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.
Play
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's this little shorty, knowhaI'mean
It's real (It's like it's rough)
What I'm supposed to do ya'know (It's real rough baby)
Yo, (Hold ya head, hold ya head dunn) Yeah
[Havoc]
It's bad enough I gotta grow up the fast way
Tryin to come up, but shorty with a plan
Doin my best but can't see the promise in my land
These older cats wildin out over turf dog
I'm caught in the middle and it can't get worse
Just the other day I saw my homie wheeled off in a hearse
So used to it, it don't even hurt
My heart's numb, guess that's the Dunn Dunn
Can't speak on it, 'less you been where I come from
Stuck like bubble gum with no help from anyone
Moms got four others -- my four younger brothers
We're not supposed to do the tender age of ten
Dog, we're in the same boat I can't turn to my friends
Fore I lay me down to sleep pray to God that I'll see the next day
and do my best, hope these streets don't get me
CHORUS: Havoc (Prodigy) 2x
(It's real) Keep that park open
Baby I just want to play
(Uh-huh) Keep that park open
Baby I just want to play
(No doubt) Keep that park open
Baby I just want to play
(That's right) Keep that park open
Baby I just want to play
[Prodigy]
Yo' baby, I'm strugglin for crumbs, survivin the unheard of
Growin up amongst the violence and drugs
Growin up against the world and such (Uh-huh)
We the young black future of the world and plus
We the team that'll crush anybody you bring
We the one that's gon' hold it down, it's no thing no sweat
It barely take no strength, you cowards ain't built for this
(And it's real) All we want to do is hit the park
Play all day and night without a care in the world
But it's drama in my hood, sho' it's hard to chill
You gotta stay on point and sharp as hell
Dunn, we just want to have fun
I just want to be with my dawgs, 'cause we all we got
Don't why it is, but that's how it is
I just want to be with my clique 'cause that's where I fit
CHORUS
[Havoc]
(It's real) Where do I turn to, who do I console in?
I know I'm just a shorty but I want my wrist frozen nice
As I sat and thought many a nights
I could do the right thing or get read my rights
It's life, in the hood
Everything that look, it ain't
I stole base, now I'm runnin from home plate
Runnin from jake, sweat runnin down my face
And I can pay for every move I make
[Prodigy]
Just enjoy your youth, you only live once
Lil' dunn control yourself, learn discipline
And show some respect for others
Shit is serious on the street, you playin with fire
Concentrate on yourself and don't follow nobody
Hit them school books, so you ain't gotta borrow no money
These is jewels for you that you gon' wear forever
From us to why'all, now listen up to pa
CHORUS 2x
[Woman singer]
Mothers child
Has to go and travel into the wild
Lord she had a heavenly sky
Sweet saint he Lord
Thank you God
[Repeat]
The Mobb Deep song "Play" is a powerful commentary on the experiences of youth growing up in impoverished and violent neighborhoods. The song is composed of two verses, one by Havoc and the other by Prodigy, each describing the struggles and challenges they faced as young men trying to survive in their environment. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "Keep that park open, Baby I just want to play," serves as a lament for the loss of innocence and freedom, as the threats of gang violence, police brutality, and poverty make it increasingly difficult for young people to simply have fun and enjoy themselves.
Throughout the lyrics, Havoc and Prodigy paint a vivid picture of life in the hood, where danger is ever-present, and death can come at any moment. Havoc describes the pain of watching his friend die and feeling numb to the violence around him, while Prodigy talks about "growin up against the world and such" and the need to stay on guard at all times. Both MCs express a desire to escape the weight of their circumstances and find a way to better their lives, but recognize the difficulty of doing so. Havoc raps, "Where do I turn to, who do I console in?/I know I'm just a shorty but I want my wrist frozen nice," while Prodigy advises "Hit them school books, so you ain't gotta borrow no money."
Despite the bleakness of the subject matter, "Play" is a testament to the resilience and strength of those who have lived through such hardships. The song's haunting melody and subtle production lend a sense of melancholy to the lyrics, creating an atmosphere of reflection and introspection. Ultimately, "Play" serves as a reminder of the human cost of poverty and inequality, and a call to action to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Line by Line Meaning
It's bad enough I gotta grow up the fast way
Growing up too quickly is difficult and stressful.
These things going on got me thinkin they the last days
Current events make it seem like the world is coming to an end.
Tryin to come up, but shorty with a plan
Working hard to succeed, despite challenges.
