Why is Tony such an icon among rappers and thugs?

Because they strive to be real Gangsters like White Men instead of just common street trash and they see a Cuban Immigrant doing it so it gives them hope. Deep down they really want to be the Gangster from Home Alone "Keep the change ya filthy animal"

It is for this reason that I think De Palma made a mistake with the ending. The final scene is a bloodbath, shot like a cool action sequence. It ends with the ironic shot (The World is Yours), but that is a weak message after showing how "cool" Tony is in his last minutes.

In my opinion (and what do I know, I'm no De Palma), the film should have ended with Tony's sister dying, then showing Tony as a blubbering, slobbering wreck - having lost all friends, family, and worthwhile aspects to his life - getting gunned down by the assassins. No blaze of glory. No cool shootout. Just a whimpering, pathetic mess with nothing gained for his foolish pursuit of selfish, base gain.

With the ending as it is, it allows Tony to look "cool" in his final moments and prevent the greater messages of the film from sinking in.

Why? Because they’re stupid, obviously.

I think you’re a shade brighter than the rappers and thugs you’re referring to.

i think it's mostly cause he had guns, drugs and women.

and talked like he didn't give a shit. he was a true BADASS.

I saw this being discussed in a documentary. It has something to do with how hip/hop and rappers can relate to Tony's story. The previous poster 'ecarle' pretty much summed it up.

I suppose there are other reasons too. Like black people came over on a boat like Tony, lived in poor "caged" conditions like Tony, eventually had to fight/kill to become American citizens like Tony, then probably worked a garbage job for a while like Tony, got involved in dealing dope like some black people have, again... like Tony. etc...etc...

So, they see a lot of symbolism in the movie which makes Tony Montana a relatable character. What I find odd is how long it took for the hip/hop culture to embrace this film. I mean, it came out back in the 80s and I don't remember any rappers embracing the movie back then. It wasn't until the last 10-15 years that I recall this and it's given the movie a resurgence. And since this is still one of my favorite gang-banger films, I say that's fine with me. After all these years, its still a fun movie to watch.

Growing up in the hood you don't ever envision living to 30. You grow up idolizing the biggest dealers who have money, power, respect. They have flashy clothes, flashy cars, jewelry, etc. Meanwhile you're usually living bummy while your mom collects welfare or struggles with a job. You see dealing as a way you can almost get out of the hood and stack lots of paper. A lot of rappers funded their rap career with drug money, like Eazy-E with Ruthless Records as an example. That's hardly the only one.

Tony was the kingpin, all that money and power. He started out at the bottom and rose to the top. There were people with more power and muscle than him in the world but he was still a key player at the top of the food chain in ways.

So this is all why he's revered by rappers or kids in the hood.