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Deeply Rooted
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| Deeply Rooted | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 4, 2015 | |||
| Recorded | 2014–2015 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 54:43 | |||
| Label | Facemob Music | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Scarface chronology | ||||
| ||||
Deeply Rooted is the eleventh solo studio album by American rapper Scarface. It was released on September 4, 2015, via Facemob Music.[1]
The album was produced by N.O. Joe, Ervin "EP" Pope, Spuf Don, Mike Dean, Chuck Heat, J. Baum, KEY, Luke Walker, M. Mac, and Nottz. It features guest appearances from Papa Reu, Z-Ro, Avant, CeeLo Green, G.I., Jack Freeman, John Legend, Nas, Rich Andruws, Rick Ross, and Rush Davis.[2]
In the United States, the album debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200, number 3 on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and the Independent Albums, and number 2 on the Top Rap Albums, selling 22,180 copies in its first week.[3]
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllHipHop | 9/10[4] |
| AllMusic |    [5] |
| Exclaim! | 7/10[6] |
| HipHopDX | 4/5[7] |
| RapReviews | 8/10[8] |
Deeply Rooted was met with generally favourable reviews from music critics. AllHipHop reviewer praised the album, calling it "one of the better albums by one of the game's best emcees, and so that still makes for one of dopest hip-hop albums in recent years".[4] Aaron McKrell of HipHopDX found "musically, Deeply Rooted is low-key, superbly playing to Scarface's strengths. Piano loops and thick drums draw in the listener while allowing Scarface to take center stage on several tracks, providing the album with a cohesive feel without sounding repetitive".[7] Matt Jost of RapReviews praised N.O. Joe's production and called it "a vintage Scarface album".[8] AllMusic's David Jeffries called it "an album that touches upon the man's beliefs with the key cut being 'God'".[5] Erin Lowers of Exclaim! concluded: "although Deeply Rooted may not hold up to previous albums in the grand scheme of his discography, the veteran once again planted seeds for his legacy to grow".[6]
Accolades
[edit]| Publication | List | Rank | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| HipHopDX | The Top 25 Albums of 2015 | N/a |
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Intro" | Mike Dean | 0:59 | |
| 2. | "Rooted" (featuring Papa Reu) | N.O. Joe | 3:37 | |
| 3. | "The Hot Seat" (featuring Jack Freeman) |
| N.O. Joe | 4:13 |
| 4. | "Dope Man Pushin'" (featuring Papa Reu) |
|
| 3:17 |
| 5. | "Fuck You Too" (featuring Z-Ro) |
|
| 3:52 |
| 6. | "Steer" (featuring Rush Davis) |
| Luke Walker | 4:28 |
| 7. | "Anything" (featuring Rich Andruws) |
|
| 4:21 |
| 8. | "Do What I Do" (featuring Nas, Rick Ross and Z-Ro) |
|
| 4:25 |
| 9. | "God" (featuring John Legend) |
|
| 4:52 |
| 10. | "Keep It Movin'" (featuring Avant) |
|
| 4:49 |
| 11. | "You" (featuring CeeLo Green) |
|
| 3:04 |
| 12. | "All Bad" (featuring G.I.) |
|
| 4:38 |
| 13. | "Voices" |
|
| 4:15 |
| 14. | "No Problem" |
| Key | 2:55 |
| 15. | "Outro" |
| Mike Dean | 0:58 |
| Total length: | 54:43 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16. | "Exit Plan" (featuring Akon) | Cardiak | 4:33 | |
| 17. | "Mental Exorcism" (featuring Alex Isley) |
|
| 3:36 |
| 18. | "I Don't Know" |
| DJ Buddha | 4:28 |
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
References
[edit]- ^ Tardio, Andres (September 4, 2015). "Scarface "Deeply Rooted" Album Release Date, Cover Art, Tracklist & Album Stream". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ Weingarten, Christopher R. (July 16, 2015). "Scarface Talks Solo Album, Geto Boys, Mystery Illness". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ Hernandez, Victoria (September 14, 2015). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Weeknd, Travi$ Scott & Scarface". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ a b "REVIEW: Scarface's "Deeply Rooted"". AllHipHop. September 7, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ a b Jeffries, David. "Deeply Rooted - Scarface | Album | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ a b Lowers, Erin (September 4, 2015). "Scarface │ Deeply Rooted". Exclaim!. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ a b McKrell, Aaron (September 8, 2015). "Scarface - Deeply Rooted". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ a b Jost, Matt (September 15, 2015). "Scarface Deeply Rooted". RapReviews. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ "The Top 25 Albums Of 2015". HipHopDX. December 23, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ "Scarface Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ "Scarface Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ "Scarface Chart History (Top Rap Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ "Scarface Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
- ^ "2015 Year-end Charts - Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. December 2015. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Deeply Rooted at Discogs (list of releases)
Deeply Rooted
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Background and recording
Development and conception
Scarface's previous solo album, Emeritus, was released in 2008, marking the beginning of a seven-year hiatus from solo projects during which he shifted focus to group activities, production endeavors, and managing personal health challenges.[7] This period included reunions and tours with the Geto Boys, his influential Houston-based hip-hop group, as well as behind-the-scenes production work for other artists.[8] Health issues, including struggles with manic depression, bipolar disorder, and high blood pressure that required hospitalization in 2015, further shaped his priorities, prompting reflection on mortality and creative output.[9] The conception of Deeply Rooted emerged around 2013-2014 as Scarface sought to reclaim his introspective Southern rap roots, moving away from commercial pressures to create music that resonated with his personal evolution and cultural heritage.[7] Inspired by his experiences as a veteran in hip-hop at age 44, the album addressed themes of aging within the genre, where younger artists dominated, alongside contemplations of family legacy—such as his growth as a father and now grandfather—and the enduring influence of Houston's street narratives on his storytelling.[8] Scarface aimed for the project to "spark thought among the people in our village," prioritizing community impact over materialism, as he explained in interviews.[7] Early discussions centered on collaborations with longtime associates like producer N.O. Joe, a key figure from Scarface's 1994 album The Diary, to craft an authentic sound rooted in sample-heavy beats rather than prevailing commercial trends.[10] This approach emphasized lush, cohesive production that echoed Houston's Southern rap tradition, setting the foundation for the album's reflective tone without chasing radio-friendly formulas.[7]Recording and production
The recording sessions for Deeply Rooted primarily took place in Houston, Texas, spanning from 2014 to 2015, with groundwork laid as early as 2009 before a pause, which was interrupted by Scarface's incarceration for failure to pay child support from late 2010 to early 2011, and resumption in October 2014. The album's production emphasized a cohesive, gritty sound achieved through live instrumentation, including piano loops and organ stabs, alongside drum programming and vinyl sampling. N.O. Joe handled the majority of production duties, contributing beats with tweaked 808 drums and soulful elements, while Mike Dean focused on mixing and synth integrations; other key contributors included Ervin "EP" Pope and Spuf Don, the latter on tracks like "Do What I Do."[11][10] Guest features were recorded separately, with Nas and Rick Ross contributing to "Do What I Do," Z-Ro appearing on "Fuck You Too" and other tracks, and Papa Reu on multiple songs including "Rooted" and "Dope Man Pushin'." Scarface took a hands-on role in engineering several sessions, ensuring a raw, Southern-hard aesthetic that blended vintage vibes with contemporary production. The process resulted in 15 finalized tracks for the main album release, while alternate versions from these sessions were later compiled and issued on the 2017 project Deeply Rooted: The Lost Files.[11][12][10]Composition and themes
Musical style
Deeply Rooted embodies the Southern hip-hop tradition through its low-key, introspective production, featuring prominent piano loops and thick, rumbling drums that provide a foundational groove throughout the album.[4] This style prioritizes a laid-back tempo and heavy basslines, often drawing from soul and funk influences to create an organic, live-instrument feel that contrasts with the synthetic trap sounds dominating mid-2010s hip-hop.[13] The beats maintain a cohesive minimalism, with sparse arrangements that allow space for atmospheric elements like organs and keys, emphasizing depth and emotional resonance over flashy hooks.[5] Production techniques highlight soulful samples and orchestral flourishes, such as gospel-inspired choirs on tracks like "All Bad," which evoke a church-like ambiance through piano-driven loops and layered percussion.[14] Heavy 808 bass underscores the slow-tempo rhythms, averaging around 70-90 BPM across most cuts, fostering a contemplative mood that spotlights the rapper's gravelly delivery.[5] Producers N.O. Joe, Ervin "EP" Pope, and Mike Dean craft this sound with a focus on vintage textures, incorporating funky basslines and subtle synth washes to blend classic Southern grit with modern polish.[15] While the album maintains uniformity in its somber, bass-heavy palette, variations add dynamism: "Dope Man Pushin'" shifts to an upbeat funk vibe with hard-hitting drums and menacing growls, while "The Hot Seat" employs atmospheric synths and shimmering cascades for a more ethereal tone.[13] Spanning 54 minutes across 15 tracks, Deeply Rooted uses these sonic choices to prioritize immersive, narrative-driven listening over commercial catchiness.[16]Lyrical themes