Doin my best but can't see the promise in my land
Struggling to see a future of success and prosperity.
These older cats wildin out over turf dog
Older people are fighting over territory and causing trouble.
I'm caught in the middle and it can't get worse
Feeling stuck and unable to improve the situation.
Just the other day I saw my homie wheeled off in a hearse
A friend died recently.
So used to it, it don't even hurt
The constant cycle of death and tragedy has made it hard to feel emotions.
My heart's numb, guess that's the Dunn Dunn
The pain and trauma has made it hard to feel anything.
Can't speak on it, 'less you been where I come from
It's hard to understand the pain unless you've experienced it yourself.
Stuck like bubble gum with no help from anyone
Feeling trapped and alone.
Moms got four others -- my four younger brothers
The singer has a lot of responsibility to take care of siblings.
We're not supposed to do the tender age of ten
Children shouldn't have so much responsibility at such a young age.
Dog, we're in the same boat I can't turn to my friends
Friends can't help because they are in similar situations.
Fore I lay me down to sleep pray to God that I'll see the next day
Hoping to survive another day.
and do my best, hope these streets don't get me
Trying to stay alive and avoid danger.
(It's real) Keep that park open, Baby I just want to play
Despite everything going on, the singer wants a place to have fun and enjoy childhood.
Yo' baby, I'm strugglin for crumbs, survivin the unheard of
The singer is struggling to survive in extreme poverty.
Growin up against the world and such (Uh-huh)
Facing challenges and difficulties beyond one's control.
We the young black future of the world and plus
Believing that despite current struggles, they have a promising future ahead.
We the team that'll crush anybody you bring
Confident in their ability to overcome any opponent.
It barely take no strength, you cowards ain't built for this
Being tough and resilient doesn't require physical strength, but rather mental strength.
All we want to do is hit the park
Just wanting a safe place to have fun.
Play all day and night without a care in the world
Being able to enjoy childhood without worrying about danger.
But it's drama in my hood, sho' it's hard to chill
The constant danger and tension makes it hard to relax and have fun.
You gotta stay on point and sharp as hell
Being vigilant and prepared for danger at all times.
Dunn, we just want to have fun
Despite everything, the singer still wants to enjoy life.
I just want to be with my dawgs, 'cause we all we got
Friends and community are important sources of support when there is no one else to turn to.
Where do I turn to, who do I console in?
Feeling lost and unsure of who to turn to for help.
I know I'm just a shorty but I want my wrist frozen nice
Despite being young, there are still desires for material possessions and a better life.
As I sat and thought many a nights
Reflecting on life and the struggles faced.
It's life, in the hood
Recognizing that life in the neighborhood is tough and unfair.
You only live once
Encouragement to enjoy life and live it to the fullest.
Lil' dunn control yourself, learn discipline
Advising to stay focused, disciplined, and avoid trouble.
And show some respect for others
Being kind and respectful to others, despite the struggles and hardships.
Concentrate on yourself and don't follow nobody
Encouraging self-reliance and independence.
These is jewels for you that you gon' wear forever
Advice that will always be valuable and applicable in life.
Mothers child, Has to go and travel into the wild
A mother's child grows up in a difficult environment.
Lord she had a heavenly sky, Sweet saint he Lord
A hopeful and optimistic outlook despite difficult circumstances.
Thank you God
Gratefulness for life and its struggles.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JOHNSON, MUCHITA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
M F
RIP PRODIGY - if you know this track, then you truly are a fan of MOBB
WolfPackNV1997
Good vibes rip p 🔥
Quincy Redd
Damn it’s been 5 yrs since P passed times is crazy 🕊️
Patrick Oakley
This one flew way under the radar. Downloaded it off Napster back in the day and used to bump it all the time. Rip prodigy.
Mack Velly
Mobb Deep stayed providing songs on soundtracks. That shows you how their work ethic was.
Curtis Moore
MOBB DEEP ANOTHER THOROUGH TRACK ...TIMELESS CLASSIC 😎
Victor Springer
Cry every time I hear dis track, especially on a Sunday , love dis song , MoBB DeeP helped me thru da roughest times , miss u P ,,, HaV hold it dwn 4 da MoBB,,4life ,,,.
crash Park
This is my Favourite track of life #Still
hippa2dahoppa2
i like the relaxing beat this has and kind of has that old old al green sound to it a little
Blvk Mirror
Bro this joint is hard asf