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.
Cradle to the Grave
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kid, watch your back, one time's comin' always (Yeah)
They lock me up for 12 days, I can't comprehend
Now I'm a free man on the streets again
Chasin St.Ide's down with some Seagrams Gin
Life is like a dice game and I'm in to win
On the scene from the 41st side of Queens
Cos I mean what I mean, I'm out to claim King
Doin my thing, do wild stakes my name'll reign
To all my peoples locked down comin back to life
In the world once again though ya bid was trife
While you was gone, we was goin to war and even more
Saw my man layin dead on the floor, kid I swore
That our crew will live forever, I guess I was wrong
No, until we meet again, hold ya head and stay strong(Yeah! )
Yo, got my mind on a place to hide from police(Where?)
Sweatin dogs as I'm runnin cross 12th Street
Just as I approach the block
I spot a jake on the creep down by Vick's weed spot(So what! )
Made a U-ey up the hill plus a change of plans
I had to hurry back so I could warn my man
Ya had me stressin little son, had my heart rapidly pumpin
Niggas start a guttin behind the bushes duckin
My ears rung, I punch a clip into the guns
Got grazed in the arm, one slug hit my son
He was bleedin from the head, I couldn't believe it
We was defeated, if it was a case I couldn't beat it
Felt like cryin(The temperature's risin)
I saw my man helpless, damn near on the verge of dyin
So to P I passed the iron
Kid you ain't lyin!
I went to stash the murder weapon, plus I'm relyin
On a door to be open, goin in the building, it's a trap!
Police buckin at me, they try to twist my dome back
Jetted up the staircase to the third floor
Reached behind the sink, throw the heater on the floor
Locked the door, police grabbed me up and tryed to break my jaw
"So where's the gun we saw?"(I don't know! )
"We know you was there at the homicide scene"(I know nuttin! )
"And if it wasn't you, was somebody from ya team"
From the cradle to the grave
(Straight from the motherfuckin cradle to the grave!)
Yo, it's the real drama kills, nobody moves, stand still!
Bottle you! Drop that ass off in a land-fill
Son bless me with the iron, I got beef
With some niggas from the other side over some weak shit
Load up the heaters, greet em with the hollow-tips
Flip em like the Gotti clip, my crew shift the body shift
The cradle to the grave is where I'll end up
Fuck gettin sent up North, son I'm bett-er
Doin my dirt on a low
Fuckin wit them mobbers like a crowd
No doubt you gonna blow, you never know
He didn't even have to go there
Unprepared, now he's six below
Y'know I'm chillin, I gots no time for catchin feelings
Get that money I wants, some brothers wanna act funny
But it's all good I still die for the hood
For my peoples, yeah knock on wood
Triple L, rollin' dice while I put you on
To the drama what I gotta say is short not long
This nigga that I'm beginning to dislike he got me fed
If he doesn't discontinue his bullshit he might be dead
Know him well and probably go way back
But I don't care if he's your man doin shit like that
I hope the word gets back to him, cause I'll screw him
He shitted on my man and we got plans to do him
Lets get it over with quick, I'm tired of waitin
Ain't no fair overhead there, we just debatin on when and how
Later on right now, spoke to Killa yesterday
He said to chill for a while
But it's hard acting like everything is alright
I get the chills when I see that nigga in my sight
A dead man walking, not only that he's still talkin (About what?)
About how and what he did very often
You don't know how much I fiend to put his ass in a coffin
One day my man and the next he's not
Didn't know him long anyway, so fuck it
It's funny how things change(Word up!)
From the cradle to the grave
(Straight from the motherfuckin cradle to the grave!)
The lyrics of Mobb Deep's song "Cradle to the Grave" revolve around the harsh realities of life on the streets, gang violence, and the constant struggle for survival. The opening line, "Forever wild from the cradle to the grave," signifies the notion that individuals are born into a world that is dangerous and unpredictable, and that they must always be ready to fight for their lives.
Throughout the song, Mobb Deep highlights the harsh realities that individuals face when living in impoverished communities. The line "Kid, watch your back, one time's comin' always" warns that police brutality is never far away, and their chances of encountering the police are high.
The second verse delves into the consequences of gang violence. The line "Saw my man layin dead on the floor, kid I swore, That our crew will live forever, I guess I was wrong" emphasizes the tragic loss of life that can occur in gang activity, despite the bravado that initially comes with being part of a crew.
