Although Guess Who's Back? is officially a Scarface release, or Face as he's christened himself for 2002, this song is clearly a Roc-A-Fella groove. And a good one at that.

This cut is carried by it's knockin' beat and tight production. Having Jay-Z in the mix doesn't hurt at all as he turns in his signature flow, sounding as confident as ever. Scarface is next to spit and falls a little flat. Maybe it's because his delivery isn't as commanding as Jay's or as grimy as Beanie's but he just seems out of place sandwiched between these two Roc representas. This isn't to Scarface is wack, just somewhat out of place or overpowered on this collabo. Wrapping the spitting up is South Phil's ever improving Beanie Sigel. Beans of course spins gritty street tales but does it in a way that keeps it from getting cliqued. At one point he declared "play them corners like a safety, watch the traffic switch, youngin' never pump fake and you'll get past the blitz..."

Not a classic but no doubt a superior effort from industry heavyweights.

rocafella.com

Reviewed by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor - PhillyHipHop.com
July, 2002