Scarface at Mohawk [Show Preview]

Image From The Mohawk

Scarface at the Mohawk
Friday, January 13
Mohawk (912 Red River Street)
Doors at 7pm, $20
[info] | [tickets]

Scarface is a guy that often gets left out of the conversation when we talk about long-term greatness. Coming up in the south-side of Houston - a location he mentions in basically every verse he’s ever laid to tape - he’s always rapped earnestly and directly about not selling out, his former poverty-stricken peers, and, of course, transcending it all. The Geto Boys haven’t existed in proper form since the late ‘90s, but he’s delivered a string of solo records - all steadfastly successful and critically tasteful. Given his personality he probably likes being southern rap’s cool, independent uncle - rarely does a pop career exist for upwards of three decades and categorically refuse to cater to anyone but its own muse.

His show at the Mohawk comes three years after his proclaimed retirement from hip-hop. Like most rap-retirements, precious few took it seriously. When he reemerged at the end of 2010 with a mixtape (the first he’s ever done) he proudly announced he was “a free agent.” The 41 year old rapper is now more separated from label-drama than he has been in his entire career. We can only hope that the ferocity brewing post-retirement spills over into his show at the Mohawk tonight. We want shit-talk, we want rants, we want Geto Boys songs, and we definitely don’t want a tour disguised as a meaningless cash-grab. Fortunately Scarface is too much of an idealist to fall down that path, and the Houstonian blood in Austin should be out full-force to greet their favorite son. Out of all the rap shows in Austin over the past few years, this is easily the most unpredictable one. With his clout and heritage, anything could happen - good or bad. We should be excited to witness it.

Scarface: [facebook]