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

By Brad "Scarface" Jordan with Benjamin Meadows-Ingram

A Landmark Memoir from a Hip-Hop Icon

The true story of a rap legend who changed hip-hop forever—from the streets of Houston to the top of the charts.

Overview

From Geto Boys icon and hip-hop pioneer Scarface comes a raw, unfiltered memoir detailing his journey through the music industry, his personal struggles, and his role in shaping Southern rap culture. Diary of a Madman is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at the rap game—it’s a deeply personal account of a man navigating fame, hardship, and redemption.

One of Rolling Stone's Best Music Books of 2015

Inside the Book

• The Rise of Southern Rap: How Scarface and the Geto Boys helped put Houston on the hip-hop map.
• From Rock to Rap: A kid obsessed with AC/DC and KISS discovers Run DMC—and his world changes forever.
• The Hustle: Dropping out of school, selling crack, and finding salvation in music.
• Legendary Collaborations: Working with Jay-Z, Tupac, Nas, Kanye West, and Ice Cube.
• The Realities of Fame: The highs and lows of success, battling depression, and finding purpose.

Why Read Diary of a Madman?

• A Must-Read for Hip-Hop Fans: A front-row seat to the birth and rise of Southern rap.
• Raw & Unfiltered: No sugarcoating—Scarface tells it like it is.
• Music Industry Insights: The truth behind the rap game, from studio sessions to street life.
• Deeply Personal: A revealing look at mental health, struggle, and redemption.

Praise for Diary of a Madman

"A fascinating look at one of hip-hop’s most complex figures." - Rolling Stone

"Scarface is one of the most insightful and underrated storytellers in rap history. This book is no different." - XXL Magazine

Final Thoughts

Diary of a Madman is more than a hip-hop memoir—it’s a story of resilience, transformation, and the power of music. Scarface’s storytelling brings the reader deep into the heart of the rap world, from the streets of Houston to the boardrooms of the music industry. If you love hip-hop, Southern rap, or powerful autobiographies, this is a must-read.

Experience the untold story of one of hip-hop’s most influential artists.

Book Details

• Format: Hardcover / Paperback
• ISBN: 9780062302649
• Page Count: 240 pages
• Publisher: Harper Collins