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.
Locked In Spofford
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Two kids approach to put blades to my throat
They like my coat and ask me what I'm gonna do for that
Give it up? Huh, you don't believe that
So I threw on my hood, pulled out the banger
Swung it at the kids, that put me in danger
They put away them blades and said
"Why it gotta be like that?"
Yeah, now I got props, and I'm runnin shit
And when it comes to phone time, you don't get none of it
So sit back and just chill
Before you make a lil nigga have to get, ill
Only got a month left, so I gotta be on my best
But yet and still herb niggas wanna put me to the test
So I wild, with a blade and a Kool-Aid smile
Let the juvenile catch wreck for a sec
Damn, I wish I could put my hands on a
Nice-ass tec, and blow a nigga to Babylon
But if you don't, got a knuckle game that's a damn shame
Nigga I feel for, they got you washin drawers
But I refuse, cause I got nuttin to lose
Props I gotta earn, plus I gotta pay my dues
So in the meantime, I got a ox in my pocket
They got me locked in Spofford
Locked down, they got me locked down
Damn, they got me locked down
Locked down, they got me locked down
Damn, they got me locked down
To Spofford, and JV's worse than Rikers
Adolescents that ball hardcore
With the criminal minded juveniles
The real lil niggas step out of the piles
And I'm not takin no shorts while I'm up here
Spit em up, gem stars, but ain't no scars here
Protective custody's got mines
No type of help, I'm in here for self
And so I got locked up on a one to two
On the bus, catchin beef with mad crews
Run my shoes, fuck that, I'm goin out kid
But not too buckwild, cause I gotta finish my bid
Four times, for my peoples up from the 'Bridge
Here, it takes a lot of heart to live
Behind bars, child correction
Trapped in the buckwild dorm E section
They got me smokin the death sticks
Niggas got me fightin for my life, cause shit is real
Shorty kill a man got locked down
You want a buck sixty, you betta betta back down
On the streets a hood, but in here
You're up to no damn good, nigga I wish you would
Try to take mines, and try to shank mines
Shorty corrupt, there's no stoppin me
Even in jail, I tear shit up
And when I get out, it's gonna get worse
The devil in the flesh
I'm puttin hammers on a hearse
So while I'm in here, don't forget my name
Ain't shit changed, I'm still the motherfuckin same
I couldn't bitch up when I got here
Cell wreck, I got shit locked here
One more month I'm goin Uptown
To the big pen, and I'mma still win
Cause jail is my life, and I like it here
Ain't no rules, you can do what you like in here
Jailhouse blues, I miss the ghetto
C.O.'s think they're five-oh's with no heat
So what am I to do when they step
Put em in check, and throw hands with a redneck
And now I got a little crew to watch my back
Lunchtime comes huh, you ain't gettin none of that
Cause I got shit sewn up real tight
Not one bit of fright, while I'm locked in Spofford
Locked down, they got me locked down
Damn, they got me locked down
Locked down, they got me locked down
Damn, they got me locked down
Locked down, they got me locked down
Damn, they got me locked down
Locked down, they got me locked down
Damn, they got me locked down
In Mobb Deep's song "Locked In Spofford," the rapper tells a story of being locked in a juvenile detention center called Spofford. He details the harsh conditions and the constant danger of violence within the center, where he's surrounded by other criminal-minded juveniles. The rapper describes being approached by two kids who threaten him with blades and attempt to steal his coat. He retaliates by pulling out a gun and stopping them. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and frustration, as the rapper is counting down his remaining days until he's released, but is constantly faced with threats from other inmates.
The song speaks to the issues of the criminal justice system and the ways in which it often perpetuates cycles of violence and criminal behavior. The harsh conditions and lack of resources within these institutions only serve to further traumatize and dehumanize those who are locked up there. The lyrics also showcase the rapper's defiance and determination to survive and succeed in a system that seeks to break him down.
Overall, Mobb Deep's "Locked In Spofford" is a powerful commentary on the criminal justice system and its impact on young people. The lyrics illustrate the harsh realities of life inside juvenile detention centers, where violence is a constant threat and resources and support are scarce.
Line by Line Meaning
They got me locked in Spofford, the lil juvenile criminal
I'm in Spofford, a correctional center for juveniles, due to my criminal actions as a young person.
Two kids approach to put blades to my throat
Two other juveniles try to rob me with knives.
They like my coat and ask me what I'm gonna do for that
They want my coat and ask what I'll do to keep it.
Give it up? Huh, you don't believe that
I'm not giving up my coat.
So I threw on my hood, pulled out the banger
I put on my hood and pulled out a gun.
