Def Jam Presents Scarface: Origins of a Hip Hop Classic

P. Diddy, Eve, Russell Simmons, and many other Hip-Hop rappers reflect on the Scarface film and how it impacts Hip-Hops Culture.

     Scarface has been viewed as a "ghetto tale" for African American rappers. His rise or "come up" is admired by many of them because of the hard work, loyalty and honesty that he held onto throughout the film. As Tony Montana went from the refugee camps in Miami, Florida to a million dollar home by his hard work and dedication to the gangster lifestyle, many rappers related their lives to his by comparing the ghetto neighborhoods of New York to the fame and fortune they received after their hard work and dedication to the rap industry. As explained by many rappers, when you come from nothing and you get everything you want everyone to see it (cars, house, women, money). Scarface is an influential movie to Hip-Hop Culture because statistically in the 80's young black men would end up in jail or dead and the fact that Montana came from nothing gave them hope. Scarface is a heart felt movie about a man that comes from a place where nothing is expected and eventually obtains everything. He embodies power and respect and the true meaning of determination.