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Dubcnn Exclusive – Scarface
By: Todd Davis
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Dubcnn: First things first, following the release of your eleventh solo set, December 2008's Emeritus, it was announced that it would be your final studio LP -- What prompted your return to rap?

Emeritus, the word, means that you have paid your dues, as in a professor at a college pays his dues and retires from his job. That doesn't mean that he gives up teaching, it just means that he'll teach when he wants to and at his own pace. That's how I felt that I'd paid my dues, and that I needed to spend time on other pursuits. I haven't returned to Rap, as I never left it in the first place. I retired from having to rap, having to put out albums, and having to create to the tune of everyone else’s beat. Now, I'm back putting out music, because I want to, this is what I do, make music. And with Dopeman Music, I'm distributing through my own label, Facemob Music, and going the indie route. So this time, I'm controlling my own destiny, and the whole process of distributing my music.


Dubcnn: There were even videos circulating the 'net that you had either started your own rock band, a la Ice-T's Body Count, or were gearing up for something like that -- What actually became of those purported plans?

Nah, that's not exactly right. I'm a musician first and foremost, (and) I am fortunate to be able to work with other talented musicians. I play guitar, and sometimes I get down and play rock, rhythm and blues, and anything that I'm feeling in the moment. I'm sure some of my fans have seen me play guitar on stage with up and coming rockers to keep Southern Rock in the right groove. Or, maybe you heard that some members of Guns & Roses and I have talked about gigging. But, that doesn't mean that I'm starting a band or nothing...I do me.


Dubcnn: Let's jump right into this brand new effort Dopeman Music -- Why did you opt to name your record this?

Listen to the music...I lay it all down in the lyrics. The music speaks for itself.


Dubcnn: Earlier you mentioned that Dopeman Music came out on your very own imprint, Facemob Music -- Does that mean you are all together through with Rap-A-Lot?

I'm a free agent without long term commitments to anybody. I'm the runaway slave...That's why I’ve gone independent, no longer answering to others, unless of course I want to. This is an independent project as I've stated. Facemob Music is currently independent, and working an indie project is way different than working a major album -- "I'm Free to do what I want, any old time." I think somebody used those lyrics before? *'Face chuckles*


Dubcnn: Also on the new project, you teamed up with a host of newer acts; B. James, Monk Kaza, Malice, Mr. Lo Key, Rodney Gant & Papa Reu -- Is Dopeman Music more-so a showcase for Facemob Music's current/future artist roster? And, are all these cats signed to your label?

Dopeman Music showcases artists that I believe deserve to be heard. Some of these cats have been around for a minute, but without the major label exposure. They have only been heard by true aficionados of rap music. With my loyal fan base, I believe that Dopeman Music will allow a broader audience to appreciate their lyrical skills.


Dubcnn: Dopeman Music is being called a street tape and/or mix-tape -- Does that mean that it's sort of a precursor of sorts to an upcoming full-length CD?

Most definitely! With a "street" record, you can express a whole lot of stuff that would never make it on to a major label release. You don’t have to deal with corporate politics and bureaucracy. You can also feature young vibrant talent that would not necessarily be utilized on a major album. Sad, but a true statement of fact. There's a lot of bubblegum rap out there right now. If you like bubblegum rap, go buy it, but this record definitely ain't no bubblegum rap. And, we taking rap back to the streets. Rap is street music, and somewhere along the way the game got changed, and not for the better. That's why this retired professor decided to go back to teaching, showing the kids how the game done.


Dubcnn: Sonically, how does Dopeman Music either differ and/or compare to previous/other 'Face albums?

Dopeman Music is as good as any other record that I have put my name to. It doesn't have the big name features that a major label releases, but it has true emcees. Street cats that can rhyme with the best of us. I don't put my name to anything, unless I believe that it is worthy. I've heard others compare it to The Fix, I'll just leave it at that. I made Dopeman Music for my fans, and for me.


Dubcnn: Longevity, what do you attribute yours to? And, what has been the ultimate key to your success?

Longevity? I just do me. I keep it one hunnid. I have always rapped about what I know, how I feel. My fans get it, they have grown up with me, experienced the same shit I've beeen through. My music is my craft. I make music I like. I'm not making it for the Billboard charts, and I know my fans respect that about me. So, when you talk longevity, ask the fans that have been by my side through the good, the bad and the ugly. Without them, I’m nothing. I'm never gonna make a dance song, that's for damn sure!*More chuckles* That wouldn't be me.


Dubcnn: Do you have any other plans and/or goals completely outside of the entertainment world?

Sure, if the right opportunity arises. But, it has to be the right avenue for me.


Dubcnn: Do you remain in touch with your friends, and, former, group-mates; Willie D, Bushwick Bill, Big Mike, and/or DMG? If so, when was the last time any of you all spoke? And, is there any chance of a future reunion, either on stage and/or wax?

Yeah, I stay in touch with people, and with all the networking sites it is a lot easier than back in the day. I use Twitter, and hear from a lot of people I've lost touch with over the years. Follow me on Twitter. As for a reunion, I don't see that happening right now, but I will never say never.


Dubcnn: What's next for "The Godfather of the South?"

I plan on dropping an album later on this year, and I'm getting a lot of offers to engage in other lines of work outside of rapping, although still in the entertainment world. And, I'm currently weighing up all the options carefully.


Dubcnn: Are there any other upcoming mix-tape(s) and/or cameos on others works to look out for from you in the meantime? And, how 'bout outside production work, are you working on anything at the moment?

I'm always working on something. As I said earlier, my major release album should be released later on this year. I'm working with new and upcoming rappers that I believe should be heard by the masses. Dopeman Music is a respectable release, and I'm proud of this work.


Dubcnn: Sadly, Thursday June 25th 2009, the world lost the greatest entertainer who ever lived -- What was your first reaction upon hearing the tragic news? How does Michael Jackson's untimely passing affect, not only you, but, music in general? And, in the wake of his demise, what does this mean for the future of recorded music?

At first, I was in disbelief, but with all the news media attention, the true tragedy sets in. MJ's death was a loss to the world, and to the world of music. Had he lived, how many more hits like "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" would we have had? The world will never know. So yes, I believe we can categorically say that the future of music was undeniably affected. MJ's music will live on forever.


Dubcnn: Any message for our faithful readers?

Thanks for taking the time to read this interview, keep caring. Keep it real. Respect is earned, and not given. RESPECT to my fans for the support over all these years. You keep me going, For real.

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