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.
Bump
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[50] Yeah
[H] It's real, it's real
[50] Yeah
[H] Got 'em
[Chorus: 50 Cent]
Bump that - niggaz try to stunt on my clique
where they pump at, 12-gauge Mausberg
No shell in the head 'fore you put in work
You gotta pump that - you done hit a nigga with it
and you runnin, the police is comin, take my advice nigga
Dump that - this is serious, these rap niggaz
I'm just havin fun with it, 50 Cent, Havoc bump that
[50 Cent]
My son asked, "Daddy why you carry a gun, you ain't a cop"
I looked at him and said, "Sometimes you gotta shoot or get shot
Wanna go to show-and-tell and show the class my glock?
Show 'em the clip, show 'em the beam, show 'em how Daddy lean"
In the convertible Jag, 22-inch mags
For a high school dropout, shit, that ain't bad
I'm ain't a Blood or a Crip, I'm doin my own thang
G-UNIT! Shit, I done started my own gang
I don't go that funny dance, I don't throw gang signs
But I'm a gangsta to the core so I stay with a nine
You think all I do is rap, then you don't know me good
Have Smurf hangin out the sunroof to light up yo' hood
Man, Carlito ain't never seen Blanco comin
But if he did, you think he woulda started runnin?
And I move with them Doublemint Twins, and two macs
I'll leave you flat your back - BRRRAT! Take that
[Chorus]
[Noyd]
Uh-huh, aiyyo, aiyyo, aiyyo
My life story is that gangsta thing, packin that thing
Iced out diamond rings; fuck linen
It's Timbs and jeans, puffin cigars, stuff it with greens
What's fuckin with Queens? Nuttin and not a thing
We kings of rap, shanks and gats, knuckles and bats
Get at me, you want beef, come correct
Stunt on any nigga in my clique-ah, you get clapped
We sick, so quick, you be layin on your back
Cause we don't give a fuck nigga, we love to dump
You don't wanna get jumped, better turn yo' music up
And bump that - cause we comin with them guns black
And cause of the hoodrats, know where your home's at
Fuck that, this is for my niggaz in the hoods that
slingin them blue caps, smokin that chronic sack
Get that paper, watch for all haters
Snitches and them bitches and them inside traders
Nigga fuck that
[Chorus]
[Havoc]
Yeah, yeah
If you trippin with my niggaz 50 and Noyd
If anybody ask me nigga them my homeboys
When it come to drama know we pack them big gats
(We got a ton of slugs) Bitch, and it's like that
We them thirsty ones, no mask, we stick cats
I never handcuff a ho, I let you whip that
Let my money bubble, live off the kick back
This midnight shit is serious, where your kids at?
These streets too dangerous to let them roam
I done seen the gulliest of 'em, cry for home
Like a fish out of water, they gasp and shake
I'm a friend of the jooks and the dukes and the duct tape
Like a Down South nigga I won't stop 'til I'm "skraight"
Walkin up the street, testin out my heat
Uh-huh.. and as you stand in disbelief
When it comes to the slugs I ain't cheap
Nigga you know I..
[Chorus]
Mobb Deep's song "Bump" is a gritty track that explores the dangerous and violent lifestyles of its performers. The opening verse, spoken by Havoc and 50 Cent, sets a menacing tone, with lines like "It's real, it's real" and "Got 'em". The chorus, delivered by 50 Cent, emphasizes the importance of being armed and ready to use a weapon, with references to Mausberg shotguns and dumping shells.
50 Cent's verse delves into his own reasons for carrying a gun, and the dangers he faces as a successful rapper living in a violent world. He portrays himself as a gangsta to the core, unafraid to use force to defend himself and his family, and proud to have started his own gang. Noyd's verse continues this theme, with boasts of guns, diamonds, and power in the streets, as well as a dismissive attitude towards snitches and haters.
The final verse, delivered by Havoc, focuses on his loyalty to his friends and willingness to take risks to protect them. He describes the streets as dangerous and unpredictable, and emphasizes the importance of being ready for anything. Overall, "Bump" is a hard-hitting track that offers a glimpse into the violent and dangerous world of gangsta rap.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Acknowledging the truth
Yeah
Reinforcing the truth
It's real, it's real
Confirming the authenticity of the situation
Yeah
Reaffirming the truth
Got 'em
Having control over someone or something
Bump that - niggaz try to stunt on my clique
Play this track loud - people attempt to undermine my crew
Then when I get on that shit, I bring it to 'em
where they pump at, 12-gauge Mausberg
No shell in the head 'fore you put in work
You gotta pump that - you done hit a nigga with it
and you runnin, the police is comin, take my advice nigga
Dump that - this is serious
When you confront problems, face them head-on. Be prepared to take action with deadly force. Be in control of your weapon or quickly get rid of it before the police arrive.
these rap niggaz
I'm just havin fun with it, 50 Cent, Havoc bump that
I'm living my life, while other people complain about their problems
My son asked, "Daddy why you carry a gun, you ain't a cop"
I looked at him and said, "Sometimes you gotta shoot or get shot
Wanna go to show-and-tell and show the class my glock?
