Legendary Hip-Hop artist Scarface recently graced NPR’s Tiny Desk with a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. This long-anticipated appearance felt like a celebration of a career that spans decades, boasting a discography filled with classic Hip-Hop albums. From his debut solo album, “Mr. Scarface Is Back,” to masterpieces like “The Diary,” “The Untouchable,” and “The Fix,” not to mention his influential group work with Geto Boys, Facemob, and The Product, Scarface has indelibly carved his name in the annals of Hip-Hop history.
The Tiny Desk concert provided a unique platform for Scarface to exhibit his prowess not only as a lyricist and a producer but also as a musician. Accompanied by his longtime collaborator, Mike Dean—who has been instrumental in shaping the sound of Face and the early Geto Boys—Scarface captivated the audience, deftly strumming his guitar as Dean worked magic on the keys.
Their synergy was electrifying and was further enhanced by the rich sounds of The Backyard Band and a group of exceptionally talented vocalists. Together, they took the audience on a nostalgic journey, revisiting some of Scarface’s iconic songs. The setlist included hits like “On My Block,” “Mary Jane,” and “Smile,” before moving to the poignant “I Seen A Man Die” and the explicit, yet deeply emotive, “Fuck Faces.” They concluded the performance with the hypnotic “Mind Playing Tricks on Me,” leaving the audience awestruck and undoubtedly reaffirming why Scarface is indeed one of the greatest of all time in the Hip-Hop genre.
