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
Street Lights
Scarface Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's a set back, you know I'm saying man
Lil' Red, way back in the motherfucking cut man
Nigga was like shit nigga, I was like what come on man
[Scarface]
Street lights are glowing, everyday's another struggle
And moving slowly in silence, steady making sho' my hustle
Tomorrow ain't a promise to me, so I don't live in fear
I work until I touch it, stack it until I need it
I spend it on what I want, re-up and that's when I bleed it
The soldier could never see me, as being some'ing that's lesser
A nigga straight out the gutter, murdered without a question
Product of my surroundings, click it clack it and and down him
All they know is he missing, but niggaz ain't never found him
I'm sorry but still in yet, I don't live it on regrets
I'm a motherfucking killer, for realer this ain't a threat
I'm as gangsta as it gets, and my advice to you is live your life
And never when niggaz might, hit you under city lights
So get it right (never know)
You never know when niggaz might, hit you under city lights get it right
[Hook - 2x]
Lord forgive me, cause I know I ain't living right
Still I gotta make some'ing happen, under them street lights
But pay attention, let me show you what my life like
You can get your days cut short, under them street lights
[Yung Redd]
Them folks got me under the scope, cause I ain't living right
Still I ain't the one to provoke, dog you get it right
20 inch shoes when I cruise, under them city lights
Careful with the road I choose, cause you can lose your life
I'm praying and hoping, I never get caught in the moment
Shot from a glock, that's smoking from not scoping
When a nigga told me, you don't work you don't eat
So I'm slanging thangs for cheap, where the streets lights meet
And my pop, was a rolling stone
15 I was grown, 16 I was holding my own
Is it wrong to sell you a dream, or sell you a zone
A long way from home, on this road I roam
Still I'm po'ing the liquor, for niggaz who ain't with us
Ery'body ain't a gangsta, every nigga ain't a killa
Naw but them laws, couldn't tell ya the difference
So pay attention, or find yourself locked in prison this ain't living man
[Hook - 2x]
[Lil Ron]
Years have passed, and shit in the hood getting drastic
Two days ago, my homegirl got blasted
That's tragic, happened right on my block
I'm feeling paranoid, laws might run in my spot
So I'm living low key, and them folks don't know me
Slowly I ride through the city, stack mo' cheese
Then I slide out, to the hideout and smoke on
Haters watching, my chest is froze like a snow-cone
But hold on, trash talking ain't my game
Rather pimp me a dame, or switch lanes in a Range
Peep this it ain't a secret, them laws ain't right
They like to catch a late night, living the life
That's why I'm on top of my game, always thinking twice
Don't get it twisted, I still got a mean right
But most of the time, my nigga I'm on chill
It's real in the field, it's easy to get killed
[Hook - 2x]
In the song "Street Lights," Scarface delivers a powerful message about the realities of living in the inner city. He describes the struggles and dangers of his daily life, but also emphasizes his determination to succeed despite the odds against him. The hook, sung by Yung Redd, acknowledges that the way he is living is not right and could end his life early. Lil Ron comes in with a story of recent gun violence that served as a wake-up call for himself, causing him to adopt a more cautious approach to his everyday life.
Scarface's verses speak directly to the challenges he faces, including the fast pace of the streets and the constant threat of violence. He makes it clear that he lives by his own rules and is willing to do whatever it takes to survive. He is proud of his gangsta status and not afraid to defend himself against those who try to come at him. However, underneath that tough exterior is a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty, as he knows that tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Overall, "Street Lights" is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities faced by those living in inner city neighborhoods. It highlights the dangers and difficulties of life in these areas, but also speaks to the resilience and strength of those who must navigate these difficult circumstances on a daily basis.
Line by Line Meaning
Street lights are glowing, everyday's another struggle
Living in the city is tough, I face difficulties every day
And moving slowly in silence, steady making sho' my hustle
I keep my head down and work hard, trying to keep my illegal activities hidden
Is air tight, these city streets is hectic gotta get it here
I need to be careful and efficient in the way I conduct business, the streets are dangerous
Tomorrow ain't a promise to me, so I don't live in fear
Because I never know what could happen, I refuse to live in constant fear
I work until I touch it, stack it until I need it
I work tirelessly to accumulate as much money as possible
I spend it on what I want, re-up and that's when I bleed it
When I need to restock my product, I use my earnings to do it
A nigga straight out the gutter, murdered without a question
I come from the poorest and most dangerous parts of the city where murder is commonplace
Product of my surroundings, click it clack it and and down him
Growing up in this violent environment has resulted in me becoming a killer
All they know is he missing, but niggaz ain't never found him
When I take someone's life, their body is never found and their fate remains a mystery to others
I'm sorry but still in yet, I don't live it on regrets
Although I have done things I regret, I refuse to let them consume me
I'm a motherfucking killer, for realer this ain't a threat
I am a dangerous person who has killed before and am not afraid to do it again
I'm as gangsta as it gets, and my advice to you is live your life
I am the epitome of a gangster and caution others to live their lives to the fullest
And never when niggaz might, hit you under city lights
Don't take life for granted, because you never know when your time will come
Them folks got me under the scope, cause I ain't living right
Police are watching me closely because of my illegal activities
Still I ain't the one to provoke, dog you get it right
I am not looking for trouble, but I will defend myself if necessary
You can get your days cut short, under them street lights
The streets are dangerous, and they can end your life in an instant
Haters watching, my chest is froze like a snow-cone
People who don't like me are keeping an eye on me, which makes me tense and guarded
Peep this it ain't a secret, them laws ain't right
It's no secret that the justice system is corrupt and biased
That's why I'm on top of my game, always thinking twice
Because of the unfair system, I need to be extra careful and strategic in my actions
Don't get it twisted, I still got a mean right
Don't mistake my cautiousness for weakness, I am still capable of violence
But most of the time, my nigga I'm on chill
Although I am a dangerous person, I try to stay calm and peaceful when I can
It's real in the field, it's easy to get killed
The streets are a dangerous place and death can come at any moment
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind