Recording as Akshen, he began his career recording solo for Rap-A-Lot Records, a local label in Houston, Texas. In the late 1980s, he joined the Geto Boys as they were forming and released We Can't Be Stopped, a highly successful LP that garnered the Geto Boys a large fanbase, in spite of their ultra-violent lyrics keeping them far from radio and MTV. Akshen changed his name to Scarface (he even changed his flow from a rapid-fire Kool G Rap-like delivery to normal flow, this time with a darker tone), after the film Scarface, saying he felt that the main character of the movie was just like him in many ways. Scarface soon released his debut solo album, Mr. Scarface Is Back. The album was a success, and Scarface's popularity soon overshadowed the other Geto Boys.
Scarface left the group and released a series of solo albums that kept him in the public view in spite of decreasing sales. He turned this around with 2000's Last of a Dying Breed, which received overwhelmingly positive reviews and sales, and earned him Lyricist of the Year at the Source Awards. In 2002 he released The Fix, the critically acclaimed follow up to Last of a Dying Breed. In 2007 he released Made which overall recieved very positive reviews.
Discography
1991 - Mr. Scarface Is Back (Rap-A-Lot)
1993 - The World Is Yours (Rap-A-Lot/Priority)
1994 - The Diary (Rap-A-Lot/Noo Trybe)
1997 - The Untouchable (Rap-A-Lot/Virgin)
1998 - My Homies (Rap-A-Lot/Virgin)
2000 - The Last Of A Dying Breed (Rap-A-Lot/Virgin)
2002 - The Fix (Def Jam South)
2003 - Balls And My Word (Rap-A-Lot)
2006 - The Product: One Hunid (Koch)
2006 - My Homies Pt. 2 (Rap-A-Lot Records)
2007 - Made
2008 - Emeritus
Recognize
Scarface Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna expose yo ass, you bitch
See me in these motherfuckin' streets
(Don't stop)
With ya fag ass, gangsta walk, yeah right, ya pussy
Look out, we everyday grinding
Everybody in the North gotta love us down South 'cause we blindin'
We mainly focus on the old schools with big blocks lying
And I been around the world in one day
Chucking up the deuce for S.A.
I'm a hood cat, and that's for searching me a hood rat
With good cat, something beautiful to look at, fa sho'
I kick it for my niggaz in the ghetto
And all my homies in the federal
Lock up, behind the wall setting shop up
They beat the block up, yet and still they couldn't stop us
Damn it feels good to be a gangsta back at it
'Cause I'm the last of the Dons, goddamn it
I hear ya talking, but I don't cater to the chit-chat
But when I see you in the streets I got ya get back
(Word)
It ain't enough protection on ya ass, to fuck wit Brad
I got a lesson for ya ass
I showed ya, the Southside niggaz tote heat
I showed ya, the Northside niggaz roll deep
Ya weak, 'cause I'm the biggest fish in the pond
And when I say the magic word, bitch ya gone
Assassinated, people lay steppin'
Eliminated, enemy with aggression
Sit back and smoke me one, the Obi Won Kenobi one
Fuck the champagne sippin', woodgrain grippin'
I'm spittin' for the Vice Lords, gangstas and Crips and Bloods
And everybody neighborhood
From the Idery Wells, back down to Inglewood
How can a nigga from the South get a pass in every section
And walk the projects with no protection
Be surrounded by a mob, and not get robbed
Considered to be a savior and not be God
(Whoa)
Listen to the nigga flow now, I can speed it up or slow down
Face the facts baby, I got it locked like this and like that baby
Southern [unverified] baby, the last of a dying, we born again
The vicious life religious, I was born to win
The closure after the greatest hit the sofa
When I still ride for Prince like a soldier
The two-thousand millennium comes
Since I'm the son of the father, that makes me the Don
The next up to bat, the Jordan, Larry, cousy yo of rap
And I ain't gotta walk around strapped
J don't tolerate the mack dirties
You in our motherfucking way, we tryin' to stack 30s
Now back it up, for he send something back to you, ain't plan to defend
Staying loyal to the Prince to the end, so recognize
So what you gone do Face?
(Play till I win)
So what you gone do?
(Double back and do it again)
So what you gone do Face?
(I'm a play the game 'til I win)
So what you gone do?
(Play till I win)
So what you gone do Face?
(Play till I win)
So what you gone do?
(Double back and do it again)
So what you gone do Face?
(Play the game 'til I win)
So what you gone do?
(Then I'm a double back and do it again)
So here it is fool, I play the game where it's no rules
Dropped out in the 10th grade and told my mom to fuck school!
'Cause they ain't teach a nigga shit, I learned to read when I was 5
And plus I been smart a long time
Fuck a history test, I'm more concerned about respect
I make my moves in an L like a night nigga check
It's on 'til the break of dawn, I keep it on
And on and on, and on and on and on and on
Like clockwork, we hit these niggaz where it hurt
Knock they dicks in the dirt, now you the bitch that's in the skirt
I'm passed the motherfucka out here paying his dues
Not the average nigga out here rapping claiming he true
I just stick to the script and take it in stride
Get my daily dose of game from James and take it and ride
Yes, yes y'all, funky fresh and in the flesh y'all
This time I'm aiming at the neck dog
It ain't no ducking when I'm bustin'
I'm a leave you a nice little whole in ya throat, releavin' ya life
I'm going out with a bang, letting my nuts hang
I'm outty like flame, the signature just James, recognize
So what you gone do Face?
(Play till I win)
So what you gone do?
(Double back and do it again)
So what you gone do Face?
(I'm a play the game 'til I win)
So what you gone do?
(Play till I win)
So what you gone do Face?
(Play till I win)
So what you gone do?
(Double back and do it again)
So what you gone do Face?
(Play the game 'til I win)
So what you gone do?
(Then I'm a double back and do it again)
The lyrics to Scarface's song Recognize describe the rapper's experiences and perspectives on the gritty realities of street life, from dealing with the false bravado of other rappers to navigating the dangerous territories of different neighborhoods. Scarface, who is known for his raw and introspective lyrics, expresses his anger towards those who rap for protection and hide behind the façade of gangsterism without truly living the lifestyle. He also highlights the importance of loyalty and honor among his peers, especially those who are incarcerated or dealing with the challenges of life in the projects. The overall message of the song is one of resilience and determination, as Scarface speaks about rising above adversity and playing the game until he wins.
The title of the song itself references the idea of recognition and visibility, which are both highly valued concepts in the world of hip-hop. Scarface, who is considered one of the pioneers of southern rap, has been noted for his ability to blend hard-hitting lyrics with lush, soulful production. Recognize is a prime example of this, as the song features a catchy, upbeat instrumental that contrasts with the gritty, confrontational tone of the lyrics. With its unique blend of street politics and musical experimentation, the song has become a classic of southern rap and a testament to Scarface's enduring influence on the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Motherfuckers out here rapping for protection
Some rappers only rap to protect themselves.
I'm gonna expose yo ass, you bitch
I'm going to expose you as a fake, you coward.
Look out, we everyday grinding
We work hard every day to succeed.
Everybody in the North gotta love us down South 'cause we blindin'
Our success is so bright that even people in other regions admire us.
We mainly focus on the old schools with big blocks lying
We tend to focus on vintage vehicles with large motors.
Chucking up the deuce for S.A.
I'm giving a shoutout to San Antonio by flashing the peace sign.
I'm a hood cat, and that's for searching me a hood rat
I'm from the streets and that's why I'm attracted to street smart women.
I kick it for my niggaz in the ghetto
I produce music for people in the urban area.
They beat the block up, yet and still they couldn't stop us
Even after being attacked, we could not be stopped.
I showed ya, the Southside niggaz tote heat
I proved that people from the South carry guns.
Considered to be a savior and not be God
I'm respected but not worshipped like a deity.
Face the facts baby, I got it locked like this and like that baby
I'm confident that I'm in control of the situation.
Now back it up, for he send something back to you, ain't plan to defend
You better back off because I'll retaliate without hesitation.
So here it is fool, I play the game where it's no rules
I play the game to win, even if it means taking shortcuts.
I make my moves in an L like a night nigga check
I use strategic moves to defeat my opponents, like in the game of chess.
It's on 'til the break of dawn, I keep it on
I'll keep going all night until the job is done.
Not the average nigga out here rapping claiming he true
I'm not like other fake rappers who lie about their authenticity.
It ain't no ducking when I'm bustin'
You can't avoid my attack.
I'm going out with a bang, letting my nuts hang
I'll leave with a big impact and show my confidence.
The signature just James, recognize
My unique style of music and persona is something to be recognized.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRAD JORDAN, FERRELL MILES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@spencertrice9986
I don't understand how people can make a list of the greatest rappers of all time and not list scarface
@quietfoalsocray170
exactly I mean scarface is a better rapper than everyone else. but this is my shit. ill only list scarface on my list
@stevenbagley1666
only children would
@stevenbagley1666
always on point, always serious w a true message...legend status in my book and top 5 all day anywhere.
@mrgregt1able
Spencer Trice real talk
@anthonydove7971
real talk
@malcolmx2391
What people dont know is Tupac sampled alot of scarface music in the beginning of his career... Representin 93 is just one of many. If Tupac is at the top of your GOAT list... Well he idolized Scarface... Tupac is my favorite rapper but Scarface is G.O.A.T... Period
@linkone2489
No lie here
@gregoryballard7278
one of the realest whoever done it
@xBodhi
The obi-wan kanobi one