1992–1994: Early Career
Prodigy and Havoc met one another while attending the prestigious High School of Art & Design in Manhattan. Coming from similar backgrounds, the duo broke into the rap game in 1992. Growing up in hostile environments that included the prevalence of poverty, drugs, and gang violence, Mobb Deep attempted to express their life experiences through rapping circa 1992. Before Havoc and P were known as Mobb Deep they were a couple of teenaged rappers known as Poetical Profits. The world first heard of them via the Source's Unsigned Hype column and this is the demo track that was quoted in that feature. The song would later see the light of day on their debut LP Juvenile Hell.
"Flavor 4 The Non Believers" (demo version) They released their first album, Juvenille Hell, in 1993. At a time when East Coast hip hop was dominated by the jazziness of A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, and the Afro-centric stylings of Brand Nubian and Public Enemy, their style of music eschewed the popular conscious hip hop of the time, and reflected the harsh climate of New York City in the late-1980s and early-1990s. Because both Prodigy and Havoc were still in their teens at the time of their debut, many were surprised by the violent nature of the album. Although the album was not well-received by the public, it displayed the raw talent of the duo; the unique chemistry of Prodigy's lyrical delivery combined with Havoc's melancholy beats. Through this unique style, the duo were signed by Loud Records, and began recording their sophomore album, The Infamous, in 1995, which would establish the duo in the Hardcore hip hop community.
1995–2000: Rise to Success
Following its release, The Infamous became perhaps one of the most influential hip hop albums of the East Coast hardcore rap genre. Still at a young age, the duo powered themselves to the top of the hardcore rap scene through their straight forward narration of street life. As with their first lyrical production, Mobb Deep portrayed the struggles of living in New York City's Queensbridge. Their production also was noticed as the beats were often hard hitting and direct, a testament to Havoc, who produced the duos' tracks almost exclusively throughout their careers. Furthermore, the hit single Shook Ones Pt. II, received acclaim as one of the greatest rap songs ever. Their third album, Hell On Earth was released in 1996, debuting at number six on the Billboard album chart. The album continued their portrayal of harsh street life, while further pushing them to the forefront of the hardcore rap scene, along with contemporary East Coast rappers such as Notorious B.I.G., The Wu-Tang Clan collective, Jay-Z, and fellow Queensbridge associate, Nas.
In 1999, the duo released the highly anticipated Murda Musik album. Despite extensive bootlegging (nearly thirty songs of unreleased material leaked onto the internet) and countless delays, the album debuted at number three on Billboard and quickly went platinum —further highlighted by the popular single, Quiet Storm. Shortly afterwards, Prodigy released his long awaited solo album H.N.I.C (2000), in which the rapper collaborated with other artists and producers (including The Alchemist).
2001–2004: Decline
Some time after the release of Murda Muzik, rapper Jay-Z, spoke out against the duo, leading to an increase in publicity. At the Hot 97 Summer Jam show of 2001, Jay-Z performed the freestyle, "Takeover", which he later re-recorded for the The Blueprint LP, dissing Prodigy. He also revealed photographs allegedly of Prodigy wearing a dance leotard in 1988. Mobb Deep subsequently released Infamy in 2001. The album marked a major stylistic change that saw the duo move away from the raw, minimalist, stripped-down beats of their hardcore roots, towards more commercial fare with such songs as Hey Luv. This transition fostered accusations of "selling out" — upsetting many long-time fans who did not wish to see them veer away from their original style. Although this stylistic adjustment opened up Mobb's audience to a wider variety, many critics and fans credit Prodigy's feud with Jay-Z with damaging Mobb Deep's gangster image and record sales (most evident when comparing the platinum-selling Murda Muzik to Infamy barely reaching the gold status). Not to be fazed, Prodigy noted that his lifelong bout with sickle cell anemia and his beef with Jay-Z had changed his outlook.
In 2003, the group split with Loud Records and released The Murda Mixtape which proclaimed "Free Agents" on the cover, addressing the group's split with Loud and search for a new label. Jive Records signed the duo later in the year and subsequently released Amerikaz Nightmare in 2004, which was seen by the general rap audience as a weaker release by the two - resulting in poor sales and the subsequent dropping of the duo from Jive.
