Scarface – Emeritus (12-2-2008)

Posted on Dec 13 in Reviewsby adminPrint

As one of the founding members of the Geto Boys Scarface has lived to enjoy one of the most respected careers in the rap game. From his very first album Mr. Scarface Is Back all the way to today no one has ever questioned Facemob’s skills on the mic. Labeled as one of the best story tellers to ever grace a track Face looks to end his career on a high note with his latest and last effort Emeritus. After last year’s well received Made fans of Scarface already know that this one will be far from a dud.

As with all other Rap-A-Lot releases listeners have the immediate anticipation to hear J. Prince talk shit in his deep down in Texas ass drawl. This intro just happens to be a little more detailed as Prince recounts some of the shiesty shit he continues to go through. Face keeps it one hundred percent G on the album’s first single “High Powered” where he invites Papa Reu to put the final stamp on things. Lil Wayne and Bun B lend their rhyme expertise to the real king of the south on the stellar “Forgot About Me.”

On “Still Here” Face gets hood political as he speaks “white man versus black / and the reason I aint voting for Barack / is cuz I love him / and they gon want him hanged after that.” Texas mainstays K-Rino and Slim Thug help Face go hard at choosy females who didn’t notice them before the rap money dropped. The Product shows exactly why Face picked them up as they hold down the guest spots on “Soldier Story” where Z-Ro harmonizes the hard time hook.

Face spits with the ferocity of a rookie but the street wisdom of a twenty pls year rap general on the well laced N.O. Joe serving “Redemption Song.” Producer Jake One rips off a beat that had to be meant for 50 Cent with “High Note” as Face speaks of knocking off other dudes chicks for the duration. As the album draws to an end Face first snaps on a Sha Money XL track with the Wacko assisted “Unexpected” then he sums up his storied career with the Scram Jones stitched title track.

Scarface ends historic career just the way he started. Emeritus finds him Spitting about hardcore gangsta shit with the knowledge of an organized general over hard ass beats from some of the lesser known yet just as worthy beatsmiths in the game. Emeritus may contain just one track if any suitable for cross-over acclaim making it one of those albums that will only appeal a very centered core of hip hop listeners. If you want to hear about rims, bling, and clothes then that you won’t find here.

VERDICT – 15 / 20
LYRICS: 4
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 3
CONSISTENCY: 4