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.
It's Alright
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your love's in 187 baby it's alright, it's alright
When we beefin' we ain' speakin'
Feels like I'm dyin' inside but it's alright
Forget the trials and tribulations you been through in your life
Come to me runnin' trust me baby I make it right
You with me lil' mama, let's breeze lil' mama
Love gettin' hotter you can if you wanna
Have it all it's yours just ask and you got it
The trillion cuts, the Audi and Porsche trucks
I do these things for you 'cause you my done
Girl, feel special 'cause I don't spend
Nuttin' but time with certain other broads I rip
You belong in minks, bracelets and rings
Not handcuffs forget about that locket chain
And just leave lil' mama, this P lil' mama
I ain't them, I'm me lil' mama
My baby, you crazy and I'm hooked
Your body right, your smile light up the room
That man you got, that nigga's a fool
Guess one man's trash is the next man's jewel
This is no way to live
(It's alright)
But it's just the way it is
(It's alright)
You got to understand
(It's alright)
That I never could trust a man
(It's alright)
But I got to let it go
(It's alright)
And stop livin' in the past
(It's alright)
(It's alright)
And give you a chance
(It's alright)
Give you a chance
When we first middle sex fif, knew that you was that chick
Wooly sayin' holla at her, whip sayin' girl get in
Remind me of a women that, I can have without the stress
Asked if she had a man, couldn't tell if no or yes
Hell, I just dipped her number and talked more
When I hit you one conversation, I knew that she had trust issues
Who the hell would do that, man cheated on her twice
Last one before that, found out homie had a wife
Looked so secure, but yet so delicate
Can't come back in the crib without a search for evidence
Baby girl, I ain't here to hurt you, here to protect and serve you
Ain't your fool model them other dudes don't deserve you
What you tryin' to do, scare me off and leave you low
Funny how you let it ring and never answer your phone
The accuser got me curious, I asked who it was
He like the 'Sold-a-soul' man, who the fuck you 'cause? I'm out
This is no way to live
(It's alright)
But it's just the way it is
(It's alright)
You got to understand
(It's alright)
That I never could trust a man
(It's alright)
But I got to let it go
(It's alright)
And stop livin' in the past
(It's alright)
(It's alright)
And give you a chance
(It's alright)
Give you a chance
Every time I hurt you it's because of what someone else
Has done to me and I know it's not really fair
No I just can't trust you 'cause I just got outta something
And I'm running, boy you know that I'm running scared
You treat me so good that it's just too good to be true
And I don't think that I really deserve
To be treated like a woman should
'cause I been so hurt in the past I'm still carryin' bags
This is no way to live
(It's alright)
But it's just the way it is
(It's alright)
You got to understand
(It's alright)
That I never could trust a man
(It's alright)
But I got to let it go
(It's alright)
And stop livin' in the past
(It's alright)
(It's alright)
And give you a chance
(It's alright)
Give you a chance
We can ball to the fullest baby
(It's alright, it's alright)
You can style if you want, go ahead stunt
(It's alright, it's alright)
If it's diamonds you like go ahead pick 'em up
(It's alright, it's alright)
Get the first Bentley spurs His & Hers
(It's alright, it's alright)
The song It's Alright by Mobb Deep featuring 50 Cent is a tale of a relationship with trust issues. The lyrics describe the emotional turmoil that both parties face when they are beefing but not speaking. Even though they are hurting inside, they understand that it's alright because they can always run to each other and make things right. The lyrics suggest that despite the trials and tribulations that they both have been through, they have found love in each other, and they will make it work.
The chorus "This is no way to live, but it's just the way it is, you got to understand that I never could trust a man, but I got to let it go, and stop living in the past, and give you a chance, give you a chance" talks about the challenges of trust and letting go of the past. The singer admits that they have trust issues stemming from their past experiences, and they find it hard to let go of the baggage. However, they understand that they need to give their partner a chance and try to make the relationship work.
Overall, "It's Alright" is a song with powerful lyrics that delve into the complexities of relationships with trust issues. The song's message is one of hope and forgiveness, as the singers try to overcome their past experiences and look forward to a brighter future together.
