One Hunid

Embracing his role as regional rap ambassador, Scarface formed the Product with two up-and-coming rappers from opposite parts of the country. Willie Hen hails from San Francisco, while Young Malice makes his home in Jackson, Mississippi. Willie and Malice both have laid-back drawls, in marked contrast to Scarface’s hoarse and wearied vocals. The idea here is to deliver street raps with no frills, no gimmicks, no guests and no label pressure. In an era of inflated, hyperactive rap productions, it is rare to find an album as low-key and resolute as One Hunid. Much of album’s foundational, no-nonsense feel comes from its producers. Scarface hand-selected his longtime collaborators John Bido, who worked on all the early Geto Boys albums, and Tone Capone, who produced the Luniz “I Got Five On It” and Scarface and Tupac’s “Smile,” among other classics. “In the Hood,” “Hustle” and “Dead Broke” explore an unhurried, bluesy form of Southern rap, as truthful and raw-hearted as it is bitter. Willie and Malice espouse hard-won wisdom far beyond their years, but Scarface is a giant lurking in the album’s shadows. “Read” is his MVP moment.