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Diary of a Madman: The Geto Boys, Life, Death, and the Roots of Southern Rap Hardcover – April 21, 2015

by Brad "Scarface" Jordan (Author), Benjamin Meadows Ingram (Author)

110 customer reviews

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One of Rolling Stone’s Best Music Books of 2015

From Geto Boys legend and renowned storyteller Scarface, comes a passionate memoir about how hip-hop changed the life of a kid from the south side of Houston, and how he rose to the top-and ushered in a new generation of rap dominance.  Scarface is the celebrated rapper whose hits include "On My Block," "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" and "Damn It Feels Good to be a Gangsta" (made famous in the cult film Office Space). The former president of Def Jam South, he's collaborated with everyone from Kanye West, Ice Cube and Nas, and had many solo hits such as "Guess Who's Back" feat. Jay-Z and "Smile" feat. Tupac. But before that, he was a kid from Houston in love with rock-and-roll, listening to AC/DC and KISS.

 In Diary of a Madman, Scarface shares how his world changed when he heard Run DMC for the first time; how he dropped out of school in the ninth grade and started selling crack; and how he began rapping as the new form of music made its way out of New York and across the country. It is the account of his rise to the heights of the rap world, as well as his battles with his own demons and depression. Passionately exploring and explaining the roots and influences of rap culture, Diary of a Madman is the story of hip-hop-the music, the business, the streets, and life on the south side Houston, Texas.  

Diary of a Madman: The Geto Boys, Life, Death, and the Roots of Southern Rap

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Remarkable collaboration . . . By the end of this immensely readable book, you may not be convinced that Scarface is one of the best producers in the game (as he does), but you’ll never forget that he’s one of the best storytellers.” (Rolling Stone, Best Music Books of 2015)

Your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. (MTV News)

“Predictably, [the book is] dope. . . . At long last, ’Face has broken his offstage silence and dished the goods . . . about as complete a self-portrait of the intensely private MC that we’re ever likely to get.” (Houston Press)

“A remarkable personal memoir as well as an insightful study of the circumstances that have established hip-hop in the popular imagination.” (Los Angeles Review of Books)

From the Back Cover

“One of the greatest to ever touch a mic . . . a true artist. . . .He can put fear into your heart and also touch your soul at the same time.”—Chuck D, from his foreword

From Geto Boys legend and renowned storyteller Scarface comes a passionate memoir about how hip-hop changed the life of a kid from the south side of Houston, and how he rose to the top—and ushered in a new generation of rap dominance.

In Diary of a Madman, Scarface reveals how his world changed when he heard Run-D.M.C. for the first time, how he dropped out of school in the ninth grade and started selling drugs, and how he began rapping as the new form of music made its way out of New York and across the country. It is the account of his rise from the streets of Houston to the heights of the rap world—working with everyone from Kanye West to Ice Cube to Nas—as well as his battles with his own demons and depression.

Passionately exploring and explaining the roots and influences of southern rap culture, Diary of a Madman is the story of hip-hop—the music, the business, the streets—and life on the south side of Houston, Texas.

“A remarkable personal memoir.”—Los Angeles Review of Books

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Product details

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Dey Street Books (April 21, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062302639
ISBN-13: 978-0062302632
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (110 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #440,176 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #90 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Biographies > Rap & Hip-Hop
- #196 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Musical Genres > Rap
- #2985 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National

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Customer Reviews

110

4.6 out of 5 stars

5 star		78%
4 star		15%
3 star		4%
2 star		1%
1 star		2%

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Top Customer Reviews

Dawn STUNNA approve

Byjdawnpon April 25, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I purchased and read this book in one sitting . I appreciate his honesty. This book was well put. I felt WHOLE STORY. I learned so much and I took away some sound advice. I now have so much respect for Face more than ever. He spoke very candidly about the trials and tribulations he experienced at RAP A LOT. No matter what, he still came out on top. THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ.

11 comment 11 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

One of the G.O.A.T.S.

ByDaveSincereon June 3, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I would say Hands down the best Hip Hop autobiography I've read.

To read Brad "Scarface" Jordan book is like walking down memory lane. I was a big fan of the early Scarface.. 88-92. The work he did with Geto Boys as well as his 5 Mic Classic "Mr. Scarface is Back". NOW THAT IS WHAT HIP HOP IS ABOUT!! I remember the release date of these cassettes and I remember going to the Record Store to buy.

This book offers a deeper insight into Brad's life and it highlights his ups and downs many fans would not ever know. It disappoints me to read about how Lil' J got over on Face who was the mainstay of Rap-A-Lot records. If you read any book on Motown you would see that there's a history of our people taking advantage of others businesswise in the music industry.