Swung it at the kids, that put me in danger
I put myself in danger by using my gun against them.
They put away them blades and said
"Why it gotta be like that?"
They put away their knives and asked me why I had to resort to violence.
Cause you get a little ox, and don't know how to act
I acted impulsively without thinking things through.
Yeah, now I got props, and I'm runnin shit
Now that I have respect from others, I feel like I'm in charge.
And when it comes to phone time, you don't get none of it
I control the phone time and don't let others use it.
So sit back and just chill
Before you make a lil nigga have to get, ill
Relax and don't make me angry or else I'll resort to violence.
Only got a month left, so I gotta be on my best
But yet and still herb niggas wanna put me to the test
I only have one month left in Spofford, but other inmates still want to challenge me.
So I wild, with a blade and a Kool-Aid smile
Let the juvenile catch wreck for a sec
I attack others with a knife and a carefree smile, letting the younger inmates wreak havoc.
Damn, I wish I could put my hands on a
Nice-ass tec, and blow a nigga to Babylon
I really want a high-quality gun to use against my enemies.
But if you don't, got a knuckle game that's a damn shame
Nigga I feel for, they got you washin drawers
But I refuse, cause I got nuttin to lose
Even without a gun, I have good fighting skills and won't stoop to doing degrading prison work.
Props I gotta earn, plus I gotta pay my dues
So in the meantime, I got a ox in my pocket
They got me locked in Spofford
I need to earn respect and pay the consequences for my actions, meantime I carry a gun while stuck in Spofford.
To Spofford, and JV's worse than Rikers
Spofford is a tough place, even worse than the notorious Rikers Island.
Adolescents that ball hardcore
With the criminal minded juveniles
The real lil niggas step out of the piles
There are some tough kids here, but the really dangerous ones stand out.
And I'm not takin no shorts while I'm up here
Spit em up, gem stars, but ain't no scars here
Protective custody's got mines
I won't let anyone take advantage of me and am willing to fight; however, I'm currently in protective custody.
No type of help, I'm in here for self
I'm here alone and need to fend for myself.
And so I got locked up on a one to two
On the bus, catchin beef with mad crews
Run my shoes, fuck that, I'm goin out kid
I got arrested for a minor crime, but still get into fights with other inmates.
Four times, for my peoples up from the 'Bridge
Here, it takes a lot of heart to live
Behind bars, child correction
I'm doing this for my community in the Bronx, but it's tough to survive in juvenile detention.
Trapped in the buckwild dorm E section
I'm stuck in the rowdiest dormitory section.
They got me smokin the death sticks
Niggas got me fightin for my life, cause shit is real
I'm smoking cigarettes and fighting to stay alive.
Shorty kill a man got locked down
You want a buck sixty, you betta betta back down
Another inmate who killed someone is here too and you better not mess with him.
On the streets a hood, but in here
You're up to no damn good, nigga I wish you would
Try to take mines, and try to shank mines
I may have been respected in my neighborhood, but in here people think I'm trouble and want to attack me.
Shorty corrupt, there's no stoppin me
Even in jail, I tear shit up
I'm powerful and unstoppable, even inside this prison.
And when I get out, it's gonna get worse
The devil in the flesh
I'm puttin hammers on a hearse
When I'm released, I'll be even more dangerous and won't hesitate to kill.
So while I'm in here, don't forget my name
Ain't shit changed, I'm still the motherfuckin same
Remember who I am, and know that I'm still just as dangerous.
I couldn't bitch up when I got here
Cell wreck, I got shit locked here
I can't back down or show weakness, and I have things under control in my cell.
One more month I'm goin Uptown
To the big pen, and I'mma still win
I'll be going to a big prison soon, but I'll still come out on top.
Cause jail is my life, and I like it here
Ain't no rules, you can do what you like in here
I've embraced my life in prison and like the freedom it gives me.
Jailhouse blues, I miss the ghetto
C.O.'s think they're five-oh's with no heat
So what am I to do when they step
I miss my old life in the ghetto, and the guards here are like police officers without any real power.
Put em in check, and throw hands with a redneck
And now I got a little crew to watch my back
I fight back against guards and now have a group of followers to support me.
Lunchtime comes huh, you ain't gettin none of that
Cause I got shit sewn up real tight
Not one bit of fright, while I'm locked in Spofford
I'm in control during lunchtime and don't let others eat, I'm not scared of anything in Spofford.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KEJUAN WALIEK MUCHITA, ALBERT JOHNSON, DAVID PORTER, PAUL SHABAZZ, KERWIN E. YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind