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.
LifeTime
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why the fuck we still doing this shit
For the love... for the dough... for these hoes
For the life... yeah... uh
Death becometh, purgatory punish
Dumb muthafuckas and grimy ass bitches... yeah
Flex on me, I'm paying u a visit... yeah I
My rifle get lit, it's a terrible weapon
There ain't nothing when I shit
Gon clean up the mess with
All because I'm a gold decorated veteran
Platinum and precious stones my necklace
Still on parole, Still pop a nigga quick
She's feeling me, Ill pop a nigga bitch... uh
King size ego, they hating on me for
All I do is shine baby shine writing these dope
King Size B-R'S and you're a little beeyotch
Kick you in your muthafuckin head 2 or 3 times
You'll be aight, Baby boy crying for mommy
You wasn't really bout that life
They be acting like they know something
They don't really know
Man I spend all my days, my night
Locked up in the studio
Feel like a lifetime... I'm... I'm... I'm
Spilling my lifetime... I... I... I
You're not in your right mind... I... I
These niggas trying to take me for a joke
Skin tone dark skin... camo, hoodie, timbs on
Full on, type of shit that rip a nigga grill off
Live by the code, Sleep with an iron
One eye open, hoping nigga try it
Accumalated riches raised out of sweatbox
Now I'm counting bread, transfer money off of a desktop
Top lawyer so the jury came back deadlocked
Snitch down, all he saw was fire when the lead popped
Permanently on bed rest, Shortie talking marriage
She ain't even give me head yet
Dead wrong niggas, Not a bit of conscious in us
Said fuck the world went ahead and just did us
Did us... never looked back in survival
Up and ready never let these little niggas try you
One slip will have a nigga headed to a grave
Pinebox... timeslot took the fucking way
They be acting like they know something
They don't really know
Man I spend all my days, my night
Locked up in the studio
Feel like a lifetime... I'm... I'm... I'm
Spilling my lifetime... I... I... I
You're not in your right mind... I... I
These niggas trying to take me for a joke
The lyrics of Mobb Deep's song "Lifetime" are a testament to the struggles and hardships of their lives as well as their dedication to this lifestyle. The song opens with a reflective tone as they ask themselves why they are still involved in the criminal lifestyle, despite the risks and struggles. The song then delves into the grim realities of their life with references to death, purgatory, weapons, and visits to those who disrespect them. Violence seems to be a way of life for them, as they mention their "rifle getting lit" and "cleaning up the mess" with ease.
The second verse speaks of their wealth and the fact that they have faced legal troubles, mentioning parole and top lawyers. They are not above violence even towards women, as they mention popping a "nigga bitch." Their tone is unapologetic and they have developed a clear sense of ego from the wealth they have accumulated. They acknowledge that they have lived a life far removed from societal norms and that they will never look back.
In the chorus, they reflect on the fact that they spend all their time in the studio and that their life often feels like a lifetime due to the struggles they have faced. The outro shows that they are aware that their violent and criminal lifestyle is often viewed as a joke by others.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I ask myself
Sometimes I question why we are still involved in this lifestyle
Why the fuck we still doing this shit
Why are we still engaging in this dangerous behavior
For the love... for the dough... for these hoes
We do this for various reasons including: love, money, and women
For the life... yeah... uh
Ultimately, we do this to survive and protect ourselves
Death becometh, purgatory punish
The consequence of this lifestyle is death or punishment in purgatory
Dumb muthafuckas and grimy ass bitches... yeah
We have encountered and dealt with untrustworthy and deceitful people
Flex on me, I'm paying u a visit... yeah I
If someone disrespects us, we will retaliate
Come thru there with horrible intentions
We come to confront and potentially harm others
My rifle get lit, it's a terrible weapon
Our weapon is powerful and lethal
There ain't nothing when I shit
We are not afraid or intimidated by anyone
Gon clean up the mess with
We will handle any problems or obstacles that come our way
All because I'm a gold decorated veteran
We have been in this lifestyle for a long time and have earned our status
Platinum and precious stones my necklace
We have acquired wealth and status through our illegal activities
Still on parole, Still pop a nigga quick
Even though we are on parole, we are still willing to use violence if necessary
She's feeling me, Ill pop a nigga bitch... uh
If someone shows interest in us, we will pursue them even if it involves violence
King size ego, they hating on me for
Our confidence and success cause others to envy and hate us
All I do is shine baby shine writing these dope
We continue to pursue success and prosperity, creating great content
King Size B-R'S and you're a little beeyotch
We have expensive belongings that others envy and disrespect us for
Kick you in your muthafuckin head 2 or 3 times
We will physically harm those who disrespect us
You'll be aight, Baby boy crying for mommy
Our actions will cause pain and harm to others, but we have no remorse
You wasn't really bout that life
We judge others who are not willing to take risks or pursue the lifestyle we have chosen
They be acting like they know something
Others think they understand our lifestyle and motivations
They don't really know
However, they are not aware of the true reality of our lives
Man I spend all my days, my night
We dedicate all of our time to our craft and illegal activities
Locked up in the studio
Our studio is where we work and plan our illegal activities
Feel like a lifetime... I'm... I'm... I'm
Our lifestyle feels like it has gone on forever
Spilling my lifetime... I... I... I
We have dedicated our entire lives to this lifestyle
You're not in your right mind... I... I
Others do not understand our thought processes or motivations
These niggas trying to take me for a joke
Others underestimate and disrespect us, not realizing the danger they are in
Skin tone dark skin... camo, hoodie, timbs on
Our attire and appearance reflect our violent and rebellious lifestyle
Full on, type of shit that rip a nigga grill off
Our lifestyle is violent and dangerous, capable of severe harm to others
Live by the code, Sleep with an iron
We have a code of conduct and always carry a weapon for protection
One eye open, hoping nigga try it
We are always alert and ready for danger or a confrontation
Accumalated riches raised out of sweatbox
We have earned our wealth and success through hard work and illegal activities
Now I'm counting bread, transfer money off of a desktop
We have become wealthy and use technology to hide and manage our funds
Top lawyer so the jury came back deadlocked
We are skilled at avoiding being found guilty of our crimes
Snitch down, all he saw was fire when the lead popped
We will not hesitate to use violence against those who try to harm us or betray us
Permanently on bed rest, Shortie talking marriage
We will harm others without remorse, even if it means causing permanent injury or death
She ain't even give me head yet
We objectify and disrespect women, viewing them only for their sexual value
Dead wrong niggas, Not a bit of conscious in us
We are willing to harm others without remorse, and our actions are morally wrong
Said fuck the world went ahead and just did us
We rebel against society and their expectations, living life on our own terms
Did us... never looked back in survival
We continue to thrive in our lifestyle, never looking back or regretting our choices
Up and ready never let these little niggas try you
We are always alert and ready for danger, and will not let others disrespect us or our lifestyle
One slip will have a nigga headed to a grave
One mistake in our lifestyle could lead to severe consequences, including death
Pinebox... timeslot took the fucking way
Our actions and lifestyle could ultimately lead us to an early grave
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Albert Johnson, Kejuan Muchita
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind