Money, Power, Respect
The 1983 film influenced hip hop to its core.
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Money, Power, Respect: 10 Dope Examples of Hip Hop's "Scarface" Obsession\r - The iconic Brian De Palma–directed 1983 film Scarface is hitting Blu-ray Sept. 6 and last night, on August 23, there was a Hollywood soiree to celebrate the moment and the movie's legacy. The event featured a performance by ATL rapper–actor Ludacris. But this is far from the first time that hip hop and Scarface have crossed paths. The over-the-top opulence, rags-to-riches plot line and ruthless "us against them" mindset featured in the film have influenced hip hop to its core, and rappers have made no secret of that. Click on to see 10 examples of hip hop being influenced by Scarface.\r\r(Photo: Universal Pictures)
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Scarface the Rapper\r - What better way to set this list off than with the legendary MC who actually named himself after the movie? Scarface, the former frontman of Houston gangsta rap pioneers The Geto Boys, took it even further on 2003's Balls and My Word, which is named after a quote from lead character, Tony Montana, and whose cover is inspired by the film's iconic artwork. \r\r(Photo: Rap-a-Lot Records)
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Mobb Deep feat. Nas, "It's Mine" - This 1999 hit collabo between Queensbridge's finest samples the film's title theme liberally. The video depicts the rappers living a full-on Scarface lifestyle, complete with huge pools, massive beachfront mansions, boats and bikini-clad beauties. Mobb Deep also sampled the movie's score on 1996's "G.O.D. Part III."\r\r(Photo: Infamous Records)
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Raekwon, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...\r - The Chef's timeless solo debut sampled several vocal snippets from the film (including the classic "I told you a long time ago ...") and even featured a song titled "Incarcerated Scarfaces."\r\r(Photo: Loud/RCA/BMG Records)
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Vibe's 50 Cent Cover \r - Vibe's 2005 "Hollywood Issue" featured this slick tribute to Scarface, starring 50 Cent as Tony Montana.\r\r(Photo: VIBE Magazine)
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