Line by Line Meaning
M J be, M O be be Fifty, it's alright
Mobb Deep,50 Cent, and Michael Jackson's popularity will make everything alright
Your love's in 187 baby it's alright, it's alright
Despite the issues in the relationship, everything will be alright because of their love for each other
When we beefin' we ain' speakin'
When they are fighting, they stop communicating
Feels like I'm dyin' inside but it's alright
Even though the internal pain is unbearable, the situation is still manageable
Forget the trials and tribulations you been through in your life
Let go of the difficulties you've faced in the past
Come to me runnin' trust me baby I make it right
Trust that the singer will make things right and help them out when they are in a bad situation
You with me lil' mama, let's breeze lil' mama
The singer invites his partner to be with him and take life easy
We start with a lil' bit and take it to a lotta that
To start small and gradually progress to something bigger
Love gettin' hotter you can if you wanna
As love becomes stronger, his partner is free to take action and make choices
Have it all it's yours just ask and you got it
Everything the partner desires, she has to ask and it's hers
The trillion cuts, the Audi and Porsche trucks
The singer showcases his wealth and generosity toward his partner
I do these things for you 'cause you my done
All these things done for her are because she is his partner
Girl, feel special 'cause I don't spend
She should feel special because he doesn't spend time with other women
Nuttin' but time with certain other broads I rip
The singer spends no time with any other women except for some exceptions
You belong in minks, bracelets and rings
The partner deserves luxurious things like fur coats and expensive jewelry
Not handcuffs forget about that locket chain
She should forget the past relationships where she was chained in handcuffs and stuck with a locket chain
And just leave lil' mama, this P lil' mama
She should forget the past and live in the present with the singer
I ain't them, I'm me lil' mama
The singer isn't like the other men and is unique and different
My baby, you crazy and I'm hooked
The singer is in love with his partner's craziness
Your body right, your smile light up the room
Her attractive body and smile lighten up the mood for everyone
That man you got, that nigga's a fool
The singer thinks that her current partner is foolish
Guess one man's trash is the next man's jewel
She was neglected and unappreciated by her previous partner, but now she is the most important thing to the singer
This is no way to live(It's alright)
The singer admits that their difficult relationship isn't the right way to live
But it's just the way it is(It's alright)
The wounds of their past remain and they must accept that it's the reality
You got to understand(It's alright)
She needs to understand the singer's inability to trust anyone due to his past experiences
That I never could trust a man(It's alright)
The singer reveals that he still can't trust men in general and it's alright for the partner to know
But I got to let it go(It's alright)
The singer acknowledges that he needs to let go of past rejections
And stop livin' in the past(It's alright)
He should forget the past and move on with his life
(It's alright) And give you a chance(It's alright) Give you a chance
The singer is ready to give his partner a chance and forget his past
When we first middle sex fif, knew that you was that chick
When they first met, the singer thought that she was unique and different from other people
Wooly sayin' holla at her, whip sayin' girl get in
Wooly, Whip and others encouraged the singer to approach her
Remind me of a women that, I can have without the stress
The singer felt comfortable and less stressed around her
Asked if she had a man, couldn't tell if no or yes
The singer was unsure if the partner had another man in her life when he first approached her
Hell, I just dipped her number and talked more
He took her number and tried to get to know her better
When I hit you one conversation, I knew that she had trust issues
One conversation was enough for the singer to understand that she had issues with trust
Who the hell would do that, man cheated on her twice
The singer couldn't understand how anyone would cheat on such a wonderful woman, he learned of her past
Last one before that, found out homie had a wife
Her previous partner was already married to someone, which was a big shock to the current singer
Looked so secure, but yet so delicate
The singer thought that despite looking tough and confident, she was really sensitive
Can't come back in the crib without a search for evidence
He could not come back to his home without searching for any evidence of cheating
Baby girl, I ain't here to hurt you, here to protect and serve you
The singer is here to protect her from any dangers and serve her needs
Ain't your fool model them other dudes don't deserve you
The singer suggests that none of her past partners deserved her and were foolish
What you tryin' to do, scare me off and leave you low
He thought that she was trying to drive him away and leave her alone
Funny how you let it ring and never answer your phone
She did not answer his phone calls and left him curious
The accuser got me curious, I asked who it was
He was curious about the person the partner was talking about and asked her about it
He like the 'Sold-a-soul' man, who the fuck you 'cause? I'm out
Her past partner sold out his soul in exchange for money, he realized that he would never do this and left the situation
We can ball to the fullest baby(It's alright, it's alright)
