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.
Creep
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't come around here, baby, shining like that, yeah
It's crazy on this side, come through, gun through
Oh, ya man live out here, don't go and get comfortable
Don't know what he told you ain't sweet around here
And I don't care what he told you ain't sweet around here
What's that a 2006? Okay
Playboy we got balls that ain't made all day
You comin' through the hood straight dangling state, yeah
We takin' medium-rare, grilled debatin' us
Letting' that slide's not up for debate
Oh, you met, you a local guess what she bait
She don't know right now but trust me the bitch bait
I won't get all in the business that shorty is mad cool
My man was diggin' at but she a lil' bit nasty to
First time we catch you comin' out the building we snatch you
And takin' what's yours, first thing we ask you is
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like you somebody lookin', like the player of the year, boy
Fuck brought ya ass around here
This is Queens lil' homie get caught around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Comin' through for these bitches, shit happen around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like niggas got something' to live for around here
You ask me all these rappers is bums
Have showed me the flow and I ran with it dun
I mean really, y'all got to be the most worst
Rap shit I ever heard compared to P verse
We emerge on the scene
Everything seems, stop, watch is very bling, bling
Nigga wanna swing swing, very much so
But once we get in the air that's a wrap bro
Our songs good to go straight to the radio
Flex easy on the bomb let these niggas hear to flow
We Americas most dangerous to have fans
New York, New York, we the kings of the dam
We party too much and smoke too much grass
And we never see the bright side we only see the bad
Fuck all that, it's a lot of niggas dead
And I won't let ?em get me how they got them
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like you somebody lookin', like the player of the year, boy
Fuck brought ya ass around here
This is Queens lil' homie get caught around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Comin' through for these bitches, shit happen around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like niggas got something' to live for around here
Yeah, cock that, aim that, squeeze that, shoot the steel
Cadillac Coupe De Ville, wood grain on the wheel
Cocaine in the pot, baking soda water hot
When the ice cubes drop, look at that, that's crack
Bag that nigga stack, black hoody fitted hat
Grimy nigga with a gat screamin', "Where the money at?"
My hood Southside, riders ride that's right
Yayo he know, Banks know, Buck know
Shit it ain't about the dough I ain't really with it yo
Camouflage on the low, ridin' round with the heat
I ain't say wassup to you, nigga you don't know me
I'm on the grind all the time, heavy shine and a nine
Clip fill till the tip, stunt I get on some shit
Different day, different bitch, old hoody new kicks
Oldsmobile fuck that, no rims, hubcaps
Keep my eyes open for them niggas that dun buck that
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like you somebody lookin', like the player of the year, boy
Fuck brought ya ass around here
This is Queens lil' homie get caught around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Comin' through for these bitches, shit happen around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like niggas got something' to live for around here
The lyrics to Mobb Deep feat. 50 Cent's song Creep are about the harsh realities of living in Queensbridge and the dangers that come with it. The song starts with the chorus repeating the phrase "creep mode," which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The verses are rapped by Prodigy and Havoc of Mobb Deep, with 50 Cent providing the chorus and ad-libs.
The first verse warns people not to come to Queensbridge showing off their wealth or acting too comfortable, as it's a dangerous area. The second verse is about a woman who is driving an expensive car and is seen as bait for robbery. The third verse is about the rappers themselves and how they emerged on the rap scene with their dangerous and gritty style. The final verse is about the everyday struggles of living in Queensbridge and the need to stay alert and prepared for violence.
The tone of the song is menacing and threatening, with references to guns, drugs, and violence throughout. It reflects the reality of life in Queensbridge and the rapper's experience of growing up in the area. The lyrics are raw and unfiltered, with no attempt to sugarcoat the reality of the harsh environment.
Line by Line Meaning
That's that creep, creep mode baby, we in creep mode
We're being sneaky and cautious, staying under the radar.
Don't come around here, baby, shining like that, yeah
Don't attract attention with your flashy demeanor.
It's crazy on this side, come through, gun through
Our neighborhood is dangerous, be prepared to defend yourself.
Oh, ya man live out here, don't go and get comfortable
Don't assume you're safe just because you know someone who lives here.
Don't know what he told you ain't sweet around here
Don't trust what your acquaintance told you about this place being safe.
And I don't care what he told you ain't sweet around here
I'm warning you that this is a dangerous place, regardless of what you may have been told.
See you riding that infinity, now that's not fair
I noticed your expensive car and it's making me jealous.
What's that a 2006? Okay
I'm mocking your 'fancy' car, which is actually not that new.
