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.
Paid in Full
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics of Mobb Deep's song "Paid in Full" speak of the struggles and aspirations of two young artists trying to make it big in the music industry. In the verses, Prodigy and Havoc talk about the need for money, the challenges they faced in the past, and the things they want to achieve in the future. The song is an autobiographical account of their journey from being street hustlers to rising stars in Hip Hop. The chorus, "That's how we get paid in full," is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their commitment to achieving success.
In the first verse, Prodigy talks about their financial situation and how they had to call lawyers to fix some issues. He also mentions how twenty-five million dollars could straighten them up and how making songs and touring for months could help them achieve their financial goals. He then reflects on their past as street hustlers and how they used to rob people for their wallets and starter hats. He acknowledges that they are grown now and need to aim for more significant things like Porsches, endorsements, and more significant recognition.
In the second verse, Havoc states that he needs money and is considering robbing people again. He talks about his desperation and how he doesn't have a stomach full of food. He advises those who cross his path to hide, knowing that he carries a short fuse and a gun. He mentions that people wonder why he risks all the money he made, but he shows that he's willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, yo, it's like this Dunn
Listen up, this is how it is.
Sittin back plottin on ways
Thinking about different plans.
How we can get this money, we need us a payday
Planning to earn money and get paid.
Dig in my pocket, it's nuttin but change
Checking pockets, finding only small change.
We called our lawyers to fix this shit
Contacting a lawyer to resolve a problem.
He said it's aight, we bout to be Free Agents
The lawyer confirmed their status as free agents.
Have patience, we can't though, we need paper
Being told to wait, but not being able to due to financial need.
This can't be life, this can't be all there is for us
Feeling unsatisfied with their current situation.
Thinkin back, how we used to pick herbs
Reflecting on past activities, like picking herbs.
For anything worth somethin, we beat 'em out of that
Robbing people for valuable items.
But fuck all that, we grown men, we need Porsches
Rejecting their past and wanting to achieve a higher status.
Yeah Dunn, that sound righteous
Agreeing with the previous statement.
As I peel in my Jeep, turnin up this
Driving in their jeep, listening to music.
Going through withdrawal cause man do I miss
Missing their previous lifestyle.
Me and Hav' on a flight to Rome witcho' bitch
Traveling to Rome with their significant other.
But without the dollars it don't make sense
Unable to enjoy their desired lifestyle without money.
And I will eat your food
Willing to take from others to fulfill their hunger.
So niggaz wanna stunt it's cool
Accepting that other people are showing off their wealth.
Put your feet in my shoes you gon' see it my way
Challenging others to understand their perspective.
No doubt, don't forget we got a flight early tomorrow
Reminding their partner about an upcoming flight.
Aiyyo what happened to peace?
Questioning why there is a lack of peace in their life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Eric Barrier, William Griffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
giovanni brito
Verse 1: Prodigy]
Yo, yo, it's like this Dunn
Uh-huh, yo
Sittin back plottin on ways
How we can get this money, we need us a payday
Dig in my pocket, it's nuttin but change
I dig deeper, but still comin up wit change
So we, called our lawyers to fix this shit
He said it's aight, we bout to be Free Agents
Have patience, we can't though, we need paper
Like thirty-five million'll straighten us up
It's nuttin for us to make these songs that bump
Shit that out, then tour for like six months but..
