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.
Going Out
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Big guns and sharp knives
Revolvers 'cause automatics jam at the wrong time (I'm going out)
Like fights with the brass knuckles
Swinging belts catching niggas with the buckle now fuck it (I'm going out)
Like I ain't got nothing to live
Like as if you had guns to my kids fuck it (going all out)
Pop me a nigga quicker than police
Leave more wounds than a whole room full of chicks
You running while I'm gunning 'cause you a bitch
I heard niggas talking like they goinng to dead mines
I got enough guns we can make the headlines
I'm from a place where the realeast niggas get murdered
And the illest niggas try to avoid it, but can't call it
It's a cold world bundle up
Keep your heat on at all times and never freeze up
And your eyes blink you could catch a hole in your tank
Have you leaking all over the place
Watch how you speak
And watch how you move through the streets
I got a mob with niggas with heat
We live but ah squeeze 'fore we think
Breath before is too late
Uph you fucked up and got laid to sleep
I'm going out with big guns and sharp knives
Revolvers 'cause automatics jam at the wrong time(I'm going out)
Like fights with the brass knuckles
Swinging belts catching niggas with the buckle now fuck it (I'm going out)
Like I ain't got nothing to live
Like as if you had guns at my kids fuck it (going all out)
For the big checks and large faces mantions
And my duns would do the same for me
I'm going out like a nigga that he never have nothing
Fuck it I ain't frontive
If I want to know I got to go out like a navy seal
Label me I'll you sling thrills
Meet you on top of the hills screaming dollar bill
Going out like a nigga you just smacked
His moms in the cut plotting patient and calm
Putting on everything that I love and stand for
Getting ben up in the pub till five in the morn
Going out like a nigga with six days to live
And like a single parents raising a kid now that's a big
Going out like a nigga with shit touching his rib
You got more than nesessary dun a nigga went dead
Going out for my niggas see this gat in my hand
You better back the fuck up what part didn't you understand
Head nah aim straight at your thighro glands
Must've not been really your men those niggas that ran (I'm going out)
With big guns and sharp knives
Revolvers 'cause automatic jam at the wrong time(I'm going out)
Like fights with the brass knuckles
Swinging belts catching niggas with the buckle now fuck it (I'm going out)
Like I ain't got nothing to live
Like as if you had guns to my kids fuck it (going all out)
For the big checks and large faces mantions
And my duns would do the same for me
We do it well click niggas like nails
Catch cases skip bells
I lie 'fore I chitel die in the sitel
Pop gun with the shitel
Fuck a bitch just to getsel
Rap style smoother than C-L in the K on the D-L
Line for line you can detail
Choked more niggas than Sprewell
Rap style pelo, watch me blow like tornados
Clear the block out with just an echo
Trust me niggas don't want me see let go
Niggas don't want to see the tech blow
Watch me blow the crowd like techno music nigga
When it come to murder you know we do it for the chorus
Fuck lying on the lord ain't worth dying for
I rather die fucking raw or walking on a mine in the cold war
My dogs got my shoulders with t up machine guns
All my niggas soldiers with big grenades throw them in your rober
Send prodigy to check the scence when it's over
Niggas animals coming back for leftovers (all out nigga)
I'm going out with big guns and sharp knives
Revolvers 'cause automatics jam at the wrong time(I'm going out)
Like fights with the brass knuckles
Swinging belts catching niggas with the buckle now fuck it(I'm going out)
Like I ain't got nothing to live
Like as if you had guns to my kids fuck it (going all out)
For the big checks and large faces mantions
And my duns would do the same for me
I'm going out
I'm going out
I'm going out
The lyrics to Mobb Deep feat. Lil' Cease's song I'm Going Out are filled with violent imagery and talk of going all out with big guns, sharp knives, and revolvers. The artists talk about living in a cold and dangerous world where the realest and illest people get murdered, and the artists brace themselves with a mob of people with guns to survive. The lyrics express a lot of fear and desperation, like the artists are willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means taking someone else's life.
The lyrics also describe a deep sense of loyalty between the artists and their friends. They talk about going all out for their duns (friends) who would do the same for them. When it comes to murder, they do it for the chorus, and they describe their friends as soldiers who have their backs. This loyalty is something that keeps the artists going, even when life feels like it's not worth living anymore.
Overall, the lyrics to I'm Going Out are dark and disturbing, painting a picture of a brutal and violent life. However, they also express a sense of loyalty and brotherhood that can be found in even the darkest of places.
Line by Line Meaning
Going out nigga
We are going out, ready for a fight.
Big guns and sharp knives
We are carrying powerful weapons.
Revolvers 'cause automatics jam at the wrong time (I'm going out)
We prefer revolvers to automatics because they don't jam easily.
Like fights with the brass knuckles
We are ready to engage in close combat.
Swinging belts catching niggas with the buckle now fuck it (I'm going out)
We are ready to hit our enemies with belts and buckles.
Like I ain't got nothing to live
I am willing to risk my life in this fight.
Like as if you had guns to my kids fuck it (going all out)
I am so determined to win that I would fight even if my children's lives were at stake.
Yo you know the type that style and shit that rise my dick
I get excited by the swagger and bravado of certain types of people.
Pop me a nigga quicker than police
I can shoot someone more quickly than the police can.
Leave more wounds than a whole room full of chicks
I am very dangerous and can cause significant harm.
You running while I'm gunning 'cause you a bitch
You are a coward and won't stand up to me.
I heard niggas talking like they goinng to dead mines
I have heard people talking about attempting something dangerous.
I'm from a place where the realeast niggas get murdered
I come from a violent and dangerous neighborhood.
And the illest niggas try to avoid it, but can't call it
Even the toughest people in my neighborhood try to stay out of trouble, but sometimes can't avoid it.
It's a cold world bundle up
The world is a harsh and unforgiving place.
Keep your heat on at all times and never freeze up
Stay armed and ready for anything.
And your eyes blink you could catch a hole in your tank
If you let your guard down for even a moment, you could be seriously hurt.
Have you leaking all over the place
You could be bleeding heavily from a wound.
Watch how you speak
Be careful what you say.
And watch how you move through the streets
Be aware of your surroundings.
I got a mob with niggas with heat
I have a group of armed men with me.
We live but ah squeeze 'fore we think
We are ready to shoot first and ask questions later.
Breath before is too late
Think before you act.
Uph you fucked up and got laid to sleep
You made a mistake and got killed because of it.
Going out for my niggas see this gat in my hand
I am fighting for my friends and have a gun.
You better back the fuck up what part didn't you understand
You should step back or face the consequences.
Head nah aim straight at your thighro glands
I am aiming for your vital areas.
Must've not been really your men those niggas that ran (I'm going out)
Your friends aren't really committed to this fight.
For the big checks and large faces mantions
I am fighting for money and wealth.
And my duns would do the same for me
My friends would also fight for me.
I'm going out like a nigga that he never have nothing
I have nothing to lose in this fight.
Fuck it I ain't frontive
I am not being fake or pretending anything.
If I want to know I got to go out like a navy seal
I need to fight and risk my life to get the information I need.
Label me I'll you sling thrills
I am a thrilling and dangerous person.
Meet you on top of the hills screaming dollar bill
I am willing to fight anywhere, even on a hill.
Going out like a nigga you just smacked
I am fighting out of anger and aggression.
His moms in the cut plotting patient and calm
My opponent's mother is plotting revenge.
Putting on everything that I love and stand for
I am fighting for my beliefs and values.
Getting ben up in the pub till five in the morn
I am drinking and partying until late at night.
Going out like a nigga with six days to live
I am risking my life even though I only have a short time left.
And like a single parents raising a kid now that's a big
Raising a child alone is difficult and admirable.
Going out like a nigga with shit touching his rib
I am fighting while injured.
You got more than nesessary dun a nigga went dead
You went too far and killed someone.
We do it well click niggas like nails
We are skilled at taking down our enemies.
Catch cases skip bells
We are willing to face legal trouble to fight.
I lie 'fore I chitel die in the sitel
I am willing to lie or deceive to avoid death.
Pop gun with the shitel
I can quickly and accurately shoot a gun.
Fuck a bitch just to getsel
I am willing to have sex with women just to get what I want.
Rap style smoother than C-L in the K on the D-L
My rap style is smooth and compelling.
Line for line you can detail
Every line of my lyrics is worth analyzing.
Choked more niggas than Sprewell
I have won more battles than Latrell Sprewell.
Rap style pelo, watch me blow like tornados
My rap style is explosive and energetic.
Clear the block out with just an echo
I am powerful enough to clear out a whole block.
Trust me niggas don't want me see let go
My enemies should be afraid of me.
Niggas don't want to see the tech blow
My enemies don't want to face my guns.
Watch me blow the crowd like techno music nigga
I am a talented performer.
When it come to murder you know we do it for the chorus
We are willing to kill for the sake of our music.
Fuck lying on the lord ain't worth dying for
I won't lie, even if it means risking my life.
I rather die fucking raw or walking on a mine in the cold war
I would rather risk dying from unprotected sex or walking on a mine than compromise my beliefs.
My dogs got my shoulders with t up machine guns
My friends have my back with powerful weapons.
All my niggas soldiers with big grenades throw them in your rober
All of my friends are ready for war and can throw grenades.
Send prodigy to check the scence when it's over
My friend Prodigy will investigate the scene after the fight.
Niggas animals coming back for leftovers (all out nigga)
My enemies will return to fight us again in the future.
Swinging belts catching niggas with the buckle now fuck it(I'm going out)
We will hit our enemies with belts and buckles to win this fight.
I'm going out
I'm going out
I am fully committed to this fight and am ready to risk my life.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALBERT JOHNSON, KEJUAN WALIEK MUCHITA, J. LLOYD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind