Last of a Dying Breed (Virgin)
"I appreciate y'all, all right? I'm gone" intones an eerily candid Scarface at the close of his "farewell" album-but is it a farewell to rap or to life in general?
Whether stated or implicit, Scarface's mortality drives The Last of a Dying Breed, lending a desperate sense of urgency to the album. The first and last tracks are even titled "11-09-70" and "11-09-00," respectively-obviously a reference to Scarface's 30th birthday, but strangely reminiscent of tombstone inscriptions. At the same time, this former Geto Boy struggles to make sense of himself, often to little avail. He nonchalantly disowns flashing Rolexes and popping Cristal champagne on "It Ain't Part II," only to extol the virtues of casual sex on "In & Out." But the moments of genuine introspection, however subtle, always seem to outweigh the contradictions.
Fortunately, the music is up to the challenge of supporting such weighty content. Guest producers such as Erick Sermon and Joe N.O. inject vitality into the increasingly formulaic sound of Southern rap, particularly with the unsettling keyboard whistle of the title track. Guest rappers such as Jay-Z and Too $hort deliver solid turns on the mic, though their verses pale in comparison to the urgent booming of Scarface himself.
Whether simple contemplation or a eulogy for a living man, The Last of a Dying Breed captivates as it chills. No matter what Scarface means by "gone," he sure won't be forgotten.
A- Tom J. Clarke
Sarah Cracknell Read more in ArtsRecommended Articles
