Oscar winning actor Al Pacino recently opened up about how the push of hip-hop was key to making Scarface a cult classic all over the world. Speaking on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast while promoting his memoir Sonny Boy, Pacino reflected on the 1983 film’s impact. Though Scarface directed by Brian De Palma, written by Oliver Stone was initially panned by critics and Hollywood insiders, Pacino credits hip-hop culture for embracing and elevating the film to legendary status.
“I was surprised that it had that reaction,” Pacino admitted, recalling how he had almost lost interest in acting at the time. Despite its divisive reception, the audience’s love for the film, particularly the hip-hop community, fueled its rise. “Hip-hop just got it. They understood it. They embraced it, the rappers. And then the next thing you know, VHS is going out, and more people are seeing it. Plus, we’re on the records, these rappers,” Pacino said, noting how this exposure helped the movie maintain momentum and become iconic. The influence of the hip-hop community in amplifying the film’s popularity cannot be overstated.
Scarface was based on a 1929 novel by Maurice R. Coons ( Armitage Trail) about a Cuban immigrant who arrived in Miami with no money. The cultural connection between Scarface and hip-hop stems from Tony Montana’s rags-to-riches story—a tale of an immigrant rising to power in Miami’s violent cocaine trade, which resonated deeply with those from marginalized communities. Artists in hip-hop, particularly those from the inner city, saw parallels between Montana’s journey and their own struggles for success.
In the 2002 film Paid in Full, lay Damon Dash loosely based on the lives of Harlem kingpins Rich Porter, AZ Faison, and Alpo Martinez, this dynamic was captured onscreen. A scene where Ace, played by Wood Harris, narrates how Scarface’s premiere affected Harlem culture echoes the sentiment that Tony Montana’s rise symbolized hope and power for many.
Hip-hop has long referenced Scarface as a cultural touchstone, with artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, Mobb Deep, and Wu-Tang Clan all including nods to the film in their music. Jay-Z famously remarked on American Gangster‘s “Ignorant S—,” “Scarface the movie did more than Scarface the rapper to me,” showing how the film’s themes struck a chord with his worldview. Other artists like Big Pun, Future, and Rick Ross have continued to pay homage to Scarface over the years.
Rap Songs That Reference Scarface
- Chief Keef – “Me”
Keef channels Tony Montana’s self-reliance with the lyric, “Like Tony Montana who I trust? Me!” - Future featuring Drake – “Tony Montana”
The track’s title and chorus chant Tony Montana’s name, showing the rapper’s deep connection to the iconic character. - Nas – “Thief’s Theme”
Nas acknowledges the movie’s larger-than-life status in his song, rapping, “We saw the movies, like Tony Montana and ‘em.” - Pusha T featuring Rick Ross – “I Still Wanna”
Rick Ross aligns himself with Montana’s larger-than-life persona with the line, “Tony Montana, tailor made suits in the church.”