In conclusion, "Cradle to the Grave" provides a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of life in impoverished communities, where individuals are forced to fight for survival every day.
Line by Line Meaning
Forever wild from the cradle to the grave
Always living a wild and reckless lifestyle, from birth until death
Kid, watch your back, one time's comin' always (Yeah)
Be cautious, the police are always watching
They lock me up for 12 days, I can't comprehend
I was put in jail for 12 days, I can't understand why
Now I'm a free man on the streets again
I'm released from prison and back on the streets
Chasin St.Ide's down with some Seagrams Gin
Drinking St.Ide's malt liquor and Seagrams Gin
Life is like a dice game and I'm in to win
Life is a game of chance and I'm determined to come out on top
On the scene from the 41st side of Queens
Representing the 41st side of Queens in New York City
We get the CREAM, laid up, love-love for dame
We acquire cash and respect, enjoying the company of women
Cos I mean what I mean, I'm out to claim King
I'm serious about my intentions and I want to become the ruler
Doin my thing, do wild stakes my name'll reign
I'm pursuing my own goals and taking risks to establish my reputation
To all my peoples locked down comin back to life
To all my friends in prison who are being released and given a second chance at life
In the world once again though ya bid was trife
Back in society, even though your time in prison was difficult
While you was gone, we was goin to war and even more
While you were incarcerated, we were involved in conflicts and facing additional challenges
Saw my man layin dead on the floor, kid I swore
Witnessed my friend dead on the ground, and I promised vengeance
That our crew will live forever, I guess I was wrong
I believed our crew would last indefinitely, but I was mistaken
No, until we meet again, hold ya head and stay strong(Yeah! )
Until we reunite, stay strong and keep your spirits up
Yo, got my mind on a place to hide from police(Where?)
I'm thinking of a safe location to avoid the police
Sweatin dogs as I'm runnin cross 12th Street
Nervously evading the police as I cross 12th Street
Just as I approach the block
As I near the neighborhood
I spot a jake on the creep down by Vick's weed spot(So what! )
I see a police officer lurking near Vick's spot where he sells marijuana (So what! )
Made a U-ey up the hill plus a change of plans
Made a U-turn and altered my original plan
I had to hurry back so I could warn my man
I needed to quickly return to warn my friend
Ya had me stressin little son, had my heart rapidly pumpin
Your actions caused me great stress and my heart to beat fast
Niggas start a guttin behind the bushes duckin
People began shooting from the bushes, taking cover
My ears rung, I punch a clip into the guns
My ears were ringing, I loaded a new clip into my guns
Got grazed in the arm, one slug hit my son
I was grazed by a bullet in the arm, and my son was hit by another
He was bleedin from the head, I couldn't believe it
He was bleeding from the head, and I couldn't comprehend what had happened
We were defeated, if it was a case I couldn't beat it
We were overcome, and if it went to court, I wouldn't win
Felt like cryin(The temperature's risin)
I felt like crying (emotions running high)
I saw my man helpless, damn near on the verge of dyin
I witnessed my friend in a vulnerable state, almost dying
So to P I passed the iron
So I handed the gun to my friend P
Kid you ain't lyin!
You're telling the truth, kid!
I went to stash the murder weapon, plus I'm relyin
I went to hide the gun used in the crime, and I'm depending
On a door to be open, goin in the building, it's a trap!
Hoping for a door to be unlocked in the building, but it turns out to be a set-up
Police buckin at me, they try to twist my dome back
Police start shooting at me, attempting to shoot me in the head
Jetted up the staircase to the third floor
Ran up the stairs to the third floor
Reached behind the sink, throw the heater on the floor
Grabbed a gun hidden behind the sink and threw it on the floor
Locked the door, police grabbed me up and tryed to break my jaw
I locked the door, but the police grabbed me and attempted to injure me
"So where's the gun we saw?"(I don't know! )
"Where is the gun that we saw?" (I don't know! )
"We know you was there at the homicide scene"(I know nuttin! )
"We know you were present at the scene of the murder" (I don't know anything! )
"And if it wasn't you, was somebody from ya team"
"And if it wasn't you, then it must have been someone from your crew"
Yo, it's the real drama kills, nobody moves, stand still!
This is a dangerous situation, nobody should move, remain still!
