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.
Drink Away the Pain
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't fuck with her no more now I fuck with Tanqueray
Tanqueray introduced me to her first cousin Gold
Last name was English and the first name Olde
But Gold couldn't take the dick it made me lazy
We split apart and now I met this new trick Dainy
Now me and Dainy, we been together ever since
Our love combines to form a science, what is this
Now that she's open everybody want to tap something
Go get your own don't make me have to fucking clap something
I love my shorty more than life now ain't that something
To love you Dainy more than living itself
Even though my friends tell me she ain't good for my health
When I go pick her up they tell me put her back on the shelf
They say say yo P she only wants you for one thing that's your wealth
But I don't pay attention, cos she's my baby
The Dainy you know she drive me crazy she's my number one lady
Met her back in '89 now she's 22
Acting like she 40, she said all I need is a man to support me
Besides, you from the 41st side of things
And Queensbridge niggas be acting like they kings
Pushing Lexuses, wearing fat diamond rings
My cellular phone reigns supreme, international think rational
The 12th street crew move back when we come through
I think the whole world's going insane
I fill my brain up with Dainy, and drink away the pain
I think the whole world's going insane
I fill my mind up with liquor, and drink away the pain
I think the whole world's losing its brain
I fill my brain up with liquor, and drink away the pain
I think the whole world's going insane
I fill my brain up with Dainy, and drink away the pain
Tommy Hil was my nigga, and others couldn't figure
How me and Hilfiger used to move through with vigor
Had to sit and plan on how to make these seven figures
Said a Brinks is coming through, at Fashion Avenue
At Tuesday at two, now we gotta form a crew
Of motherfuckers, who ain't going out like suckers
Told me call Karl Kani, and all my other brothers
I told my sister Walker, who was the smoothest talker
Negotiate the deal with them other money stalkers
Diesel drove the the beemer, the hatchback of course
Nautica'll navigate to keep us on course
Polo's acting bolo trying to say he the Boss
I said shut the fuck up, the kid is out with the loot sack
Got a big trey pound, itching just to swoop back
Timb is on the roof with the twelve gauge rifle
Scope is on the top so you know he living Eiffel
Took the aim of Oswald, caught him North in the Face
All them other kids they had they tools aimed at space
Levi had the snub so you know they getting laced
Donna Karan was crying, cause mad shells was flying
Damn all we want is a piece of the pie and
Nike scooped the sacks cause he moves like Air
Threw them shits up in the trunk now we up out here
Got back to the mansion, to divvy up the paper
Helly Hansen was the brain of the whole entire caper
So she felt it was right, for her to get the whole slice
Everybody in the crew didn't think it was nice
I guess not, and Guess was hot, so guess what
Guess took the jigga, and jigged her in the gut
When you play with crime sometimes it's not too fly
Even though the goods look deceiving to the eye
The end situation could leave your ass dry
That's why you got to walk on by, walk on by
Walk on by, walk on by, walk on by
My man P put me on to the shorty Henn Rock
Now Henn Rock is strong enough to make your heartbeat stop
One sip I thought the bitch was a fucking warlock
The more she started giving me the stronger I got
Pushed her off to the crew then she started getting jealous
Steamed cos I spent more cream with the fellas
Fuck them niggas spend that cheese on me
See if they be around when you need pussy
Then I thought to myself yo this trick is right
Gathered up all my dough, so I spent the night
I can't help it, she got my brain in a headlock
Niggas started riffing why you tricking yo this shit must stop
Moms like you need to see the AA
Better hope they help your ass out on the same day
But never that, I got the shakes so I need that
Son call me stressed out I just be that
But when it comes to Henn Rock dun I need that
She's my shorty for life so fuck the feedback
I think the whole world's going insane
I fill my brain with the Henny, and drink away the pain
I think the whole world's lost its brain
I sip away on the liquor, and drink away the pain
The lyrics to Mobb Deep's song "Drink Away the Pain" revolves around relationships, wealth, crime, and self-medication. The verses focus on different "women" or substances that the singer has been involved with: E&J and Tanqueray, Gold, Dainy, and Hen(nessy) Rock. While they fill a void of sorts, such as helping the singer forget about the craziness of the world or the stress of earning seven figures through crime, the relationships are ultimately destructive. The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware of the negative aspects of their choices, but they continue to indulge in them.
The chorus repeats the phrase, "I think the whole world's going insane, I fill my brain up with ______, and drink away the pain," with the blank being filled with the specific substance mentioned in each verse. The chorus highlights the idea that the world is too much to bear, and the characters in the song are trying to escape their struggles through self-medication.
The song seems to convey a feeling of numbness and a lack of agency. The singer fills their brain with alcohol or different types of opportunities (wealth, relationships) without offering solutions for the chaos of their environment. These lyrics illustrate a culture of hopelessness in which an interpretation of the world as insane leads to the inability to take action and desperate dependence on harmful vices.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to be in love with this bitch named E&J
I used to drink cheap alcohol but have since upgraded to Tanqueray Gin
Tanqueray introduced me to her first cousin Gold
Tanqueray Gin introduced me to Olde English 800 Malt Liquor
But Gold couldn't take the dick it made me lazy
I drank so much Olde English 800 that it made me lethargic and unproductive
We split apart and now I met this new trick Dainy
I switched from drinking Olde English 800 to drinking Hennessy
Now me and Dainy, we been together ever since
I have been drinking Hennessy for a while now and it has become my go-to drink
Our love combines to form a science, what is this
My love for Hennessy has become almost scientific in nature as I am deeply committed to this brand
I bust her cherry, took her virginity in '91
I first started drinking Hennessy in 1991 and it has been my drink of choice ever since
Now that she's open everybody want to tap something
Now that Hennessy has gained popularity, everyone wants to try it
I love my shorty more than life now ain't that something
I love drinking Hennessy more than anything else in my life
When I go pick her up they tell me put her back on the shelf
My friends tell me that drinking Hennessy is not good for my health and that I should stop
But I don't pay attention, cos she's my baby
Despite my friends' warnings, I continue to drink Hennessy because I am deeply committed to it
Met her back in '89 now she's 22
I have been drinking Hennessy since 1989 and it has been 22 years since then
I think the whole world's going insane
I think the world has lost its mind and is behaving irrationally
I fill my brain up with Dainy, and drink away the pain
I drink Hennessy to escape from my problems and pain
Tommy Hil was my nigga, and others couldn't figure
Tommy Hilfiger was my friend and others could not understand our relationship
Had to sit and plan on how to make these seven figures
I had to strategize on how to make a lot of money
Told me call Karl Kani, and all my other brothers
I was advised to call on Karl Kani and other friends to help with our business plan
When you play with crime sometimes it's not too fly
Engaging in criminal activity can be dangerous and not worth the risk
Even though the goods look deceiving to the eye
Even though the money and success may look appealing, it can come at a great cost
The end situation could leave your ass dry
Engaging in criminal activity can leave you broke or dead
I fill my mind up with liquor, and drink away the pain
I drink alcohol to escape my issues and problems
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ALBERT JOHNSON, BENNIE MAUPIN, BILL SOMERS, DERRICK T. YOUMAN, DEWAYNE MCKNIGHT, KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, KEJUAN WALIEK MUCHITA, MICHAEL B. CLARK, PAUL JACKSON, PAUL POTYEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Viktor_V/-\ughn* Da_Vaudville*_villaiN••
ShortyWithBrains truth word up. Look out for da cops on the island wildin Wu SUU! Brownsville & BK all day with Frankie baby, flamboyant with L in Harlem, foreal, MoBB, in Queens, the realness the foundation, Nas comin from the same location, they represent Q, with the firm organization, even mega locked up came back with a higher elevation. One love to the crew from back in 92'
So go ahead and walk them dogs and represent wu
Peace to da god and gangstarr was da squad
Guru was smooth with his moments of truth with his monotone flow and message from the booth
While premiere laced groove
The best producer to touch wax
Made most of the NY cats beats to make their best tracks, in fact he still get down like that
And that was just in NY, and I'm shy a few guys, not to mention everything comin out da west side. One love to the time and glad that I was alive to say this era was mine, and all who can vibe puff live
For Qtip and the tribe
Kami Neko
Lyrics
I used to be in love with this bitch named E&J
Don't fuck with her no more now I fuck with Tanqueray
Tanqueray introduced me to her first cousin Gold
Last name was English and the first name Olde
But Gold couldn't take the dick it made me lazy
We split apart and now I met this new trick Dainy
Now me and Dainy, we been together ever since
Our love combines to form a science, what is this
I bust her cherry, took her virginity in '91
Now that she's open everybody want to tap something
Go get your own don't make me have to fucking clap something
I love my shorty more than life now ain't that something
To love you Dainy more than living itself
Even though my friends tell me she ain't good for my health
When I go pick her up they tell me put her back on the shelf
They say say yo P she only wants you for one thing that's your wealth
But I don't pay attention, cos she's my baby
The Dainy you know she drive me crazy she's my number one lady
Met her back in '89 now she's 22
Acting like she 40, she said all I need is a man to support me
Besides, you from the 41st side of things
And Queensbridge niggas be acting like they kings
Pushing Lexuses, wearing fat diamond rings
My cellular phone reigns supreme, international think rational
The 12th street crew move back when we come through
I think the whole world's going insane
I fill my brain up with Dainy, and drink away the pain
I think the whole world's going insane
I fill my mind up with liquor, and drink away the pain
I think the whole world's losing its brain
I fill my brain up with liquor, and drink away the pain
I think the whole world's going insane
I fill my brain up with Dainy, and drink away the pain
Tommy Hil was my nigga, and others couldn't figure
How me and Hilfiger used to move through with vigor
Had to sit and plan on how to make these seven figures
Said a Brinks is coming through, at Fashion Avenue
At Tuesday at two, now we gotta form a crew
Of motherfuckers, who ain't going out like suckers
Told me call Karl Kani, and all my other brothers
I told my sister Walker, who was the smoothest talker
Negotiate the deal with them other money stalkers
Diesel drove the the beemer, the hatchback of course
Nautica'll navigate to keep us on course
Polo's acting bolo trying to say he the Boss
I said shut the fuck up, the kid is out with the loot sack
Got a big trey pound, itching just to swoop back
Timb is on the roof with the twelve gauge rifle
Scope is on the top so you know he living Eiffel
Took the aim of Oswald, caught him North in the Face
All them other kids they had they tools aimed at space
Levi had the snub so you know they getting laced
Donna Karan was crying, cause mad shells was flying
Damn all we want is a piece of the pie and
Nike scooped the sacks cause he moves like Air
Threw them shits up in the trunk now we up out here
Got back to the mansion, to divvy up the paper
Helly Hansen was the brain of the whole entire caper
So she felt it was right, for her to get the whole slice
Everybody in the crew didn't think it was nice
I guess not, and Guess was hot, so guess what
Guess took the jigga, and jigged her in the gut
When you play with crime sometimes it's not too fly
Even though the goods look deceiving to the eye
The end situation could leave your ass dry
That's why you got to walk on by, walk on by
Walk on by, walk on by, walk on by
My man P put me on to the shorty Henn Rock
Now Henn Rock is strong enough to make your heartbeat stop
One sip I thought the bitch was a fucking warlock
The more she started giving me the stronger I got
Pushed her off to the crew then she started getting jealous
Steamed cos I spent more cream with the fellas
Fuck them niggas spend that cheese on me
See if they be around when you need pussy
Then I thought to myself yo this trick is right
Gathered up all my dough, so I spent the night
I can't help it, she got my brain in a headlock
Niggas started riffing why you tricking yo this shit must stop
Moms like you need to see the AA
Better hope they help your ass out on the same day
But never that, I got the shakes so I need that
Son call me stressed out I just be that
But when it comes to Henn Rock dun I need that
She's my shorty for life so fuck the feedback
I think the whole world's going insane
I fill my brain with the Henny, and drink away the pain
I think the whole world's lost its brain
I sip away on the liquor, and drink away the pain
Victor Vanquish
Sober for 75 days now. I’m an alcoholic but I still appreciate good music. This song still speaks to me.
BasedGod
played this durin one of my group therapies in rehab 😂😂 mad respect brotha
KarlJC1411
Keep up the good work
Boosie Boose🙈
😂
Griffany
One love my dude! The booze will follow you like your shadow! S.o.p.
Pizone81
Been off booze for 3 weeks not really an alcoholic just like to take drink here and there but I got blitz on Memorial Day unintentionally and that made me step back I’m just trying to see if it makes a difference weight wise and mentally 🤞🏽
D
And this is why Tip is my favorite producer. That snare is infectious.
SB
Heard it on Give Up The Goods Too💯
nick92
This cd got me through my first field exercise when I served in the Army back in 1995. I listened to this cd every day for 2 months.
Jordan Moore
Same over here fam this “Quiet Storm “Remix and “ Cradle to the Grave” got me past the range at the academy