Published and written by:
Lamont Jack Pearley
“The Blues was Robert Johnson, and Eddie Son House…..Now it’s Eric Clapton” — Scarface
I find myself too often making disclaimers, or always saying, “I’m Not Being Divisive” when I’m talking about my heritage and the tradition…..the musical and cultural traditions of my people. I also find that when other musicians, historians or folklorists that are, like me…African American, Black…..express or explain about our traditions…they too are spewing disclaimers. I’ve never heard any other ethnicity have to do that, maybe they have….more importantly, we shouldn’t!
Now, most of you that follow my work know where I stand, and one of the connections to our traditions I’m bringing to the table is the connection between Blues and it’s great grandchild Hip Hop! Two Black Musics and Traditions with no European influence other than oppression. With that being said, I would like you to take a listen to Scarface….a lyricist I’ve been inspired by since I was a very young dude…and on my journey I see why…he rapped the Blues!!!
Listen to him express what is happening in the music business and why it’s important for us to preserve our history, heritage and musical culture and traditions…
and for those of you who do not know who Scarface is —
Brad Terrence Jordan (born November 9, 1970), better known by his stage name Scarface, is an American rapper, music producer, and author. He hails from Houston, Texas and is a former member of the Geto Boys. He began his career as DJ Akshen (pronounced Action) recording solo for Lil’ Troy’s Short Stop Records, a local label in Houston. After releasing the 12″ single “Scarface/Another Head Put To Rest” (1989) produced by Def Jam Blaster and Bruce “Grim” Rhodes, he would go on to sign with Rap-A-Lot Records and join a group who were collectively known as Geto Boys replacing one member who left, and released the group’s second album Grip It! On That Other Level (1989), a highly successful album that garnered the group a large fanbase, in spite of their violent lyrics keeping them from radio and MTV. He took his stage name from the 1983 film Scarface.