Show 'em the clip, show 'em the beam, show 'em how Daddy lean"
I need to protect myself and my family from danger. The gun is more than just an object; it can instill fear in others.
In the convertible Jag, 22-inch mags
For a high school dropout, shit, that ain't bad
I'm ain't a Blood or a Crip, I'm doin my own thang
G-UNIT! Shit, I done started my own gang
I may not be educated, but I'm living the good life. I don't need to belong to any gangs or follow their rules. I'm creating my own destiny.
I don't go that funny dance, I don't throw gang signs
But I'm a gangsta to the core so I stay with a nine
I don't need to show off to prove my gangsterism. I am who I am and I'll protect myself with a gun.
You think all I do is rap, then you don't know me good
Have Smurf hangin out the sunroof to light up yo' hood
Man, Carlito ain't never seen Blanco comin
But if he did, you think he woulda started runnin?
And I move with them Doublemint Twins, and two macs
I'll leave you flat your back - BRRRAT! Take that
Don't underestimate me; I can handle myself in dangerous situations. I have a team - the Doublemint Twins - who are always with me. I'll attack if I need to, without hesitation.
Uh-huh, aiyyo, aiyyo, aiyyo
My life story is that gangsta thing, packin that thing
Iced out diamond rings; fuck linen
It's Timbs and jeans, puffin cigars, stuff it with greens
What's fuckin with Queens? Nuttin and not a thing
We kings of rap, shanks and gats, knuckles and bats
My life is all about being a gangsta. I don't wear fancy clothes, only Timbs and jeans. Smoking cigars and weed is my way of life. Queens is where it's at; we are the elite of the elite. We are the King of rap and we have the best weapons.
Get at me, you want beef, come correct
Stunt on any nigga in my clique-ah, you get clapped
We sick, so quick, you be layin on your back
Cause we don't give a fuck nigga, we love to dump
If someone disrespects me, they will pay the price, period. I'm not afraid to hurt people, and I enjoy it.
You don't wanna get jumped, better turn yo' music up
And bump that - cause we comin with them guns black
And cause of the hoodrats, know where your home's at
Fuck that, this is for my niggaz in the hoods that
slingin them blue caps, smokin that chronic sack
If you don't want any problems, keep your head down and turn up the music. We are coming for you if you mess with us, and we'll make sure to find where you live. This is for people in the hood who deal drugs and smoke weed.
Get that paper, watch for all haters
Snitches and them bitches and them inside traders
Nigga fuck that
Make money and be aware of the people trying to stop you. Cut out the backstabbers, snitches, and women trying to play games with you. Forget about them.
Yeah, yeah
If you trippin with my niggaz 50 and Noyd
If anybody ask me nigga them my homeboys
When it come to drama know we pack them big gats
(We got a ton of slugs) Bitch, and it's like that
We them thirsty ones, no mask, we stick cats
I never handcuff a ho, I let you whip that
Let my money bubble, live off the kick back
This midnight shit is serious, where your kids at?
If you have problems with my crew, 50 and Noyd, you better think twice. I'll defend them no matter what. We are always armed for any situation. No need to hide our faces. We always finish the job. As a pimp, I won't keep women hostage. I prefer to share the wealth with them. I need to know where your family is before I make any moves against you.
These streets too dangerous to let them roam
I done seen the gulliest of 'em, cry for home
Like a fish out of water, they gasp and shake
I'm a friend of the jooks and the dukes and the duct tape
Like a Down South nigga I won't stop 'til I'm "skraight"
Walkin up the street, testin out my heat
Uh-huh.. and as you stand in disbelief
When it comes to the slugs I ain't cheap
Nigga you know I..
Streets are not safe for children. I've seen the toughest kids cry out for help. People panic like a fish out of water, but I have a solution - I'm friends with cops and thugs alike. I'll continue to prove myself, walking with my gun out, as people will stand in awe. I might not have a lot of bullets, but I'll make every one count.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@adamgordon2572
Havoc killed this beat 🔥🔥
@ninamariemelina1673
Facts
@carlallen525
That’s Not Havoc That’s Buck Wild
@NevaSellmySoul
Noyd killed it
@adamgordon2572
@@carlallen525 : Stop embarrassing yourself and trying to tell me who produced this track 💯
@dgmobbdeep
@@carlallen525No brother. Havoc produced that beat.
@Bluexhox
This was the era 50 was straight gritty on the rhyme witty...
@WOODYMACK66
This joint was way ahead of it's time...................still Bumpin HARD!!!!!
@perrynnlynch1883
Yo track is timeless just like the comment. Great stuff.
@frankjones5238
Mobb deep the best group out of queens period