It has been nearly 27 years since The Geto Boys released ‘My Mind Playing Tricks on Me’. It is one of the rare gems that has aged incredibly well over the years like fine wine. Since its release in 1991, it has been sampled and mentioned so frequently it’s impossible to not know of the song.
“I make big money, I drive big cars/
Everybody know me; it’s like I’m a movie star/…” – Willie D
When the track was first created it was meant to be a Scarface solo cut on the groups’ third LP, We Can’t Be Stopped. It later took on a different look with all 3 members contributing to making it their lead single off the brand new project. The legendary cut was one of the first songs in hip-hop history to tackle the subject of mental disorder.
At night I can’t sleep, I toss and turn/
Candlesticks in the dark, visions of bodies bein’ burned/
Four walls just starin’ at a nigga/
I’m paranoid, sleepin’ with my finger on the trigger/… – Scarface
As a young 10-year old growing up in New Jersey, this was one of the first times I had ever heard southern hip-hop. Although southern rap was not new, this was one of the first songs I can remember gaining nationwide notoriety from the region. This would set the stage for the south to become a hip-hop mainstay. That grasp on hip-hop culture still remains as strong as ever today.
The song would go on to be the trio’s only hit to reach number 1 on Billboard’s Rap/Hip-Hop chart and number 23 on the Hot 100 chart respectively. The success of the single would also catapult their’ third album to a platinum plaque.
Later on, Scarface would go on to become a household name. He would widely become known as one of the greatest rappers of all time. However, the success of The Geto Boys that coincided with the popularity of the 1991 hit would lay the groundwork for the storied career. So on this day, we give a major salute to hip-hop history and The Geto Boys for their’ classic record. ‘My Mind Playing Tricks on Me’.