2005–2017
In the spring of 2005, it was announced that the duo signed with G-Unit Records. This came as a surprise to many, as 50 Cent aimed a sly diss at them on the "Piggy Bank" track. The duo made it known that this was not the case as Havoc stated in an interview, "Mobb Deep isn't gonna change and when we first got here 50 was like, 'Listen, I want y'all to keep doing what you been doing.' That's it." 50 Cent has a connection to the duo, as he grew up in nearby Jamaica, Queens and also has used Havoc as a producer for several different beats. The relationship became deeper than business as the Mobb and 50 Cent got tattoos to pledge their loyalty to each other. Prodigy has the words "G-Unit" tattooed on his right hand and 50 has "Mobb Deep" tattooed on his wrist. Upon signing to G-Unit, both Prodigy and Havoc were given new Porsches, for two artists who have received very little monetary compensation in the past.
They recorded their album, titled Blood Money which was released on May 2, 2006. The album featured G-Unit members 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck. This marks their seventh release and has vaulted the duo into the hip-hop spotlight. As one of the most recognized names in hip-hop at the time, it was expected for G-Unit to help Mobb Deep attract a new fanbase. As Havoc stated shortly after the deal, “As an artist, you want to be able to reach the furthest audience as you can. We put in hard work on our previous albums and still hit our core fan base. The difference this time around is that more people will hear this product this time.” Despite this, many of the Mobb's longtime fans were skeptical as G-Unit is known for their mainstream crossover music, and feared that Mobb Deep will conform to this style. The album was released to mixed reception mainly from fans, regarding it as one of the duo's weakest albums.
In 2007, Prodigy was sentenced to serve three-and-a-half years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Originally facing a mandatory sentence of 15 years in prison, Prodigy struck a deal with the prosecution, and pleaded guilty in exchange for the shorter prison sentence. He would later be released from prison in March 2011, with Mobb Deep releasing their first official project in five years, Black Cocaine, eight months later. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 1995 album The Infamous, the duo released their final album The Infamous Mobb Deep in 2014, featuring a second disc of unreleased songs and remixes from the 1994-95 sessions of The Infamous. They would also put out their overall final project, an EP called Survival of the Fittest in 2015, which featured an all new ESPN remix of the classic 1995 single as well as a few brand new songs.
On June 20, 2017, Prodigy died at the Spring Valley Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, due to complications related to his sickle-cell anemia.
Technique
Early on, Mobb Deep gained their critical acclaim for a dark, dynamic, grimey sound with haunting melodies--Havoc's production--that to many represented "street" in a way not done by many or any before. Additionally, Prodigy's penchant for starting off a verse with an attention-grabbing line, writing compelling rhymes based heavily on Queensbridge slang, and a rambling but clear delivery appealed to fans on the lyrical aspect.
For some time, Prodigy was the star MC of the duo, Havoc sounding less focused on the lyrical aspect and more on production. This continued until The Alchemist was brought in to do a few beats for each album, after which Havoc seemed to begin concentrating more on his verbal prowess, slowly developing his own style. After the beef with Jay-Z, Prodigy changed his style, rhyming words less and slowing down his delivery, while Havoc increasingly contributed more to the rhyme end of the duo. After being on independant labels, such as LOUD, and then a larger label JIVE, styles from the grimy, gritty styles from the QB duo changed greatly, much to the despair of the mainstream fans, never fully recovering from the Jay-Z beef, they were forced into the limelight, and after releasing the street wood effort of Infamy, never reclaiming the status of the best kept secret. Signing with G-Unit seems to have worsened their career and Blood Money, their first album released on G-Unit, only sold approximately 110,000 in its first week, coming in at #3 on the Billboard 200.
Back At You
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Drop that shit)Yeah, yeah, check it out
Now run for your life, or you wanna get your heat, whatever
We can die together
As long as I send your maggot ass to the essence
I don't give a fuck about my presence
I'm lost in the blocks of hate and can't wait
For the next crab nigga to step and meet fate
24-7, mac 11 is my people
So why you wanna end your little life like this?