He assures her that they will have a good time together and everything will be fine
You can style if you want, go ahead stunt(It's alright, it's alright)
She can stylize and act the way she wants as she pleases without any judgement
If it's diamonds you like go ahead pick 'em up(It's alright, it's alright)
She can choose and take the diamonds she wants as they are available for her
Get the first Bentley spurs His & Hers(It's alright, it's alright)
The singer is willing to buy them both matching Bentley cars
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: KIMBERLY SCHIFINO, MATTHEW JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mrs.killuazoldyck3634
M J be, M O be be Fifty, it's alright
Your love's in 187 baby it's alright, it's alright
When we beefin' we ain' speakin'
Feels like I'm dyin' inside but it's alright
Forget the trials and tribulations you been through in your life
Come to me runnin' trust me baby I make it right
You with me lil' mama, let's breeze lil' mama
We start with a lil' bit and take it to a lotta that
Love gettin' hotter you can if you wanna
Have it all it's yours just ask and you got it
The trillion cuts, the Audi and Porsche trucks
I do these things for you 'cause you my done
Girl, feel special 'cause I don't spend
Nuttin' but time with certain other broads I rip
You belong in minks, bracelets and rings
Not handcuffs forget about that locket chain
And just leave lil' mama, this P lil' mama
I ain't them, I'm me lil' mama
My baby, you crazy and I'm hooked
Your body right, your smile light up the room
That man you got, that nigga's a fool
Guess one man's trash is the next man's jewel
This is no way to live
(It's alright)
But it's just the way it is
(It's alright)
You got to understand
(It's alright)
That I never could trust a man
(It's alright)
But I got to let it go
(It's alright)
And stop livin' in the past
(It's alright)
And give you a chance
(It's alright)
Give you a chance
When we first middle sex fif, knew that you was that chick
Wooly sayin' holla at her, whip sayin' girl get in
Remind me of a women that, I can have without the stress
Asked if she had a man, couldn't tell if no or yes
Hell, I just dipped her number and talked more
When I hit you one conversation, I knew that she had trust issues
Who the hell would do that, man cheated on her twice
Last one before that, found out homie had a wife
Looked so secure, but yet so delicate
Can't come back in the crib without a search for evidence
Baby girl, I ain't here to hurt you, here to protect and serve you
Ain't your fool model them other dudes don't deserve you
What you tryin' to do, scare me off and leave you low
Funny how you let it ring and never answer your phone
The accuser got me curious, I asked who it was
He like the 'Sold-a-soul' man, who the fuck you 'cause? I'm out
This is no way to live
(It's alright)
But it's just the way it is
(It's alright)
You got to understand
(It's alright)
That I never could trust a man
(It's alright)
But I got to let it go
(It's alright)
And stop livin' in the past
(It's alright)
And give you a chance
(It's alright)
Give you a chance
Every time I hurt you it's because of what someone else
Has done to me and I know it's not really fair
No I just can't trust you 'cause I just got outta something
And I'm running, boy you know that I'm running scared
You treat me so good that it's just too good to be true
And I don't think that I really deserve
To be treated like a woman should
'cause I been so hurt in the past I'm still carryin' bags
This is no way to live
(It's alright)
But it's just the way it is
(It's alright)
You got to understand
(It's alright)
That I never could trust a man
(It's alright)
But I got to let it go
(It's alright)
And stop livin' in the past
(It's alright)
And give you a chance
(It's alright)
Give you a chance
We can ball to the fullest baby
(It's alright, it's alright)
You can style if you want, go ahead stunt
(It's alright, it's alright)
If it's diamonds you like go ahead pick 'em up
(It's alright, it's alright)
Get the first Bentley spurs His & Hers
(It's alright, it's alright)
@bigloc3442
If this song was thier first single , they wouldve sold alot more than 600k on this album. This shit was a hit !!
@DeathRowMakaveli
Does it actually play a role if a single is first song or third in a album?
@thaimperial97
@@DeathRowMakaveli not first song bruh. 1st single. Sometimes the timing and when a song is heard can affect album sells.
Just imagine if a hot song geared towards the ladies is heard first...more women would buy the album and women are heavy consumers when it comes to buying albums
@DeathRowMakaveli
@@thaimperial97 I agree with what you say 100% but if an album is about to come out, shouldn't at least one or two hit records be released before the actual album comes out? So people will at least get a lil taste of what they are about the buy? Cause if not, it wouldn't matter if an album has like 3 hit records on it, but they're the last on the tracklist right?
@thaimperial97
@@DeathRowMakaveli not sure if they were last on the tracklist, but I remember when the album came out this wasn't really a single they promoted.
I remember "Put Em in They place"(I think thts the name of it) was one of the big hit singles...
And I remember another one but forgot the name...but this song definitely should of been one
@DeathRowMakaveli
@@thaimperial97 yup its called put em in they place! Love this song along with its alright
@kevinbell7715
Song so deep...Mary J. Blige kills it!!!
@anonymousreviewer1257
I used to have this on repeat.. so smooth.. #ripPRODIGY
@jaymurray8758
Mai Aiden faaaaaxxxxxx
@nsls8223
This should be played on book 2