1992β1994: 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.
1995β2000: 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 βfurther 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).
2001β2004: 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" β 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.
2005β2017
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, βAs 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.β 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.
SAY SOMETHING
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Paranoid as fuck better have that metal on you
Tears on the face of those that most adore you
Fuck the King of New York, H been royal
Might as well quit throw the towel in
Niggas new to the game just an hour in
You wet behind the ears milk on your breath
Still on your momma's breast I embody fresh
On my bully shit my dominance is obvious
Party after party bitch
Stick it to what got me rich
Till the casket drop
The clique is always Infamous
Infamous, hatin' ass niggas on that bitter shit
Fuck out of here I'll hit you in that liver quick
And spread through your body like a rumor
Serve these niggas like a waiter bring it to ya
Then I'm gone
Fuck what niggas sayin' they ain't sayin' nothing
See me any time of day they ain't sayin' nothing
Talk about they let it spray they ain't sayin' nothing
Better yet I'm right here nigga say something
Fuck what niggas sayin' they ain't sayin' nothing
See me any time of day they ain't sayin' nothing
Talk about they let it spray they ain't sayin' nothing
Better yet I'm right here nigga say something
Step inside my class I can show you how it go
Accumulate that money get that dollar in a row
Slow bowl effect, got that bigger, bigger check
Life is even better, better than a nigga dreamt
President is black see you niggas still broke
Thirsty ? niggas knocking at my door
Got hoes with their hands out
Promised me their ?
Pussy ho tried to make me nut so they can cash out
And I'm like woah
Baby girl I finished trickin' long time ago
Feed you that liquor take away your pain
Son a baby father dead ? that shit don't change
And that shit don't change let me hit it again
Shawty dippin' in and out and just switchin' them lanes
Switchin' them lanes without checking the mirror
Get yourself into some bullshit make you see things clearer
Fuck what niggas sayin' they ain't sayin' nothing
See me any time of day they ain't sayin' nothing
Talk about they let it spray they ain't sayin' nothing
Better yet I'm right here nigga say something
Savage nigga out here on the cement
Pussy, money, guns grew me up and now I'm beastin'
Heathen I'm a motherfucker throw me to the wolves
Right where I belong, nigga now you lookin' shook
Shakin' in your J's you afraid
My boot on your neck pussy nigga there's no escape
I'm vicious my intentions is not in your best interest
If I was your advisor I'd advise you not to did it
But I'm not so I'm inviting you all it's my pleasure
Welcome to the horror show your life ?
When I was a shit stain the old heads they told me
Keep your gun on you little nigga I'm not your homie
Smokin' on a cocaine bogey
Breakfast was an OE
Ain't nobody smilin' and we treat you bitches coldly
Special breed we different type of G's
Niggas quieter than a church mouse when it's time to see
What it really is
Fuck what niggas sayin' they ain't sayin' nothing
See me any time of day they ain't sayin' nothing
Talk about they let it spray they ain't sayin' nothing
Better yet I'm right here nigga say something
The first few lines of Mobb Deep's song Say Something are about the rapper's paranoia, and how those closest to him might betray him. He talks about how tears will fall from those closest to you, even those who adore you, and warns that people should always carry a gun. The lyrics then transition into a more boastful tone about the rapper's fame and power. He brags about his dominance and how he is always at parties surrounded by women, but this is followed by a reflection on the darker side of fame. He mentions how some women only want him for his money and how he turned to drugs and drinking to cope with the pressures that came with his celebrity.
Later in the song, the lyrics become more aggressive as the rapper unleashes his anger on anyone who would dare disrespect him. He challenges anyone who wants to fight him, daring them to "say something," while also expressing his disdain for those who talk tough but won't back it up. The song shifts back and forth between reflections on the difficulties of fame and fortune and calls for respect and recognition of the rapper's power and authority.
Line by Line Meaning
I am not normal let me be the first to warn you
I am not an average person, and I am warning you ahead of time.
Paranoid as fuck better have that metal on you
I am extremely paranoid, and it would be best to have a gun or other weapon with you for protection.
Tears on the face of those that most adore you
Even those who love and care for me deeply are upset by my behavior and lifestyle.
Fuck the King of New York, H been royal
I don't care about the King of New York, as I am already a respected and powerful figure in my own right.
Might as well quit throw the towel in
You might as well give up, as you will never be able to match my level of success and power.
Niggas new to the game just an hour in
There are new people entering the game, but they are inexperienced and have a lot to learn.
You wet behind the ears milk on your breath
You are inexperienced and naive, like a young child who still drinks milk.
Still on your momma's breast I embody fresh
You are still relying on others for support, while I remain fresh and independent.
Bottle after bottle and some sloppy sex
I drink excessively and engage in reckless, meaningless sexual encounters.
On my bully shit my dominance is obvious
I act like a bully and make it clear that I am in charge and have power over others.
Party after party bitch
I attend parties and social events frequently.
Stick it to what got me rich
I stick to the things that have made me wealthy and successful.
Till the casket drop
I will continue doing what I am doing until I die.