Cause now you bump heads with kids that's lifeless
I live by the day only if I survive
The last night, damn right, I ain't tryin' to fight
We can settle this like some grown men on the concrete floor
My slugs will put a stop to your hardcore
Ways of action, I grab the gat, then
Ain't no turning back when I start blastin'
Pick up the handle and insert the potion
Cock the shit back in a calm like motion
No signs of anger or fear cause you the one in danger
Never share your plans with a stranger, word is bond
I put the drop on you kid, now I got you
You got the heart to get busy without your crew?
Let's get it on nigga, do what we gotta do
You buckin' me, I'm buckin' right back at you
I put the drop on you kid, now I got you
You got the heart to get busy without your crew?
Let's get it on nigga, do what we gotta do
You buckin' me, I'm buckin' right back at you
Fuck where you at kid, it's where you're from
Cause where I'm from, niggas pack nothin' but the big guns
Around my way, niggas don't got remorse for out-of-towners
Come through fronting and get stuffed with the 3-pounder
The loud sounder, ear ringer
And I'm a point the finger, at all you wannabe gunslingers
You got a real ice grill but are you really real
Step to the hill and I'ma test your gun skills
Cause real niggas don't try to profile
You just a chump who needs to get drunk to buckwild
But swing that bullshit this way
And I'm a make your visit to the bridge a motherfucking short stay
Queensbridge, that's where I'm from
The place where stars are born and phony rappers get done
6 blocks and you might not make it through
What you gonna do when my whole crew is blazing at you
With macs and tecs to lend to get your dome crush
You thought that you could come around my way and beef, stupid fuck
What the hell you smoking? What the fuck possessed you
To come out your face, now I have to wet you
Throw on my Timbs, black mask and black serpent
Twist a nigga cap, then jump in the J-30
I put the drop on you kid, now I got you
You got the heart to get busy without your crew?
Let's get it on nigga, do what we gotta do
You buckin' me, I'm buckin' right back at you
Who's the richest nigga in the project, who got it locked
Rocking Convertibles, drop tops and mad hot
Peace to that whiz kid and playas on his team
Who's organized, all eyeballs is on CREAM
And your whole clique got nothin' but raw shit
Whip after whip, stay flashing your dick on tricks
Your whole crew's ravishing, team's untouchable
In the jungle, banging NaS, Mobb Deep and Wu
There's money out there, guns catch crumbs, those are your sons
Jums is in the mailboxes, bitches holding your guns
You know what's out there, thousands of gram, wrapped in Saran
Sealed tight, keep the freshness, that's how we expand
Masked Avenger, drop your gun, son, now surrender
Get ninjaed on the island, plus the Bridge, boy remember
My little thug's selling drugs and he's struggling
The game got him bugging, I tried to tell him slow down cousin
But he vexed and niggas getting wet up in the projects
But with no doubt, shorties out for his respect
But is his brain insane from the lye?
From smoking that 118 tiny tye
Why, a nigga just died last week
As he swore he was grown and he's a thug in the street
But it's like that, my crew pump cracks and we pack mac
His eyes is wild with the rezzy monkey on his back
But I'm stressed and he need to be blessed
With a firepack, don't even go there cause it ain't like that
Slow down baby, he said, what, you trying to play me?
You must be crazy, pulled out the heat and almost blazed me
Then he was Swayze, the shot must of dazed me
Thug selling drugs, busting slugs, but he ain't crazy
The lyrics to Mobb Deep's song "Right Back At You" depict a world of street violence and retaliation. The singer is so consumed by hate and anger that he's apparently lost all sense of perspective and rationality. He's literally living day by day and resigned to the fact that he could die at any moment. His only concern is taking down anyone who dares to oppose him.
The verses are filled with vivid imagery and language that reinforces the song's message of violent retribution. The singer talks about settling things "like some grown men on the concrete floor," and the fact that "My slugs will put a stop to your hardcore/Ways of action." The chorus emphasizes the theme of revenge, with the singer warning his enemies that he's always ready to strike back with equal force.
Overall, the song is a powerful and effective commentary on the cycle of violence that plagues many inner-city neighborhoods. It's a sobering reminder of the brutal reality that many people face on a daily basis, and it highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and conflict resolution in our communities.
Line by Line Meaning
Now, '94 to '95, innocent without crime
The period was innocent and without trouble.
(Drop that shit)Yeah, yeah, check it out
Hey, listen up!
Now run for your life, or you wanna get your heat, whatever
You can either run away or get your gun ready.
We can die together
We can both die in this fight.
As long as I send your maggot ass to the essence
As long as I kill you.
I don't give a fuck about my presence
I don't care about my reputation.
I'm lost in the blocks of hate and can't wait
I'm consumed by hatred and eager for a fight.
For the next crab nigga to step and meet fate
For the next weak person to challenge me and lose.
I'm lethal when I see you, there is no sequel
I am deadly when I confront you and there is no second chance.
24-7, mac 11 is my people
I am armed with a gun at all times.
So why you wanna end your little life like this?
Why do you want to die in this pointless fight?
Cause now you bump heads with kids that's lifeless
Because you are fighting against people who have nothing to lose.
I live by the day only if I survive
I only live for today if I manage to stay alive.
The last night, damn right, I ain't tryin' to fight
I don't want to fight on my last night before I possibly die.
We can settle this like some grown men on the concrete floor
We can resolve this issue like mature adults on the ground.
My slugs will put a stop to your hardcore
My bullets will end your tough reputation.
Ways of action, I grab the gat, then
My course of action is to grab my gun.
Ain't no turning back when I start blastin'
Once I start shooting, there is no going back.
Pick up the handle and insert the potion
Pick up the gun and load it with bullets.
Cock the shit back in a calm like motion
Calmly pull the trigger to shoot.
No signs of anger or fear cause you the one in danger
I am not angry or scared because you are the one in danger.
Never share your plans with a stranger, word is bond
Always keep your plans secret from those you don't know.
I put the drop on you kid, now I got you
I have the upper hand over you now.
You got the heart to get busy without your crew?
Can you fight me alone without your backup?
Let's get it on nigga, do what we gotta do
Let's fight and see what happens.
You buckin' me, I'm buckin' right back at you
You are challenging me, and I'm returning the challenge.
Fuck where you at kid, it's where you're from
I don't care about where you are now, I care about where you're from.
Cause where I'm from, niggas pack nothin' but the big guns
In my neighborhood, people carry only powerful guns.
Around my way, niggas don't got remorse for out-of-towners
In my area, people have no sympathy for outsiders.
Come through fronting and get stuffed with the 3-pounder
Act tough and get shot with a heavy gun.
The loud sounder, ear ringer
The gun makes a loud noise that hurts your ears.
And I'm a point the finger, at all you wannabe gunslingers
I will target and expose people pretending to be tough.
You got a real ice grill but are you really real
You may look tough, but are you truly tough?
Step to the hill and I'ma test your gun skills
Fight me and let's see your shooting abilities.
Cause real niggas don't try to profile
True tough people are not concerned with appearances.
You just a chump who needs to get drunk to buckwild
You are a coward who needs alcohol to act tough.
But swing that bullshit this way
But if you challenge me, you will regret it.
And I'm a make your visit to the bridge a motherfucking short stay
I will make sure your visit to this place is short-lived.
Queensbridge, that's where I'm from
I am from Queensbridge neighborhood.
The place where stars are born and phony rappers get done
A place where talented people rise and fake rappers are exposed.
6 blocks and you might not make it through
It is dangerous to walk just six blocks in my area.
What you gonna do when my whole crew is blazing at you
What will you do when my entire group is firing guns at you?
With macs and tecs to lend to get your dome crush
We are armed with powerful guns to crush your head.
You thought that you could come around my way and beef, stupid fuck
You were foolish to think you could instigate trouble in my area.
What the hell you smoking? What the fuck possessed you
What were you thinking when you started this fight?
To come out your face, now I have to wet you
To start a fight, and now I must shoot you.
Throw on my Timbs, black mask and black serpent
Put on my boots, black mask, and gun.
Twist a nigga cap, then jump in the J-30
Shoot someone and quickly escape in a stolen car.
Who's the richest nigga in the project, who got it locked
Who is the wealthiest person in the poor neighborhood?
Rocking Convertibles, drop tops and mad hot
Driving fancy cars with the top down.
Peace to that whiz kid and playas on his team
Peace to the intelligent person and their group.