In all regards, this book is well worth it. Cop it and read about one of the greatest underrated, underappreciated rappers of our time.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Great Book!

ByDametrius Bedgoodon April 22, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This is a very powerful memoir and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The only issue I have is that it could have been longer. Scarface really draws the reader into his mind with his brutally honest imagery.

0Comment 9 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Get this book!!!

ByLisaCon September 15, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Scarface should be proud of publishing this book. I never expected such honesty. Actually, I always expect honesty from him but Scarface revealed vulnerability, depth, disappointments and the truth about an industry that's not always a part of The Glamorous Life. Thank you for this body of work. After purchasing, people need to promote this book. Great job, Brad! I'm proud of you for surviving everything and making timeless music. I can't wait to see how your next chapters unfold. God Bless.

0Comment 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Scarface lays out a great picture of his life in this autobiography

ByAmazon Customeron June 10, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Scarface lays out a great picture of his life in this autobiography. The book is written as if Face is just having a real conversation with the reader.

I have been a huge fan of Scarface and The Geto Boys since The Diary dropped my freshman year in high school, and I thought I knew a lot him and the group. As it turns out I didn't know squat. I never thought that his relationship with Rap A Lot was what it was. Scarface is extremely open about his life and seems to hold almost nothing back.

Bottom Line: This is a must read for any true rap music fan.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

... him giving us insight of his mindset behind the great music he has given us

ByMichael Spriggson May 9, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I am a huge fan of scarface and appreciate him giving us insight of his mindset behind the great music he has given us. I disagree with one section where he states that he doesn't listen to the "last of the dying breed" because of the depression he was in then. I would say it is one of my favorite albums and makes me like it more because it shows the raw emotions that he was in at that time and many people can connect. By him documenting his worse times, makes people connect in life and helps save their lives. He is truly an artist and makes some of the realist music in the world.

11 comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

The book is amazingly transparent from a Geto Boy !

ByBig Dawgon May 21, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I learned a great deal about a man who's music I've listened to loved since the beginning of his career. It's amazing to find out what a person has truly been through in life and how that turns them to the artist or person they are. Great book about a misunderstood child who struggled to find a purpose to want to live. His story is sad like many urban youth, but to know his genius and how it was created is credit to him being a very strong individual. The is great and will surprise many when they see how transparent he is about telling his true life story ! Keep on keeping on Face. You have a lot of followers and non fans that you will help in telling your story. Thank You !

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

One of the best to ever do it. Great read.

ByJonon July 22, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

If you love hip hop as whole you will love this book about one of the best to ever do it. Scarface is a legend and can still rap circles around the new artist. I learned a lot bout him by reading this book. You hear things in the music and you want to know where those lines come from, what made him say that? Great read. I'm hoping for new music because it's hard to listen to all this music with very little to say. Long Live Scarface aka Brad Jordan.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

LIKE THE READER IS A RETARD

This book was written for 4 yr olds. Big letters and very unprofessionally written. WACK!!!!!! IT'S AN INSULT HAD POORLY IT'S WRITTEN, LIKE THE READER IS A RETARD.Read more

Published 3 days ago by DJ Davito

Pretty good but not enough details

For a dude who has been in the business as long as Scarface, this book should've been 100 pages longer.Read more

Published 1 month ago by Mitchell King

Blew Me Away From Beginning To End

I did not want to put this book down. Being a huge fan of Geto Boys,Face and Hip-Hop in general, I was fascinated with the stories and just getting into the mind of Brad Jordan.Read more

Published 1 month ago by John Jonezz

Five Stars

Very good read Read more

Published 1 month ago by Andre L. Johnson

Five Stars

Salute hip hop Gods you're one of the many best storytellers of all times Read more

Published 1 month ago by Amazon Customer

Great insight into the history of the greatest southern rapper

Great insight into the history of the greatest southern rapper. If you're a fan and want to know about Mr. Scarface, pick it up.Read more

Published 3 months ago by Rob Hood Jr

Five Stars

Thankz Read more

Published 4 months ago by frederick thomas

If starting in any kind of showbiz. READ THIS..

Deep. I grew up in the Southside at the same the Geto boyz came up. I got a chance to meet all of them. The only 1 that didn't ask anything for was Bushwick.Read more

Published 4 months ago by EL Real Larry O.

Great Read! Always wanted to know the history of ...

Great Read ! Always wanted to know the history of Scarface.Read more

Published 4 months ago by L Hicks

Five Stars

Loving the book much respect to brad Read more

Published 5 months ago by russell colvin

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