Playboy we got balls that ain't made all day
We're daring and bold, and we don't back down easily.
You comin' through the hood straight dangling state, yeah
You're naïve and vulnerable, and we can tell just by looking at you.
We takin' medium-rare, grilled debatin' us
We're tough and hard to impress; don't expect us to be impressed by you.
Letting' that slide's not up for debate
We won't let anything slide, we'll take action against any perceived threat.
Oh, you met, you a local guess what she bait
You met a girl from this area? She's probably trying to lure you into danger.
She don't know right now but trust me the bitch bait
She may not know she's dangerous, but I do and I'm warning you.
I won't get all in the business that shorty is mad cool
I won't gossip about that girl, but she seems nice.
My man was diggin' at but she a lil' bit nasty to
My friend was interested in her, but she has a bad reputation.
First time we catch you comin' out the building we snatch you
If we see you leaving that building, we'll grab you.
And takin' what's yours, first thing we ask you is
We'll steal from you, and then demand an explanation for why you were in our territory.
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Why did you come to our dangerous, unpredictable neighborhood?
Like you somebody lookin', like the player of the year, boy
You came here acting like a big shot, trying to show off.
This is Queens lil' homie get caught around here, yeah
This is our turf, you're not safe here.
Comin' through for these bitches, shit happen around here, yeah
If you're here to see girls, be warned that this area is dangerous and unpredictable.
Like niggas got something' to live for around here
People in this neighborhood have nothing to lose, and act accordingly.
You ask me all these rappers is bums
You're curious about why we seem to dislike many other rappers.
Have showed me the flow and I ran with it dun
We've been inspired by a certain type of rap, and have made it our own.
I mean really, y'all got to be the most worst
Many other rappers are terrible in comparison to us.
Rap shit I ever heard compared to P verse
Our own rap style, influenced by Prodigy's verse, is far superior to anything else we've heard.
We emerge on the scene
We entered the rap world with a bang.
Everything seems, stop, watch is very bling, bling
Our success has brought us a lot of attention and material possessions.
Nigga wanna swing swing, very much so
Other rappers would love to compete with us, but they don't have what it takes.
But once we get in the air that's a wrap bro
Once we start performing, everyone is blown away and knows we're the real deal.
Our songs good to go straight to the radio
Our music is so good, it gets picked up by radio stations without much effort on our part.
Flex easy on the bomb let these niggas hear to flow
We're confident enough in our music to let it speak for itself.
We Americas most dangerous to have fans
Our fans are loyal and hardcore, just like we are.
New York, New York, we the kings of the dam
We rule the rap scene in New York City.
We party too much and smoke too much grass
We live life on the wild side, partying hard and smoking marijuana.
And we never see the bright side we only see the bad
We have a pessimistic outlook on life, focusing on the negative aspects.
Fuck all that, it's a lot of niggas dead
The harsh reality is that many people have died, and we're not taking any risks.
And I won't let ?em get me how they got them
We're determined to avoid the fate of those who have died in our community.
Yeah, cock that, aim that, squeeze that, shoot the steel
We're prepared to use deadly force if necessary.
Cadillac Coupe De Ville, wood grain on the wheel
We appreciate the finer things in life, such as a fancy car with luxurious features.
Cocaine in the pot, baking soda water hot
We're involved in illegal drug activities, using household items to make drugs.
When the ice cubes drop, look at that, that's crack
We're producing and selling crack cocaine, a very dangerous and addictive drug.
Bag that nigga stack, black hoody fitted hat
We're dressed for crime, wearing dark clothing and ready to rob someone for their money.
Grimy nigga with a gat screamin', "Where the money at?"
We're intimidating and threatening, using guns to rob people of their money.
My hood Southside, riders ride that's right
We're from the tough, gritty Southside of Queens and we're not to be messed with.
Yayo he know, Banks know, Buck know
Our fellow rappers Yayo, Banks, and Buck are aware of our rough lifestyles and activities.
Shit it ain't about the dough I ain't really with it yo
I don't care about money that much, I'm more interested in living the gangster lifestyle.
Camouflage on the low, ridin' round with the heat
We're trying to stay hidden and blend in, but we're armed and ready to defend ourselves.
I ain't say wassup to you, nigga you don't know me
I don't feel a need to be friendly with anyone who doesn't know me personally.
I'm on the grind all the time, heavy shine and a nine
I'm always working hard, and I'm not afraid to use a gun to protect myself and my interests.
