Watch: From Geto Boys to Grandmaster, Scarface Reigns in Soulful Tiny Desk Concert

In the realm of hip-hop, Scarface, also known as Facemob and Brad Jordan, has etched his legacy as one of the genre's most influential storytellers. Monday on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, the legendary emcee and producer delivered a 30-minute set that stands as a testament to a rap career spanning decades, defined from his time as a seminal member of Houston's Geto Boys to his stellar solo journey.

Anticipation for Scarface's Tiny Desk appearance crackled after DJ Cuzzin B, the series' producer, declared on X (formerly Twitter) last week, "Just watched an edit of Scarface's Tiny Desk. Yeah.... it's the best hip-hop Tiny Desk we've ever put out. A new crown holder.... Monday." The hype proved prescient.

I just watched an edit of Scarface's Tiny Desk. Yeah.... it's the best hip-hop tiny desk we've ever put out. A new crown holder.... Monday.

— DJ Cuzzin B (@DJCuzzinB) December 13, 2023

From introducing his backup band to the final song, Scarface took the audience on an intimate lyrical and musical journey, raw and unflinchingly honest yet undeniably entertaining.

"I don't know if you want to call me the DJ or the conductor of the railroad but my name is Facemob. We came here to jam for y'all tonight, this morning, whenever the f—k it is," Scarface shares, setting the tone for an intimate and powerful performance.

Mike Dean, grabbing the mic, interjects with humor, questioning, “You were high?” Scarface responds affirmatively, "That's going to be the basis of all our f—ing songs, man. I swear," before launching into the rap star's signature tune, "On My Block." The performance is gritty, soulful, and captures the essence of what has made Scarface's hip-hop career special.

The Tiny Desk concert offered a rare glimpse of Scarface not just as a seasoned emcee but as a conductor, navigating through multiple eras of his extensive catalog. Classics like "Mary Jane," "Smile," "Fk Faces," and the bone-chilling "I Seen a Man Die" all made the setlist.

Days before the show, Scarface added a surprise element by bringing in Dean, elevating the performance with unmatched authenticity and shared stories. This dynamic collaboration underscored the profound impact Dean's production has had on Scarface's classics and Rap-A-Lot records.

Scarface's influence extends beyond the stage, as evidenced by his recent recognition alongside Rakim with the inaugural Hip-Hop Grandmaster Award from the Paid in Full Foundation. This accolade, coupled with substantial financial and healthcare support, reaffirms Scarface's place as a pivotal figure in hip-hop history.
Watch the entire performance in the video below.

Set List:
"On My Block"
"Mary Jane"
"Smile"
"I Seen a Man Die"
"F**k Faces"
"Mind Playing Tricks on Me"

Musicians:
Scarface: Lead vocals, guitar
Mike Dean: Keys
Steven "Spud" Howard: Vocals
Takai "Cookie" Hicks: Vocals
Peigh Jones: Vocals, guitar
Corey "FunkaFingers" Stoot: Guitar
Josh Henderson: Keys
Jason "The Bishop" Allen: Keys
Savar Martin: Drums
Anthony "Antboogie" Nicholson: Bass, musical direction

'Love Hard Tour' Unveils Soulful R&B Extravaganza with Keyshia Cole and Trey Songz Leading the Charge

Get ready for a soulful symphony as iconic R&B voices Keyshia Cole and Trey Songz are set to join forces for the "Love Hard Tour," a 26-city North American spectacle igniting stages from February to April 2024.

Cole, who hasn't embarked on a tour in a decade, expressed her excitement on Instagram: "Been 10 years since I’ve done a tour! I owe this to myself [and] my fans to put on the best show of my career. This has been a goal of mine forever."

"This tour is a true labor of love, and I'm looking forward to connecting with my fans, sharing new memories, and healing through music," she added in a release announcing the tour.

The Grammy-nominated songstress, whose voice has etched itself onto countless love stories, will headline the show.

Joining her is Trey Songz, the velvet-voiced charmer whose smooth hits like "Say Aah" and "Bottoms Up" have defined a generation's romantic soundtrack.

Adding a touch of timeless soul is Jaheim, whose crooning voice has woven the soundtrack of countless lives through classics like "Anything" and "Just Once."

Completing the quartet is K. Michelle, the queen of vulnerability, whose raw talent and powerful lyrics fuel her heartfelt anthems like "Love & Hip Hop" and "Visions."

Tickets for the "Love Hard Tour" will be available to the general public on Friday, December 15, at 10 AM local time. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

"Love Hard" Tour Dates:

February 2024:Thursday, 22nd - Macon, GA - Macon Coliseum
Friday, 23rd - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum
Saturday, 24th - Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena
Sunday, 25th - Savannah, GA - Enmarket Arena
Thursday, 29th - Chicago, IL - Wintrust Arena
March 2024:Friday, 1st - St. Louis, MO - Chaifetz Arena
Saturday, 2nd - Milwaukee, WI - Fiserv Forum
Sunday, 3rd - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena
Thursday, 7th - Fairfax, VA - EagleBank Arena
Friday, 8th - Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena
Sunday, 10th - Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center
Thursday, 14th - Charlotte, NC - Spectrum Arena
Friday, 15th - Columbia, SC - Colonial Life Arena
Saturday, 16th - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum
Sunday, 17th - Philadelphia, PA - Liacouras Center
Friday, March 22 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
Saturday, March 23 - Fort Worth, TX - Dickies Arena
Sunday, March 24 - Bossier City, LA - Brookshire Grocery Arena
Thursday, March 28 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Arena
Friday, March 29 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
Saturday, March 30 - Los Angeles, CA - Peacock Theater
Friday, April 12 - New Orleans, LA - Smoothie King Center
Saturday, April 13 - Birmingham, AL - Legacy Arena at BJCC
Sunday, April 14 - Southaven, MS - Landers Center

R&B Kings & Rap Royalty: Jodeci & Wu-Tang Clan Unveil Electrifying Las Vegas Residencies in 2024

Las Vegas, prepare for a double dose of nostalgia and electrifying performances. Two of music's most iconic acts, R&B quartet Jodeci and hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, have officially announced their Las Vegas residencies, promising unforgettable nights for fans old and new.

Jodeci: Bringing "The Show, The After Party, The Vegas Residency

"The New York-born R&B group, known for their smooth vocals, intricate harmonies, and timeless hits like "Forever My Lady," "Stay," and "Freek'n You," will take over the Mandalay Bay Resort at the House of Blues for a nine-week run. Their aptly named "The Show, The After Party, The Vegas Residency" kicks off on March 15, 2024, and boasts multiple shows stretching until March 24.

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"Vegas here we come! We're excited to announce our The Show, The After Party, The Vegas Residency at the @hoblasvegas March 15-24 and July 5-13 Pre-sale starts tomorrow, 12/13 at 10am local time with code VEGAS. Tickets on sale Saturday, 12/16 at 10am local time. #Jodeci @kcihailey @mr.dalvin #Jojo @pmusicgroup," the group posted on their official Instagram, sparking immediate excitement among fans.

Jodeci, formed in the late 1980s by brothers DeVante Swing and K-Ci & JoJo, along with Mr. Dalvin, rose to fame during the New Jack Swing era. Their smooth blend of R&B, hip-hop, and gospel influences earned them multi-platinum albums, chart-topping singles, and a devoted fanbase. Their Las Vegas residency promises to be a journey through their musical legacy, reliving their greatest hits and showcasing their enduring stage presence.

Wu-Tang Clan: "The Saga Continues... The Las Vegas Residency"

Across the Las Vegas Strip, the iconic hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan will be bringing their signature blend of rhymes, beats, and kung-fu references to the Theater at Virgin Hotels. Their "Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues... The Las Vegas Residency" will unfold in two installments, with the first four dates set for Super Bowl weekend (Feb. 9-10) and March Madness (March 22-23).

Are you ready? Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues... The Las Vegas Residency 👐@vhlvtheater will be the home of the Wu-Tang experience starting Super Bowl weekend.

Pre-sale begins TODAY at 12pm PST. On-sale is 10am PST Friday 12/15. Pre-sale code: CREAMhttps://t.co/8us6nuevTz pic.twitter.com/y44ZvBHgrw

— Wu Tang Clan (@WuTangClan) December 12, 2023

"This residency is more than a concert—it serves as a tribute to their prolific careers as individuals and as the most storied group in hip-hop history," reads Virgin Hotels' press release.

Wu-Tang Clan, formed in Staten Island in the early 1990s, revolutionized hip-hop with their gritty storytelling, razor-sharp lyrics, and innovative production. Their debut album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)," remains a hip-hop masterpiece, and their influence is undeniable. Their Las Vegas residency promises to be a celebration of their musical journey, featuring classic tracks, guest appearances from fellow Clan members, and the raw energy that made them hip-hop legends.