It's for those reasons that The Diary is often pitted against 2002's The Fix and 1997's The Untouchable as Scarface’s best work, and you can make a sound argument for any of the entries. What can't be argued at this point is the strength of his discography, which rivals anyone in rap.
The Diary, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, is a classic rap album, dripping with humanity, anger, and perspective that only a lyricist with Face’s skill level could properly deliver. Production was again, mostly handled by N.O. Joe, Mike Dean and Face himself, and with this album, Face wholly embraced the rough, bluesy sound that would come to define him in later years.
The gems on The Diary are plenty, including the solid opening, “White Sheet,” where Face’s crystal clear storytelling focuses on killing his enemies. The album’s standout single is also one of the best in his discography, the fiery, politically-charged “Hand of the Dead Body” featuring Devin the Dude and Ice Cube. The classic track calls out the hypocrisy of politicians criticizing rap music instead of the policies that bred the violent, poverty-ridden conditions in the first place. Face’s vivid storytelling takes a playful turn on “Goin Down,” and of course, “I Seen a Man Die,” perhaps Face’s signature solo track, is featured on this album as well.
Melancholy, eerie, raw, and forthright, Face’s internal battles, spiritual pondering, and fascination with death are witnessed throughout the course of this album, which still stands as one of rap's best.
