 |  | Rap-A-Lot supergroup molded in the image of Scarface (3.5/5) |  |
1996 was the busiest point of Scarface's career, the peak of his commercial popularity and the height of Rap-A-Lot Records' Houston dominance. In '96, Scarface dropped the excellent Geto Boys album The Resurrection, followed by numerous guest appearances, and was hard at work on his fourth solo album Untouchable which dropped in early 1997. In between all this, he found time to form a Rap-A-Lot supergroup of sorts in Facemob, which released their debut in '96. With all the great music coming from Rap-A-Lot at this point, "The Other Side of the Law" was not promoted well and came and went quickly, despite it being a good album. Facemob consists of five rappers: DMG, an already established MC with a great solo album under his belt (Rigormortiz) who had gained notoriety for his collabos with Scarface and Geto Boys; Devin the Dude, a former Odd Squad member who would go on to much greater success as a solo artist (check his debut The Dude or sophomore effort Just Tryin' ta Live); a female rapper named 350; and two unestablished rappers in Smit-D and Chi-Ray. This is sort of a diverse group. DMG is similar to Scarface, both in style and substance. Devin the Dude is well known for his great sense of humor, but is completely humorless here. As in any supergroup, each rapper sort of sacrifices something to be part of the group. Devin gives up any element of humor, DMG has to share the mic with the inferior 350 (she doesn't appear as much as the other rappers though). Basically, the rappers all kind of perform in a style that sounds like Scarface's solo work. The rappers paint dramatic profiles of a depressed ghetto, they tell stories of crime and saddening violence, and they can also play up their emotion for a slow track ("Millions" and "The Other Side" are undeniable classics). This album is similar to Untouchable especially musically. The production is appealing yet monotonous, and some of the beats sound similar. They have a grimy bass-heavy sound with electronic instrumentals, the music is dark and fitting of the lyrics. Producers include the legendary Houston vets N.O. Joe and Mike Dean. The album is consistent, but it's almost redundant at points. "The Other Side of the Law" is a good album of the Rap-A-Lot glory days, and fans of Scarface should be sure to pick this up.
After a piano solo intro (much like on Face's solo albums), the album begins with "In the Flesh," a good first track because it's kind of introductory, each member gets a verse to kind of represent themselves. The beat is dark and it's a pretty solid start. "Bank Robbery" is a nice track, each rapper plays one of a gang of criminals and work a running commentary of a bank robbery, it's pretty cool. "The Coldest" is pretty cool, it sounds a lot like "In the Flesh" though. The best song on the album follows, the classic "Millions." This song is a dramatic, slow, deep, and mournful song the likes of which Scarface perfects. Over a beautiful sad beat, the verses chronicle the trials and tribulations of a self-guilty criminal. This song is excellent and very well done, each rapper holds their weight. "Tales From the Hood" is another hard and dark song with nice verses. "Respect Rude" is a decent track too, but it sounds similar to a lot of the songs on the album and is a little monotonous, and I'd say exactly the same of "Stay True." "The Other Side" is a highlight, very well-produced and featuring a great concept, hook, and verses by all parties. The average "Black Woman" precedes the very good "Rivals," a song which was featured as a bonus track on Untouchable (poor marketing considering Scarface's album came out almost a year after Facemob's). This album has great lyricism, hook, and production, it's a highlight. The outro (sounds same as the intro) closes the disc.
"The Other Side of the Law" is definitely an album that fell through the cracks, and I think that were it more well-known it would be held in higher esteem. Any group with two rappers the likes of Devin the Dude and DMG is quite noteworthy, especially when one of the greatest rappers of all time, Scarface, is involved. This is solid, dark Houston hip hop and it's fun to listen to. It's not a totally amazing album by any means, but fans of Scarface's solo work will definitely enjoy this because it sounds very similar.
May 23, 2007Facemobs first album has become a gangsta classic. In typical Rap-A-Lot fashion Facemob drops vivid street perspective on the listener. Unlike most RAL albums though you need not be a gangsta to appreciate this. This is a solid production from Face and brining in a new era for RAL mafia. A must get for anyone even contemplating getting it and those who know nuthin about 'em. RAL foe Life!
September 30, 2003scarface put this group together contains rap a lot frontman devin the dude and dmg this whole cd was tight back in 96 and too bad this group did'nt blow up but it was another underrground classic.
December 29, 2002 | | A music fan from Washington D.C. | |
This is a great CD.I would reccomend it to any one that's down.This cd is tight!
May 5, 2000 | | If you expect hard words & beats, you won't be disappointed. | |
Facemob will meet your expectations if you are looking for some street orientated sounds, it won't let you down! Check out the track "Da' Coldest", immediately you'll see what I mean.
July 16, 1999More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(6 reviews)