*** SCARFACE, “Last of a Dying Breed,” Rap-A-Lot/Virgin

For all of the posturing that goes on in the hard-core hip-hop world, there’s probably only one artist whose macabre tales of murder, psychosis and isolation are universally admired by aficionados: Scarface.

On the Houston rapper’s sixth album (due Tuesday), he delivers another strong round of bleak examinations of life’s darkest side. He demands in a stern voice an explanation for his dementia on the painful “Look Into My Eyes”--and claims on the title track that he was born in evil circumstances.

Scarface’s talent is in making listeners empathize with him. There’s a definite sense of sorrow, disappointment and regret in much of his strongest work, and it’s no different here. Elements of mischief and rage seep through many of his other songs, including the anger in the hard-hitting remake of Boogie Down Productions’ “Down With Us.” The album’s production varies from eerie to soothing, matching the dramatic swings of Scarface’s moods. Also a member of the controversial group the Geto Boys, Scarface knows how to push a listener’s buttons. With “Last of a Dying Breed,” he’s firing on all cylinders, as usual.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.