The Untouchable cover

The Untouchable

Scarface · 1997

55 min · 14 tracks · gangsta rap

A gritty exploration of street life, layered with introspective lyrics and haunting production that captures the essence of Southern hip-hop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Untouchable — The title track serves as a powerful declaration of Scarface's dominance in the rap game, showcasing his distinctive flow and lyrical prowess.
  • →
    Smile — Featuring a poignant reflection on pain and perseverance, this track stands out for its emotional depth and is often regarded as one of Scarface's signature songs.
  • →
    Mary Jane — This track blends vivid storytelling with hypnotic beats, addressing themes of escapism and addiction while remaining introspective and relatable.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's gritty narratives and atmospheric production create a strong identity within Southern hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a somber tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace throughout.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
  • The production employs haunting melodies and deep bass lines, creating an atmospheric backdrop that complements the introspective themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • immersive narrative exploration
  • reflective late-night sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1997, The Untouchable marked Scarface's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed The Diary. By this point in his career, Scarface had solidified his status as a pioneer of Southern rap, blending personal narrative with a raw depiction of urban struggles.
Stylistic neighbors
Geto Boys· CeeLo Green· Killer Mike

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Smile

    The bridge shifts from a focus on external struggles to an internal dialogue about self-worth and resilience.

    This transition emphasizes a personal journey towards hope amidst despair, marking a key moment of vulnerability in Scarface's narrative.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 0:56
  • 2 Untouchable 4:13
  • 3 No Warning 2:36
  • 4 Southside 2:13
  • 5 Sunshine 3:53
  • 6 Money Makes the World Go Round 4:29
  • 7 For Real 4:32
  • 8 Ya Money or Ya Life 5:19
  • 9 Mary Jane 4:41
  • 10 Smile 5:00
  • 11 Smartz 5:05
  • 12 Faith 5:57
  • 13 Game Over 4:50
  • 14 Outro 1:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata