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.
Block Life
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Verse 1: Prodigy]
Yo, my life story - based on a true story
We popped MAC's all growin' up, while y'all played story
We were playin' hide the cracks, while y'all played tag
I was a young gun learin' how to fight back
A 'lil rock head fuck, who neva learned shit
A few cases, sit on the bench, make conversation
Yo, there's party tonight, get the razors
"Dawg, but it's all goin' overboard"
I told 'em - "Dang god you tryin' to take a nigga arm"
We're like a brick, when we come smashin' through
A-C-D, M-O-B, nigga fuck it's you
We're straight thugs over here bo', what the deal y'all?
Up in the staircase, post-up, long chrome
With the .4 long, closest I could reach my arm
Who wanna play target, check out the name of the song
It goes...
[Chorus: Prodigy]
Block - Life, what's the matter with your thugs
Block - Life, what's the matter with y'all's guns
Block - Life, everybody can't be on top
The Block - Life, can't stop, won't stop
[Verse 2: ACD]
Comin' up, I was a fuck up, burnin' blunts up
Playin' dice with the older crowd, puttin' dubs up
Some kids was into sports, I was into doe
You was mad 'cause you felt all I was stress
'Cause the money was slow
Fractured my hand, I'm stashin' 'em
Before I'm bagged wit 'em, plus my son got the Magnum
Wyldin' out in these young gun days, young love days
New to the game, but was curious about the fees
And them thick rope chains, I'm stuck on how
Niggaz blew up off cocaine, and opened wide
In '88, when I first heard Jane, we got all the -
But the hood still remains the same
Old fiends, same drugs, new thugs
Same slugs, new crews with MAC's
With thoughts to push it back, straight like that
Actin' up off Cognac, come through
Act hostile, but lay you flat, in the -
[Chorus: Prodigy]
[Verse 3: Havoc]
Yo, we use to play the lobby
Get bent; see that was my favorite hobby
Watchin' my dawgs get off, some even framed Ferrari's
Alot of school peers blew, some even bought Ferrari's
Young thugs we grew, still we're crashin' parties
Too all the shooks ones too, my crew'll bash & body
Dukes stuntin' witchu, don't make us clap somebody
New rats and other run fast and tellin' friends who looked fat
We off the hook as the jook style
Years went by pages turned onto calendar
Trade in my Tray .8, copped the .40 Caliber
Kept it on me in school, got shorty cuttin' out Algebra
Niggaz always seemed cool, others tryna to challenge us
Retaliation, got me trapped with false accusation
Tossed cracks & graders, when the ambs' invaded, madd congregation
Watchin' altercation go down, the rough frantic, when the hear the .4 pound
[Chorus: Prodigy]
The lyrics of "Block Life" by Mobb Deep describe the life and struggles of two individuals who grew up in an environment where violence and drug dealing were prevalent. The song paints a picture of a harsh reality where the singers had to learn how to survive and protect themselves against dangerous individuals. The song's lyrics depict a life that is often neglected by society, with a focus on the daily struggles of drug dealers and users. The themes of violence and survival are dominant in the verses, with the chorus repeating the phrase "Block Life" as a symbol for the neighborhood's existence.
The first verse, featuring Prodigy, describes the struggles that he experienced when growing up. He talks about his involvement in the drug trade and how he had to become a fighter to defend himself and his territory. The rapper describes his life as a journey through the streets of the hood, where every day is a fight for survival. He paints a bleak picture of the block life, where violence is everywhere, and nobody is safe.
The second verse, featuring ACD, describes his experiences growing up on the same block. He details how his life was all about making money, and he had little interest in sports or other hobbies. He learned the tricks of the trade from the older guys, and he soon became a drug dealer himself. However, ACD realizes the toll that the drug trade and violence have taken on his life and those around him. He talks about the cycle of new thugs taking over and the same problems persisting.
In conclusion, "Block Life" by Mobb Deep is an evocative portrayal of the challenges and struggles of those living in deprived neighborhoods. The lyrics provide insight into what life is like for those coming of age in the ghetto, where drug dealing, violence, and crime dominate people's experiences. Despite the bleakness of the song's themes, Mobb Deep delivers an unflinching and honest portrayal of life in the inner-city.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, my life story - based on a true story
I'm telling you the truth about my life story
We popped MAC's all growin' up, while y'all played story
While other kids played games and had fun, we carried MAC's (guns) and lived a dangerous life
We were playin' hide the cracks, while y'all played tag
We were hiding drugs instead of playing games like other kids
I was a young gun learin' how to fight back
I was young and learning to defend myself
A 'lil rock head fuck, who neva learned shit
I was foolish and didn't learn from my mistakes
Who picked up a habit for the block life kid
I became addicted to the dangerous lifestyle of the streets
A few cases, sit on the bench, make conversation
I spent time in jail and talked to other inmates
Yo, there's party tonight, get the razors
Let's get ready for a party by getting razors for shaving
"Dawg, but it's all goin' overboard"
Someone questioned the level of our party preparations
I told 'em - "Dang god you tryin' to take a nigga arm"
I warned them that they were taking things too far and risking getting hurt or caught
We're like a brick, when we come smashin' through
We're strong and powerful when we break through something
A-C-D, M-O-B, nigga fuck it's you
We're part of a gang and ready to fight anyone who opposes us
We're straight thugs over here bo', what the deal y'all?
We're tough and dangerous, what do you want to do about it?
Up in the staircase, post-up, long chrome
We're standing guard in the staircase with a long gun
With the .4 long, closest I could reach my arm
I have a gun in my possession, ready to use it if necessary
Block - Life, what's the matter with your thugs
Our life on the block is tough, what do you expect from us?
Block - Life, what's the matter with y'all's guns
We have guns because it's necessary for survival in our environment
Block - Life, everybody can't be on top
In our world, not everyone can be successful
The Block - Life, can't stop, won't stop
We're committed to this life on the block, no matter what
Comin' up, I was a fuck up, burnin' blunts up
I made a lot of mistakes and smoked a lot of weed when I was young
Playin' dice with the older crowd, puttin' dubs up
I played dice with older people and bet big amounts of money
Some kids was into sports, I was into doe
Other kids played sports, but I was more focused on making money
You was mad 'cause you felt all I was stress
Some people were angry with me because they thought I caused a lot of problems
'Cause the money was slow
I was frustrated because I wasn't earning enough money quickly
Fractured my hand, I'm stashin' 'em
I hid drugs even when I had a physical injury
Before I'm bagged wit 'em, plus my son got the Magnum
I didn't want to get caught with drugs and I also had to take care of my child who had a gun
Wyldin' out in these young gun days, young love days
I was acting wild and reckless in my youth
New to the game, but was curious about the fees
I was naive and curious about the profits of the drug trade
And them thick rope chains, I'm stuck on how
I was impressed by the expensive jewelry that some drug dealers wore
Niggaz blew up off cocaine, and opened wide
Some people got rich off selling cocaine and flaunted their wealth
In '88, when I first heard Jane, we got all the -
I remember hearing Jane in 1988 and it reminded me of that time period
But the hood still remains the same
Even though time has passed, the neighborhood is still dangerous and difficult
Old fiends, same drugs, new thugs
Some people from the past are still addicts, and new criminals have emerged
Same slugs, new crews with MAC's
Different gangs have different guns, but they are all dangerous
With thoughts to push it back, straight like that
We're ready to defend ourselves if necessary, no questions asked
Actin' up off Cognac, come through
We were drinking and getting drunk, and we're not afraid of trouble
Act hostile, but lay you flat, in the -
We will act aggressively and take you down if you challenge us
Yo, we use to play the lobby
We hung out in the building lobby
Get bent; see that was my favorite hobby
Getting drunk was something I enjoyed doing
Watchin' my dawgs get off, some even framed Ferrari's
I watched my friends succeed and even buy expensive cars
Alot of school peers blew, some even bought Ferrari's
Many of my classmates didn't succeed, but some of them did and even got luxury cars
Young thugs we grew, still we're crashin' parties
We grew up to become tough guys, and we still cause trouble at parties
Too all the shooks ones too, my crew'll bash & body
We're not afraid to fight anyone who challenges us, even those who are scared
Dukes stuntin' witchu, don't make us clap somebody
Don't try to show off in front of us, or we will hurt someone
New rats and other run fast and tellin' friends who looked fat
New informants are quickly revealed and share information about people who look wealthy
We off the hook as the jook style
We're reckless and don't follow the rules
Years went by pages turned onto calendar
Time passed and we got older
Trade in my Tray .8, copped the .40 Caliber
I upgraded my gun to a more powerful one
Kept it on me in school, got shorty cuttin' out Algebra
I carried a gun with me to school and didn't even pay attention to my classes
Niggaz always seemed cool, others tryna to challenge us
Some people thought we were cool, but others wanted to fight us
Retaliation, got me trapped with false accusation
When we retaliated against someone, we were falsely accused of wrongdoing
Tossed cracks & graders, when the ambs' invaded, madd congregation
We got rid of drugs and drug paraphernalia when the police arrived, and lots of people were around
Watchin' altercation go down, the rough frantic, when the hear the .4 pound
We watched a fight happen, and things became chaotic when people realized someone had a .40 caliber gun
Contributed by Cooper T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@hoodgoon3770
Yo, my life story - based on a true story
We popped MAC's all growin' up, while y'all played story
We were playin' hide the cracks, while y'all played tag
I was a young gun learin' how to fight back
A 'lil rock head fuck, who neva learned shit
Who picked up a habit for the block life kid
A few cases, sit on the bench, make conversation
Yo, there's party tonight, get the razors
"Dawg, but it's all goin' overboard"
I told 'em - "Dang god you tryin' to take a nigga arm"
We're like a brick, when we come smashin' through
A-C-D, M-O-B, nigga fuck it's you
We're straight thugs over here bo', what the deal y'all?
Up in the staircase, post-up, long chrome
With the .4 long, closest I could reach my arm
Who wanna play target, check out the name of the song
It goes...
Block - Life, what's the matter with your thugs
Block - Life, what's the matter with y'all's guns
Block - Life, everybody can't be on top
The Block - Life, can't stop, won't stop
Comin' up, I was a fuck up, burnin' blunts up
Playin' dice with the older crowd, puttin' dubs up
Some kids was into sports, I was into doe
You was mad 'cause you felt all I was stress
'Cause the money was slow
Fractured my hand, I'm stashin' 'em
Before I'm bagged wit 'em, plus my son got the Magnum
Wyldin' out in these young gun days, young love days
New to the game, but was curious about the fees
And them thick rope chains, I'm stuck on how
Niggaz blew up off cocaine, and opened wide
In '88, when I first heard Jane, we got all the --
But the hood still remains the same
Old fiends, same drugs, new thugs
Same slugs, new crews with MAC's
With thoughts to push it back, straight like that
Actin' up off Cognac, come through
Act hostile, but lay you flat, in the
Yo, we use to play the lobby
Get bent; see that was my favorite hobby
Watchin' my dawgs get off, some even framed Ferrari's
Alot of school peers blew, some even bought Ferrari's
Young thugs we grew, still we're crashin' parties
Too all the shooks ones too, my crew'll bash & body
Dukes stuntin' witchu, don't make us clap somebody
New rats and other run fast and tellin' friends who looked fat
We off the hook as the jook style
Years went by pages turned onto calendar
Trade in my Tray .8, copped the .40 Caliber
Kept it on me in school, got shorty cuttin' out Algebra
Niggaz always seemed cool, others tryna to challenge us
Retaliation, got me trapped with false accusation
Tossed cracks & graders, when the ambs' invaded, madd congregation
Watchin' altercation go down, the rough frantic, when the hear the .4 pound
@MrFox-qb1jx
I have been looking for this song for 20 years, thank you so much
@sonyasamuel7841
I just found this now bro
@Double0Kane
ME TOO
@Double0Kane
Prodigy my favorite rapper of alltime...This song was my shit coming up wish it was on AppleMusic 🤦🏿♂️ #RIPBandanaP
@JRnyc
I remember those ACD stickers summer of 98.
They were everywhere.
@edwardbaez3025
Dis song right here I dedicate to a fallen soldier fr New Britain Connecticut DIAMOND HEAD we use to post up in the MP buildings pumping to this RIP
@Jithegod
Rip the god P. Honestly one of the TRUEST
... side note..
I hope Alchemist vs Premier
goes down one day...
🎶🎼🎶🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯
@kenonoke1395
Mobb Deep the best hip hop next to Run Dmc the Dun language just changed hip hop whts funny the old stuff still keeps up with new era of hip now that's how far they were ahead raw beats ill lyrics keep it up fan for life !!!
@pablopessoa5080
Keno Noke
mobb deep > rum dmc
@JonQwest182
You brought it back with this Gem right here