The lyrics of Deeply Rooted center on themes of introspection and mortality, with Scarface contemplating the passage of time, personal growth, and the inevitability of death through his signature raw, confessional style. In tracks like "God," he delves into existential questions about divinity, identity, and societal roles, rapping lines such as "I been there done that grew from my fuck ups / A hard head make a nigga soft ass tougher," reflecting on lessons learned from a life of trials. This motif extends to "The Departure," amid ongoing street struggles. Similarly, "Voices" and "Steer" explore the fragility of the mind and body, likening mental turmoil to haunting illusions, underscoring Scarface's vulnerability in facing inner demons.[4][17] Social commentary forms another pillar, addressing corruption, hypocrisy in the music industry, and the harsh realities of Houston street life, often laced with regrets over the drug trade and calls for empowerment. "Dope Man Pushin'" captures the defensive paranoia of territorial hustling, with Scarface growling about protecting one's domain in a world of betrayal, while "The Hot Seat" narrates the swift entrapment of Black men in the justice system, highlighting racial inequities without overt preaching. On "Do What I Do," featuring Nas and Rick Ross, he critiques police brutality, mass incarceration, and economic despair as cycles that perpetuate survivalist anthems, positioning resilience as a form of defiance. These elements critique hip-hop's evolution, with Scarface lecturing younger artists on authenticity amid industry fakeness.[18][4] Personal vulnerability permeates the album, as Scarface exposes family protection, legacy-building, and emotional rawness in his gravelly delivery, marked by multisyllabic rhymes that add depth to his narratives. "You" serves as a heartfelt tribute to maternal sacrifice and familial bonds, expanding to his role as a protector for his children, blending tenderness with the standoffs of daily life. Tracks like "Keep Me Down" and "All Bad" reveal duality—balancing street hardness with spiritual seeking—while emphasizing his enduring influence in hip-hop as a blueprint for honest storytelling. This focus on legacy underscores his desire to guide the next generation, rooted in hard-won wisdom from decades in the game.[17][19]Release and promotion
Singles and videos
Promotional singles for Deeply Rooted included "No Problem" released in 2014, "Exit Plan" in 2015, and "Steer," which received a music video in August 2015 directed by Motion Family, depicting dramatic scenes of introspection and struggle.[20] "The Hot Seat", released in July 2015, served as a key promotional track. The accompanying music video, directed by Motion Family, showcased Scarface navigating reflective settings in his native Houston, emphasizing introspection amid urban landscapes.[11] The follow-up promotional single, "Fuck You Too" featuring Z-Ro, arrived in August 2015. Its official music video highlighted themes of defiance through gritty street scenes and raw confrontations, earning praise for its unfiltered energy.[21][22]Marketing and release strategies
Deeply Rooted was released on September 4, 2015, through Scarface's independent label Facemob Music, with distribution managed by RED Distribution under license to BMG Rights Management. The rollout emphasized a digital-first strategy, prioritizing availability on streaming and download platforms such as iTunes for immediate access to fans, while physical formats were limited to a deluxe edition CD exclusive to Best Buy retailers. This approach reflected the shifting music industry landscape toward digital consumption, allowing broader reach without heavy reliance on traditional retail chains.[23][3][24] Promotional efforts centered on building personal connection with audiences through media features and local engagement. A key component was a September 2015 VIBE magazine feature story that explored Scarface's introspective mindset, traumatic experiences, and artistic evolution, positioning the album as a deeply personal capstone to his career. Social media teasers, including vlog announcements, generated early buzz by sharing behind-the-scenes insights and pre-order incentives. Additionally, Scarface made promotional stops at urban radio stations like Houston's 97.9 The Box, where he discussed the album's themes and significance to amplify airplay and regional support.[7][25][26] In December 2017, Scarface issued a post-release deluxe edition titled Deeply Rooted: The Lost Files via BMG, expanding the original with 10 bonus tracks comprising six unreleased originals and four remixes, such as "Black Still." This expansion catered to the album's dedicated fanbase by offering fresh content from the same recording sessions, further extending its lifecycle in an era of growing streaming platforms.[27][28][29]Critical reception
