Al Pacino thanks rappers for 'Scarface' resurgence

Al Pacino has thanked hip-hop artists for ensuring the continued success of Scarface.

Speaking to MTV News, the actor said that rappers "understood" the underlying message of Scarface and have been instrumental in spreading support for the 1983 cult classic and its lead character Tony Montana.

Pacino explained: "The hip-hop people and the rappers got together and they made a video and they talked about the movie. I don't think anybody's ever talked about it as articulately and clearly. I understood it better having heard them talk about it.

"I mean, they really get it and they understand it, and that's a great thing. They've been very supportive all these years. I think they've helped us tremendously."

Pacino went on to say that he also felt a personal connection to the Scarface sentiment, adding: "Man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for? That's a great expression, and I think that's Tony Montana.

"Reaching for something he can't get but he keeps going. There is an element of hope in it, believe it or not."

Pacino will soon appear as Phil Spector in an upcoming HBO biopic about the controversial music producer's life.

He has also signed up for roles in Gotti: Three Generations and Barry Levinson's The Humbling.