Bottle you! Drop that ass off in a land-fill
Get rid of you! Dispose of your body in a landfill
Son bless me with the iron, I got beef
Give me the gun, I have a conflict
With some niggas from the other side over some weak shit
I have a problem with guys from another neighborhood over something trivial
Load up the heaters, greet em with the hollow-tips
Load our guns, confront them with bullets that expand on impact
Flip em like the Gotti clip, my crew shift the body shift
Take them down like John Gotti, my crew disposes of the bodies
The cradle to the grave is where I'll end up
I'll end up in a life of crime and ultimately die
Fuck gettin sent up North, son I'm bett-er
I don't want to go to prison upstate, I'm better than that
Doin my dirt on a low
Committing illegal activities discreetly
Fuckin wit them mobbers like a crowd
Getting involved with the mob like a gang
No doubt you gonna blow, you never know
Undoubtedly, you're going to make it big, you never know
He didn't even have to go there
He didn't have to get involved
Unprepared, now he's six below
Not ready, now he's dead and buried six feet below
Y'know I'm chillin, I gots no time for catchin feelings
I'm relaxed, I don't have time for developing emotions
Get that money I wants, some brothers wanna act funny
I want to make money, but some people want to act foolish
But it's all good I still die for the hood
But it's okay, I'm still willing to die for my neighborhood
For my peoples, yeah knock on wood
For my friends, yeah, hoping for good luck
Triple L, rollin' dice while I put you on
Triple L, gambling while I inform you
To the drama what I gotta say is short not long
Regarding the conflict, I'll be brief
This nigga that I'm beginning to dislike he got me fed
This guy that I'm starting to dislike has angered me
If he doesn't discontinue his bullshit he might be dead
If he doesn't stop his foolish behavior, he might end up dead
Know him well and probably go way back
I know him well and we probably have a long history
But I don't care if he's your man doin shit like that
But I don't care if he's your friend, acting in that manner
I hope the word gets back to him, cause I'll screw him
I hope he hears about this, because I'm going to harm him
He shitted on my man and we got plans to do him
He disrespected my friend, and we have plans to seek revenge
Lets get it over with quick, I'm tired of waitin
Let's finish this quickly, I'm tired of waiting
Ain't no fair overhead there, we just debatin on when and how
There's no sense of fairness, we're just discussing when and how to do it
Later on right now, spoke to Killa yesterday
Just a moment, I spoke to Killa yesterday
He said to chill for a while
He told me to relax for a bit
But it's hard acting like everything is alright
But it's difficult pretending like everything is okay
I get the chills when I see that nigga in my sight
I get a feeling of fear when I see that guy in front of me
A dead man walking, not only that he's still talkin (About what?)
A person walking to his own demise, and he's still talking (About what?)
About how and what he did very often
Talking about his activities and actions frequently
You don't know how much I fiend to put his ass in a coffin
You don't know how much I desire to kill him
One day my man and the next he's not
One day my friend is alive, the next day he's dead
Didn't know him long anyway, so fuck it
I didn't know him for very long anyway, so forget it
It's funny how things change(Word up!)
It's ironic how situations can quickly change (Word up!)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALBERT JOHNSON, KEJUAN WALIEK MUCHITA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pride317
Lyrics
[Verse 1: Prodigy]
Forever wild from the cradle to the grave, kid, watch your back
One-time's coming always (Yeah)
They locked me up for 12 days, I can't comprehend
Now I'm a free man on the streets again
Chasing St.Ide's down with some Seagrams Gin
Life is like a dice game and I'm in to win
[Verse 2: Havoc]
On the scene from the 41st side of Queens (Yeah)
We get the cream, laid up, love-love redeem
Cause I mean what I mean, I'm out to claim king
Doing my thing, throughout states my name'll ring
[Verse 3: Prodigy]
To all my peoples locked down, coming back to life
In the world once again though ya bid was trife
While you was gone, we was going to war
And even more, saw my man laying dead on the floor
Kid, I swore that our crew will live forever, I guess I was wrong
No, until we meet again, hold ya head and stay strong (Yeah)
Yo, got my mind on a place to hide from police (Where?)
Sweating dogs as I'm running cross 12th Street
Just as I approached the block
I spotted Jake on the creep down by Vick's weed spot (Say word)
Made a U-ey up the hill plus a change of plans
I had to, hurry back so I could warn my man
[Verse 4: Havoc]
It had me stressing' little something', had my heart rapidly pumping
Niggas started cutting, behind the bushes ducking
My ears rung, I plunged a clip into the guns
Got grazed in the arm, one slug hit my son
He was bleeding from the head, I couldn't believe it
We was defeated, if it was a case, I couldn't beat it
Felt like crying (The temperature's rising)
I saw my man helpless, damn near on the verge of dying
So to P I passed the iron
[Verse 5: Prodigy]
Kid, you ain't lying
I went to stash the murder weapon, plus I'm relying
On a door to be open, going in the building, it's a trap
Police bucking at me, they try to twist my dome back
Jetted up the staircase to the third floor
Reached behind the sink, throw the heater on the floor
Locked the door, police grabbed me up and tried to break my jaw
Said, "Where's the gun we saw? (I don't know)
We know you was there at the homicide scene
(I don't know nothing)
And if it wasn't you, it was somebody from ya team"
[Chorus]
From the cradle to the grave
(From the cradle to the grave)
From the cradle to the grave
(From the cradle to the grave)
From the cradle to the grave
(From the cradle to the grave)
From the cradle to the grave
(Straight from the motherfucking cradle to the grave)
[Verse 6: Havoc]
Yo, it's the real drama kills, nobody move, stand still
Body you, drop that ass off in a land-field
Son bless me with the iron, I got beef with
Some niggas from the other side over some weak shit
Load up the heaters, greet 'em with the hollow tips
Flip 'em like the Gotti clip, my crew strictly body shit
The cradle to the grave is where I'll end up
Fuck getting sent up North, son, I'm bent up
Doing my dirt on a low
Fucking with the Mobb is like a trial, no doubt you gonna blow
You never know, he didn't even have to go
There unprepared, now he's six below
Y'know I'm chilling, I got's no time for catching feelings
Get that money I want, some brothers wanna act funny
But it's all good, I still die for the 'hood
For my peoples, yeah, knock on wood
[Verse 7: Prodigy]
Triple L, rolling dice while I put you on
To the drama what I gotta say is short not long
This nigga that I'm beginning to dislike he got me fed
If he doesn't discontinue his bullshit, he might be dead
You know him well and probably go way back
But I don't care if he's your man doing shit like that
I hope the word gets back to him, cause I'll screw him
He shitted on my man and we got plans to do him
Lets get it over with quick, I'm tired of waiting
Ain’t no fear over here, dear, we just debating
On when and how, later or right now
Spoke to Killa yesterday, he said to chill for a while
But it's hard acting like everything is alright
I get the chills when I see that nigga in my eyesight
A dead man walking, not only that. he's still talking
(About what?) About how and what he did very often
You don't know how much I fiend to put his ass in a coffin
One day, my man and the next, he's not
Didn't know him long anyway, so fuck it
It's funny how things change (Word up!)
[Chorus]
From the cradle to the grave
(From the cradle to the grave)
From the cradle to the grave
(From the cradle to the grave)
From the cradle to the grave
(From the cradle to the grave)
From the cradle to the grave
(Straight from the motherfucking cradle to the grave)
[Outro: Prodigy]
Word up, man!
Y'knowhatumsayin', we gonna die!
It's for real, kid, no games being played
@diesinjapanese4754
When in dark times this album stays on repeat
@creamcorn8363
In the dark times now.
@Nautiluss
@@creamcorn8363 hold your head up
@creamcorn8363
@@Nautiluss thank you!
@diesinjapanese4754
@@creamcorn8363 Sorry it took me a while to reply because I've been in a dark place for a long time and I still am as I'm typing this. I don't want to give you any platitudes like "it always gets better" but just know you're never alone because everyone is suffering in some way. I hope you find a way to prosper.
@creamcorn8363
@@diesinjapanese4754 I appreciate the words! Thank you
@BrandonNYC
P was so ahead of his time but Havoc flow and words on this song will give you chills… the best hip hop duo of all time
@user-up4co9pt2x
I got Raekwon n Ghost #1
Mobb #2
Rock n ruck#3
Styles n kiss #4
@NewYorksMostWanted
"Kid, you ain't lying".
@kristinh.8980
They don’t rap like this no more classic pure talent you just don’t hear anything like this anymore