This can't be life, this can't be all there is for us
We need more cream to splurge
Thinkin back, how we used to pick herbs
Me and Hav' in Manhattan, stickin up cowards
For they wallets and Starter hats
For anything worth somethin, we beat 'em out of that
But fuck all that, we grown men, we need Porsches
We need Porsche endorsements and more shit
Yeah Dunn, that sound righteous
I feel stressed though -- so I just
Hop in my truck for a drive
Bring my nine, cause that's how I stay alive
As I peel in my Jeep, turnin up this
Goin through withdrawal cause man do I miss
A pint of E&J, some haze, a twist
Me and Hav' on a flight to Rome witcho' bitch
Yes, that's my favorite shit
But without the dollars it don't make sense
So I, write that shit that grab you
Hit up the studio, that's how we get paid in full
YEAH - that's what we get paid to do
The next contract we sign'll be monumental
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SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
[Havoc]
Uh-huh, yo.. sittin contemplatin on plans
Like a bomb with a short fuse with this gat inside my hand
I need paper, lookin at these stick-up kids
Got me thinkin bout the previous things I did
Gettin bent up, feelin fed up, whattup Dunny
Stomach touchin, niggas over here type hungry
Waitin on my turn just got me hyper
And impatient, maybe I might just
Lurk with my forty-five, if you outside
I advise yo' ass to hide
We talk with the heat, lettin it spit
Move out the way and you can STILL get hit
They wonder why I'm riskin all this cash I made
Put your feet in my shoes you gon' see it my way..
So niggas wanna stunt it's cool
My stomach never full, and I will eat your food
[Prodigy]
Aiyyo Hav', check this out
You go to your girl house and I'll go to mines
Cause my girl definitely mad it took us too long to do this album
[Havoc]
Yeah and call Chris Shapiro to make sure they triple that advance man
rahsaan hill
Classic. This brings tears my eyes. Real talk. RIP Prodigy.
Deep Mejor
Facts
oldirtylemons
P
Joseph King
Underground classic!
Randall Benjamin
Y’all niggas need to stop crying 😂 but y’all right tho, P was one of a kind. God Bless the Dead
Matthew S
Only real ones know. Rip Prodigy
Tobias Farragut
Thanks havoc...u carried the shit out of the group with those instrumentals/beats u loved your symphonic instruments..with respect to The Southsides the Metro Boomins of the culture today I think these type of beats would still get it done with a lot of today's artists imo
sellami nabil
the instrumental is just so high !
David G
sellami nabil exactly son!
giovanni brito
Verse 1: Prodigy]
Yo, yo, it's like this Dunn
Uh-huh, yo
Sittin back plottin on ways
How we can get this money, we need us a payday
Dig in my pocket, it's nuttin but change
I dig deeper, but still comin up wit change
So we, called our lawyers to fix this shit
He said it's aight, we bout to be Free Agents
Have patience, we can't though, we need paper
Like thirty-five million'll straighten us up
It's nuttin for us to make these songs that bump
Shit that out, then tour for like six months but..
This can't be life, this can't be all there is for us
We need more cream to splurge
Thinkin back, how we used to pick herbs
Me and Hav' in Manhattan, stickin up cowards
For they wallets and Starter hats
For anything worth somethin, we beat 'em out of that
But fuck all that, we grown men, we need Porsches
We need Porsche endorsements and more shit
Yeah Dunn, that sound righteous
I feel stressed though -- so I just
Hop in my truck for a drive
Bring my nine, cause that's how I stay alive
As I peel in my Jeep, turnin up this
Goin through withdrawal cause man do I miss
A pint of E&J, some haze, a twist
Me and Hav' on a flight to Rome witcho' bitch
Yes, that's my favorite shit
But without the dollars it don't make sense
So I, write that shit that grab you
Hit up the studio, that's how we get paid in full
YEAH - that's what we get paid to do
The next contract we sign'll be monumental
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
[Havoc]
Uh-huh, yo.. sittin contemplatin on plans
Like a bomb with a short fuse with this gat inside my hand
I need paper, lookin at these stick-up kids
Got me thinkin bout the previous things I did
Gettin bent up, feelin fed up, whattup Dunny
Stomach touchin, niggas over here type hungry
Waitin on my turn just got me hyper
And impatient, maybe I might just
Lurk with my forty-five, if you outside
I advise yo' ass to hide
We talk with the heat, lettin it spit
Move out the way and you can STILL get hit
They wonder why I'm riskin all this cash I made
Put your feet in my shoes you gon' see it my way..
So niggas wanna stunt it's cool
My stomach never full, and I will eat your food
[Prodigy]
Aiyyo Hav', check this out
You go to your girl house and I'll go to mines
Cause my girl definitely mad it took us too long to do this album
[Havoc]
Yeah and call Chris Shapiro to make sure they triple that advance man