The Fix
In the early 90′s, Rap a Lot Records might as well have been a local label in Louisville–The Geto Boys were always in and out of our town, and around release dates it would be common place for Scarface to do a record signing in “Better Days” record shop. For reasons unknown, things abruptly changed… No more concerts, record signings etc.
Fast forward to 2001, Brad “Scarface” Jordan is now the head of Def Jam South and in his first executive role he signed Ludacris’ which proves to be a huge commercial success. For his hard work, Scarface was able to ink a one-of-a-kind joint record deal between Def Jam and Rap A Lot.
Being an employee at Def Jam but an artsit at Rap A Lot, Scarface couldn’t have been in a better position. With the Def Jam machine at ‘Face’s disposal and the power of the streets behind, the result is exactly what fans longed for: “The Fix”
If you’re a Scarface fan, you should be very familiar with his street tales and borderline obsessesion with death. On “The Fix,” Scarfaces ditches the macabre themes for a more personal connection with God. For chorus work Facemob employs some of the best voices of the time including, but not limited to Faith Evans & Kelly Price.
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Someday ft. Faith Evans
“So what I rap about the streets, it don’t make me any less of a man. Than a person that do work with his hands…
On the introspective “In Between Us,” Scarface trades verses with Nas accompanied by a long chorus, which is quite refreshing. I remember zoning out to that track during finals week. Hearing this type of track was definetly a breath of fresh air from the typical hip-hop format.
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In Between Us ft. Nas
Everyone remembers the single “Guess Who’s Back” ft. Jay-z, but the albums initial single was the reflective ode “On My Block” where Scarface shared neighborhood tales over a Donnie Hathaway sample. The singles from this album garnered Face more radio spins than he probably had his entire career. Clear example of the Def Jam machine at work…
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On My Block
In our microwave era, so many great albums are looked over, as evidenced by this album’s shelf life. The five mic nod may have been overshadowed by other high profile releases, most notably “The Blueprint.” Even with its platinum success and a five mic review Scarface managed to not go commercial, staying consistent with the formula that has been his modus operandi since day one. Much respect due.
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Keep Me Down
