Scarface M.A.D.E. CD

During an era when members of rap's elite dropped albums at (at least) a one-a-year rate, Scarface took five years between the monumental 5-mic effort THE FIX (2002) and his equally compelling follow-up, M.A.D.E. (2007). The wait is well worth it, as Face is in top form, balancing anthems of relaxed gangster dominance with darker moments of pained reflection. Scarface's flow maintains the same level of restrained menace throughout, while verbose story-telling skills can still match any lyricist in the game. Featuring consistently tight production from Tone Capone, N.O. Joe, One Drop Scott, Mike Dean, Enigma, and Nottz, M.A.D.E. is another triumph from Houston's favorite son.

Audio Mixer: Mike Dean .

Recording information: Gumbo Funk Studios, Stafford, TX.

Photographer: Mario Castellanos.