The Diary

“The Diary” is the third studio album by Scarface, released on October 18, 1994, through Rap-A-Lot Records and Noo Trybe Records.

The story

Arriving three years after his solo debut, the album brought Scarface his biggest commercial success to that point. Lead single “I Seen a Man Die,” released in September 1994, reached No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his first top 40 hit. It was followed by “Hand of the Dead Body,” featuring Ice Cube with uncredited vocals from Devin the Dude, a pointed answer to the government, media and critics who blamed gangsta rap for street violence. It peaked at No. 74 on the Hot 100.

Sound and production

N.O. Joe and Mike Dean handled most of the production, with Scarface, credited as Brad Jordan, and Uncle Eddie also contributing. The thirteen tracks run about 43 minutes and blend hardcore storytelling with a brooding, introspective tone on songs such as “No Tears,” “Jesse James” and “G’s.” The album also includes “Mind Playin’ Tricks ’94,” a revisit of the Geto Boys classic.

Legacy

“The Diary” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, reached No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and was certified platinum by the RIAA on December 5, 1994. It is one of the few albums to receive perfect ratings from both The Source and XXL. “No Tears” later appeared in the 1999 film “Office Space.”

Released October 18, 1994. More from hip hop in 1994.