Who's organized, all eyeballs is on CREAM
Who is efficient, all attention is on their earnings?
And your whole clique got nothin' but raw shit
Your entire group has nothing but low-quality products.
Whip after whip, stay flashing your dick on tricks
Driving various cars, showing off to women.
Your whole crew's ravishing, team's untouchable
Your entire group is attractive and invulnerable.
In the jungle, banging NaS, Mobb Deep and Wu
In this dangerous place, listening to certain music to feel tough.
There's money out there, guns catch crumbs, those are your sons
There is money out there, guns catch the small profits. Those are your offspring.
Jums is in the mailboxes, bitches holding your guns
Money is in mailboxes, and women are hiding guns.
You know what's out there, thousands of gram, wrapped in Saran
You know what is available, large amounts of drugs packaged.
Sealed tight, keep the freshness, that's how we expand
Seal it tight to keep it fresh, which helps us expand our business.
Masked Avenger, drop your gun, son, now surrender
Masked hero ordering you to surrender and drop your weapon.
Get ninjaed on the island, plus the Bridge, boy remember
Get caught on this island or bridge, and you will regret it.
My little thug's selling drugs and he's struggling
My young criminal is selling drugs and facing difficulties.
The game got him bugging, I tried to tell him slow down cousin
The criminal lifestyle is causing him problems, and I warned him to slow down.
But he vexed and niggas getting wet up in the projects
But he's angry and other people are getting killed in the poor neighborhood.
But with no doubt, shorties out for his respect
But many young people have respect for him.
But is his brain insane from the lye?
But is he going insane from the acid he's smoking?
From smoking that 118 tiny tye
From smoking that laced drug.
Why, a nigga just died last week
Someone just died last week.
As he swore he was grown and he's a thug in the street
He thought he was tough but was killed in the street.
But it's like that, my crew pump cracks and we pack mac
That's how things are, my group sells drugs and has guns.
His eyes is wild with the rezzy monkey on his back
He's addicted to drugs and it's driving him crazy.
But I'm stressed and he need to be blessed
I am worried and he needs some religious guidance.
With a firepack, don't even go there cause it ain't like that
With some religious support, he will stop using drugs. Don't mistake him for someone else.
Slow down baby, he said, what, you trying to play me?
Calm down and listen to me. Do you think I'm trying to trick you?
You must be crazy, pulled out the heat and almost blazed me
You must be insane! You almost shot me.
Then he was Swayze, the shot must of dazed me
Then he became calm. The near-death experience stunned him.
Thug selling drugs, busting slugs, but he ain't crazy
This criminal sells drugs and shoots people but is not insane.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: ALBERT JOHNSON, COREY WOODS, DENNIS D. COLES, KEJUAN WALIEK MUCHITA, LES MCCANN, TAJUAN PERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ElMoscas114
Who’s still bumping this in 2024?
@-dzurdzuk9980
oscar rivas my grandmother
@FckPeace2
Forever NY 🌊 🗽 hip h🍎p music 🎶 🎤
@serioussam317
🇷🇺🤙respect!!!
@kkbo6769
@@-dzurdzuk9980 What kind of answer is this?
@kkbo6769
😎Me👈🏿
@eron_856
Havoc is underrated give him what he deserves while he’s still here.
R.I.P Prodigy
@eron_856
Dropsy still underrated as a rapper and as a producer. In my opinion
@TOKRocK84
R.I.P. P! That truly makes sense, dude had a disease and was suffering, he got whack imho later, this is his last statement and call, the first mobb deep albums and solos up to murda muzik. or was it the infamous... ?
HAVOC IS JUST SHINING ON THIS ONE! He makes great beats too, he just sits back and plays the sidekick on most tracks that are (in-)famous, not on this one!! Havoc is top tier on this track here. See how just one of his lines in his part is so dope, it just becomes the chorus, and then got sampled into infinity for all times to come after that? Brilliant, he is absolutely in the flow with this one here, it's on, yet project niggas never striked back, we all project slaves now more or less. and now they pretend its all right with alt right covered by corona. Fuck I grew out of this... Still feelin the beat and the rythm tho
@rubski-ds9yc
@@eron_856 he not underrated as a producer u bugging he one is legend just ask alchemist