual themes. However, the album took a more personal tone, with the rapper taking account of his actions and words. The album had fifteen tracks, and although it was less successful commercially, it was positively reviewed by critics. The album debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200 and has been certified gold by the RIAA.
7. Made (2007)
Made was the first proper album released by Scarface following his 2002 album, The Fix. The album was released on 4th December 2007, and it saw Scarface returning to his hardcore hip hop elements that featured dark beats from N.O. Joe and Scarface rapping about how smart he was on the streets. The album featured a minor R&B hit, “Girl You Know,” which featured Trey Songz. The album was a critical and commercial success, peaking at #17 on the US Billboard 200.
6. Emeritus (2008)
Emeritus was Scarface’s tenth studio album, and it showed that he would never change in his style and delivery. In this album, he hits all the right notes with witty lyrics and amazing bars that explain why he is normally referred to as your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. Scarface had stated that this would be his final album, although it wasn’t. The album featured some big names such as Lil Wayne, Bun B, and Slim Thug. It debuted at number 24 on the US Billboard 200 and sold 42,000 copies during its first week.
5. The Untouchable (1997)
Although Scarface rarely strayed from his hardcore hip hop style, the g-funk sound influenced by Snoop Dogg and Dr.Dre is quite clear. The album was released on 11th March 1997, and it was his first album to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200 Chart. The album’s most popular track was “Smile,” which featured Tupac. The track was released shortly after Tupac’s death and peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
4. Deeply Rooted (2015)
After his supposed retirement album, Emeritus, Scarface returned with his seventh studio album, Deeply Rooted, which featured guest appearances from the likes of Nas, John Legend, Akon, and Rick Ross. The album received positive reviews from critics and put to death any doubts about his GOAT status. The album featured some powerful lyrics full of amazing storytelling and fantastic rhymes. The song “Hot Seat” sees the rapper take on the criminal justice system. The latter half of the album features a lighter R&B sound, and the top half is undoubtedly what makes this album so solid.
3. Mr. Scarface Is Back (1991)
The number three album in our ranking of the greatest Scarface albums is an album that contains one of the most interesting covers in Scarface’s discography. The infamous cover features a number of ready-to-fire shotguns and a coke deal gone sour. While many people may think of it as sensationalist, it depicted everything that was happening in Scarface’s world. The album peaked at number 51 on the US Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA in 1993.
2. The Diary (1994)
It doesn’t matter if you are a hip-hop die-hard or a casual; you will absolutely love this album. The Diary was Scarface’s third studio album, released in 1994. This album has often been pitted against The Fix, and it is quite hard to choose which was the best album among them. The album is short and tight and features only one guest rapper (Ice Cube). It is also one of the few hip hop albums to receive a perfect rating from XXL and The Source Magazine. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1994.
1. The Fix (2002)
To have both Jay-Z and Nas in your album back in 2002 was a real coup. When Scarface released this album, he was clearly at the peak of his powers, and pulling such kind of collaborators worked to the advantage of this album produced by Kanye West. Apart from the star-studded lineup in the collaborations and production, this album also contained one of Scarface’s greatest songs, “My Block,” which is one of those songs that stand the test of times.