The clique is always Infamous
My group is always infamous and has a notorious reputation.
Infamous, hatin' ass niggas on that bitter shit
Those who talk bad about us are just haters and bitter people.
Fuck out of here I'll hit you in that liver quick
Get out of here or I will hurt you badly by hitting you hard in the liver.
And spread through your body like a rumor
The pain will spread through your entire body, like a rumor that goes around quickly.
Serve these niggas like a waiter bring it to ya
I will serve others like a waiter, bringing them what they need or deserve.
Then I'm gone
After I serve or do what I need to do, I quickly leave the situation or event.
Step inside my class I can show you how it go
Follow my lead and I will show you how things should be done.
Accumulate that money get that dollar in a row
Collect as much money as you can and organize it carefully.
Slow bowl effect, got that bigger, bigger check
I am gradually getting larger and more successful, leading to bigger paychecks.
Life is even better, better than a nigga dreamt
My life is even better than what I dreamed it could be.
President is black see you niggas still broke
Even with a black president, many people are still struggling financially.
Thirsty ? niggas knocking at my door
People who are desperate and needy are constantly bothering and seeking me out.
Got hoes with their hands out
There are women who want money or favors from me, and they are always asking for help or handouts.
Promised me their ?
They promised me something in exchange for my help or money.
Pussy ho tried to make me nut so they can cash out
Women have tried to seduce me to get what they want or to take advantage of my wealth.
And I'm like woah
This surprises me and makes me question their intentions.
Baby girl I finished trickin' long time ago
I stopped paying for sex or being fooled by women a long time ago.
Feed you that liquor take away your pain
I will give you alcohol to help ease your pain or discomfort.
Son a baby father dead ? that shit don't change
Even though someone's father is dead, their lifestyle or situation does not change.
And that shit don't change let me hit it again
This does not change anything, so let's continue with what we were doing.
Shawty dippin' in and out and just switchin' them lanes
The woman is going in and out of different life situations, switching things up constantly.
Switchin' them lanes without checking the mirror
She is making these changes without thinking about the consequences or looking at her past choices.
Get yourself into some bullshit make you see things clearer
Sometimes getting into trouble or difficult situations helps you to see things more clearly or learn from your mistakes.
Savage nigga out here on the cement
I am a ruthless person who will do whatever it takes to survive, regardless of the circumstances or environment.
Pussy, money, guns grew me up and now I'm beastin'
I grew up surrounded by sex, money, and weapons, and now I am a wild and powerful person.
Heathen I'm a motherfucker throw me to the wolves
I am a dangerous and unruly person who cannot be tamed, and will thrive even in dangerous situations.
Right where I belong, nigga now you lookin' shook
I am in my element and doing what I do best, and others are now scared or intimidated by me.
Shakin' in your J's you afraid
You are scared and shaking in your shoes, even wearing sneakers or Jordans.
My boot on your neck pussy nigga there's no escape
I have complete control over you and there is no way for you to get out of this situation.
I'm vicious my intentions is not in your best interest
I am cruel and ruthless, and my motives are not to benefit you or anyone else.
If I was your advisor I'd advise you not to did it
If I were giving you advice, I would tell you not to do what you are doing.
But I'm not so I'm inviting you all it's my pleasure
However, I am not advising you either way, and I am inviting you to make your own decisions.
Welcome to the horror show your life ?
This is going to be a terrible, scary experience for you, and I'm not sure what the outcome will be for your life.
When I was a shit stain the old heads they told me
When I was younger and inexperienced, older people warned me or gave me advice.
Keep your gun on you little nigga I'm not your homie
Keep a weapon with you at all times, even if we are not friends or allies.
Smokin' on a cocaine bogey
I am smoking crack cocaine.
Breakfast was an OE
I had a 40 oz. of Old English malt liquor for breakfast.
Ain't nobody smilin' and we treat you bitches coldly
No one is happy or friendly, and we are harsh and uncaring towards women.
Special breed we different type of G's
We are a unique and special type of gangsters.
Niggas quieter than a church mouse when it's time to see
Everyone becomes silent and attentive when it is time to observe or experience something important.
What it really is
This is what it truly is, without any disguises or pretenses.
Lyrics Β© Songtrust Ave
Written by: Albert Johnson, Kejuan Muchita, Ramon Ibanga Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Silva
Mobb Deep forever the greatest duo.
Markus Koubek
Ya soo f*****RIGHT
dΒ‘llΒ‘nger
@wog diddy yeah i guess . forgot about that short intermezzo. youre right. there was more involved. but technically they were un a group together. i was thinking more of a 2 mwn group like mobb . outkast etc. but yeah
wog diddy
@dΒ‘llΒ‘nger The Firm... anyone?
dΒ‘llΒ‘nger
@wog diddy since when are nas and AZ considered a group?
wog diddy
Up there with the greatest. Cant forget Nas & AZ or (old)Outkast or like dude said; GangStarr.
madeinthe562
This beat is crazy!!!
Markus Koubek
..like mobb deep
Andrew Lemay
Fax
D DD
Mobb Deep still coming with that real shit and them dope ass beats!