Clip fill till the tip, stunt I get on some shit
I'm always loading my gun and ready to show off or cause trouble.
Different day, different bitch, old hoody new kicks
My life is always changing, but I still have my favorite clothing items and shoes that I wear often.
Oldsmobile fuck that, no rims, hubcaps
I don't care about having a fancy car, as long as it's functional and serves its purpose.
Keep my eyes open for them niggas that dun buck that
I'm vigilant and watchful, always on the lookout for potential threats or enemies.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CURTIS N JACKSON, ALBERT J N JOHNSON, BAPPI LAHIRI, LATA MANGESHKAR, KEJUAN WALIEK N MUCHITA, RAMESH PANT, Curtis James Jackson, Albert Johnson, Kejuan Waliek Muchita
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
arush bhagat
That's that creep, creep mode baby, we in creep mode
Don't come around here, baby, shining like that, yeah
It's crazy on this side, come through, gun through
Oh, ya man live out here, don't go and get comfortable
Don't know what he told you ain't sweet around here
And I don't care what he told you ain't sweet around here
See you riding that infinity, now that's not fair
What's that a 2006? Okay
Playboy we got balls that ain't made all day
You comin' through the hood straight dangling state, yeah
We takin' medium-rare, grilled debatin' us
Letting' that slide's not up for debate
Oh, you met, you a local guess what she bait
She don't know right now but trust me the bitch bait
I won't get all in the business that shorty is mad cool
My man was diggin' at but she a lil' bit nasty to
First time we catch you comin' out the building we snatch you
And takin' what's yours, first thing we ask you is
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like you somebody lookin', like the player of the year, boy
Fuck brought ya ass around here
This is Queens lil' homie get caught around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Comin' through for these bitches, shit happen around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like niggas got something' to live for around here
You ask me all these rappers is bums
Have showed me the flow and I ran with it dun
I mean really, y'all got to be the most worst
Rap shit I ever heard compared to P verse
We emerge on the scene
Everything seems, stop, watch is very bling, bling
Nigga wanna swing swing, very much so
But once we get in the air that's a wrap bro
Our songs good to go straight to the radio
Flex easy on the bomb let these niggas hear to flow
We Americas most dangerous to have fans
New York, New York, we the kings of the dam
We party too much and smoke too much grass
And we never see the bright side we only see the bad
Fuck all that, it's a lot of niggas dead
And I won't let ?em get me how they got them
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like you somebody lookin', like the player of the year, boy
Fuck brought ya ass around here
This is Queens lil' homie get caught around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Comin' through for these bitches, shit happen around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like niggas got something' to live for around here
Yeah, cock that, aim that, squeeze that, shoot the steel
Cadillac Coupe De Ville, wood grain on the wheel
Cocaine in the pot, baking soda water hot
When the ice cubes drop, look at that, that's crack
Bag that nigga stack, black hoody fitted hat
Grimy nigga with a gat screamin', "Where the money at?"
My hood Southside, riders ride that's right
Yayo he know, Banks know, Buck know
Shit it ain't about the dough I ain't really with it yo
Camouflage on the low, ridin' round with the heat
I ain't say wassup to you, nigga you don't know me
I'm on the grind all the time, heavy shine and a nine
Clip fill till the tip, stunt I get on some shit
Different day, different bitch, old hoody new kicks
Oldsmobile fuck that, no rims, hubcaps
Keep my eyes open for them niggas that dun buck that
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like you somebody lookin', like the player of the year, boy
Fuck brought ya ass around here
This is Queens lil' homie get caught around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Comin' through for these bitches, shit happen around here, yeah
Fuck brought ya ass around here
Like niggas got something' to live for around here
Christian
A hidden Gem...I agree one of 50's best ryhmes to a perfect beat....
Everyone kills it...but 50 stands way out..... CREEP
EMPEROR_KING_SIDDY
The MOST underrated mobb deep album EVER!!!! STRAIGHT CLASSIC ALBUM!!!! DA HATE IS REAL!!!!!
David S
Nah bro you tripping. The most underrated is Juvenile Hell.
Pure Pat
So happy to see all the praise for 50's verse in the comments. Def one of his best
OSRS Boosting Service
i am in 2022 and this is true!!!! love from sweden
Dameon Jones
50 KILLED THE SHIT OUT HIS VERSE!!
J B
50 verse so hard i stole my own car just to bump this
John Kirk
That makes no sense.
Dreamrydah
🤣💀👀
Jonas
U funny 😂😂😂👌🏾