Reviews
Deeply Rooted received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised Scarface's introspective lyricism and the album's cohesive production while noting some inconsistencies in its later tracks.[4][30][5][18] Critics highlighted Scarface's veteran storytelling as a core strength, emphasizing his avoidance of contemporary trends in favor of personal reflection on faith, racial injustice, and Houston roots. Aaron McKrell of HipHopDX described the album as "one of the better Hip Hop albums of 2015," commending its low-key sound that spotlights Scarface's rhymes through piano loops and thick drums.[4] AllHipHop echoed this, awarding it 9/10 and calling it a "complete uncompromising body of work" bolstered by exceptional songwriting and collaborations like Nas on "Do What I Do."[18] RapReviews gave it 8/10, noting its emotional depth and social relevance as a "vintage Scarface album" with strong orchestral production from N.O. Joe.[5] Some reviewers pointed to occasional weaknesses, particularly in the album's latter half, where external production felt less focused and tracks like "Voices" veered into cliché or crossover attempts. Erin Lowers of Exclaim! rated it 7/10, praising the effortless lyricism and vivid imagery but criticizing the flat external beats that strayed from the thematic cohesion.[30] Music Connection, however, offered unreserved acclaim with a 9/10, hailing it as "serious and vital for today’s times" from a mature perspective.[14] In the context of 2015's mainstream dominance by artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar, Deeply Rooted was often viewed as an underrated gem of Southern rap, with its timeless introspection standing out amid flashier releases.[4][18]Accolades
Deeply Rooted received recognition from several prominent music publications for its artistic merit in 2015. It was ranked number 20 on HipHopDX's list of the top 25 albums of the year, praised for its introspective lyricism and production that highlighted Scarface's veteran status.[31] Similarly, Rolling Stone placed the album at number 30 on its 40 best rap albums of 2015, noting Scarface's enduring relevance after more than two decades in the industry.[32] The album did not receive any Grammy Award nominations, a circumstance often attributed to its independent release through Facemob Music rather than a major label, which limited its visibility in Academy voting processes. This lack of major award nods underscores the challenges faced by indie hip-hop projects in mainstream award circuits, despite critical acclaim from reviewers that emphasized its emotional depth and maturity.Commercial performance
Chart positions
Deeply Rooted debuted at number 11 on the US Billboard 200 chart, marking Scarface's highest charting solo album since 2002's The Fix.[33] It also entered at number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 2 on the Top Rap Albums chart, reflecting strong genre-specific support.[34] Additionally, the album reached number 3 on the Independent Albums chart, underscoring its performance through independent distribution channels.[35] These positions were achieved in the album's debut week, propelled by a combination of streaming activity and digital sales. Internationally, Deeply Rooted saw modest success with limited visibility on major charts outside the US, including no notable entry on the main UK Albums Chart or major Canadian charts, indicating niche appeal.Sales figures
Deeply Rooted achieved first-week sales of 22,180 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan data. These initial sales, which included both pure album purchases and streaming equivalents, contributed to the album's strong chart performance. Released independently through Facemob Music, the album did not attain any RIAA certifications. Despite limited physical sales, Deeply Rooted demonstrated enduring popularity through digital streaming, surpassing 10 million plays on Spotify by 2020. A deluxe reissue, Deeply Rooted: The Lost Files, was released in 2017.Album content
Track listing
The standard edition of Deeply Rooted consists of 15 tracks with a total runtime of 54:48.[36]| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Intro" | 0:59 | |
| 2. | "Rooted" | Papa Reu | 3:37 |
| 3. | "The Hot Seat" | Jack Freeman | 4:13 |
| 4. | "Dope Man Pushin'" | Papa Reu | 3:17 |
| 5. | "Fuck You Too" | Z-Ro | 3:52 |
| 6. | "Steer" | Rush Davis | 4:28 |
| 7. | "Anything" | 4:21 | |
| 8. | "Do What I Do" | Nas, Rick Ross, Z-Ro | 4:25 |
| 9. | "God" | John Legend | 4:52 |
| 10. | "Keep It Movin'" | Avant | 4:49 |
| 11. | "You" | CeeLo Green | 3:04 |
| 12. | "All Bad" | 4:38 | |
| 13. | "Voices" | 4:15 | |
| 14. | "No Problem" | 2:55 | |
| 15. | "Outro" | 0:58 |