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.
Still Shinin'
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo to all my niggaz uncivilized to civilized
We cook the shake move the weight across the tri state
Them jooks niggaz bring the shook up out the crook type
Special deliver Son it shines through your act bigger
My Infamous Mobb get on they job
The truth gets revealed like you W. Fard
Some sheisty New York niggaz thirsty for chedda
Keepin this rap fans like crack fiends
Until we re-up, and put more Infamous up on the rap scene
Mix the coke rhymes in greases like baking soda
Albums of G-packs sellin cross far waters
My Mobb pits is like dime bricks
Satisfaction, guaranteed real shit
Rapper Noyd, we meet you at the top kid
And once we all on top, ain't no stoppin it
I'm headstrong, at peace with myself like Islam
You stupid, a hundred niggaz form around me
Like forcefield pull out and use gun like shield
The crew is worldwide, to think we started from the Hill
Beware, of quiet niggaz layin in the cut (for what?)
Patiently watchin waitin for a come up
Get your spot took, we rob land like white man
Plans to overthrow your whole shit by shaking your hand
Motherfucker
Up the ladder of success with tecs we build and destroy
Still shinin', still climbin
Up the ladder of success with tecs we build and destroy
Still shinin', still climbin
Still shinin', still climbin, check this out Son
Nine six to the motherfuckin year two G
The Mobb got it locked with the Master keys
Word life combination to the safe it's on
Get that loot motherfucker spread love well you warned
The forty-first got the heat, for them niggaz that thirst
Yes devine nine shine put that ass in line
Regulate, I'm only here just to take what's mine
Must hit combine, dangerous minds Dunn bust the outline
A half a man generatin grands
Kid you know how I go only fuck with fam
That's why you're lookin from the outside in, wonderin
How we bubblin, hustlin, break you days in
Grimy motherfuckers, gettin info from your baby's mother
Got her pillow talkin while that ass was sleepwalkin
So all that bullshit you did, I know where you live
You better be on point when you walk in the rest
Your broke ass probably don't got a vest
So I suggest change your location is best
Because I'm comin through army fatigue dressed
Blessed with hollow tips yes, to burn through your dirty ass Guess
Yes, still shinin', still climbin
Hey yo, yo Tommy, word break the fuck off what is you tryin?
His faggot ass cats'll get capped for even tryin
You tried to confront me, but only faced iron
From holes to your shirt like Jamaican clothes
Fuck the miss, the science of numbers is how I live
If we ain't gettin mathetmatics somethin got to give
Broke for your fuckin life with nowhere to live
Is no way to live, resort to Plan be
Start to stickin, strong-arm robbery and ice pickin
It's sneak vickin, it's cold outside I think it's
Past time for me to grab the clapper and take mine
You follow what I'm sayin it's like leadin the blind
Tryin to voice a clear picture of this life of crime
You slow learners'll understand in due time
Up the ladder of success with tecs, we tryin to eat
And put that fly shit on my back, and bless my feet
With some new and improved, spectate or make a move
Hesitate or regulate it's on you
Crime nigga yo
Up the ladder of success with tecs we build and destroy
Still shinin', still climbin
Up the ladder of success with tecs we build and destroy
Still shinin', still climbin
Still shinin', still climbin, check this out Son
Up the ladder of success with tecs we build and destroy
Still shinin', still climbin
Up the ladder of success with tecs we build and destroy
Still shinin', still climbin
Still shinin', still climbin, check this out Son
What? Nine six motherfucker
The Infamous
Mobb Deep's "Still Shinin" is a gritty depiction of the harsh and violent realities of life in the inner-city streets. The lyrics are a celebration of the Mobb's success and their ruthless nature as they climb the ladder of success with their guns and drug dealing, metaphorically destroying everything in their path. The group boasts of their power and influence over the criminal underworld, and warns others not to mess with them. The song is filled with references to drugs, guns, and gritty street life, reflecting the group's reputation for delivering raw and unapologetic content.
The opening lines of the song ("We shot the motherfuckin pack yo / Yo to all my niggaz uncivilized to civilized") sets the tone for the rest of the song. The Mobb celebrates their rise from being uncivilized street thugs to becoming successful artists, while also acknowledging their roots and the brutal reality of life in the projects. The group also boasts of their skill in drug dealing and their ability to move large quantities of drugs across the tri-state area, while also referencing the violence that often accompanies that lifestyle.
The chorus of "Still Shinin', Still Climbin'" reinforces the Mobb's ambition and determination to continue to succeed using any means necessary. The song is essentially a statement of power and domination, a testament to the group's determination and fearlessness in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
We shot the motherfuckin pack yo
We successfully completed a drug deal.
Yo to all my niggaz uncivilized to civilized
Shoutout to all my friends who have risen from rough beginnings to a more respectable lifestyle.
We cook the shake move the weight across the tri state
We prepare and distribute drugs across the tri-state area.
Them jooks niggaz bring the shook up out the crook type
Those guys who come in pretending to be customers but end up robbing us are the ones who make us nervous.
Special deliver Son it shines through your act bigger
Our unique delivery method stands out from the competition.
My Infamous Mobb get on they job
My reliable crew gets to work and gets the job done.
The truth gets revealed like you W. Fard
The truth always comes out eventually, much like W. Fard's teachings.
Some sheisty New York niggaz thirsty for chedda
There are some shady individuals in New York always looking for a quick buck.
You shinin' you get your jewels taken with your Hil' sweater
If you flaunt your wealth, you will become a target and have all your expensive belongings taken from you.
Keepin this rap fans like crack fiends
Our music keeps our fans constantly coming back for more, like addiction to drugs.
Until we re-up, and put more Infamous up on the rap scene
We will continue to release more music and dominate the rap scene.
Mix the coke rhymes in greases like baking soda
We combine our lyrical content with our drug references in a way that enhances the overall product.
Albums of G-packs sellin cross far waters
Our albums, packaged like G-packs, are being sold and distributed all around the world.
My Mobb pits is like dime bricks
My crew is as reliable and satisfying as high-quality dime bricks of drugs.
Satisfaction, guaranteed real shit
We deliver authentic and real content that our fans can always count on.
Rapper Noyd, we meet you at the top kid
Our fellow rapper Noyd is making his way to the top with us.
And once we all on top, ain't no stoppin it
Once we all achieve success, there's no stopping us.
I'm headstrong, at peace with myself like Islam
I'm confident in my abilities and comfortable with myself, much like followers of Islam.
You stupid, a hundred niggaz form around me
You're foolish to try to attack me, as a hundred of my friends will surround and protect me.
Like forcefield pull out and use gun like shield
We are prepared to use our weapons to defend ourselves, creating a forcefield of protection.
The crew is worldwide, to think we started from the Hill
Our crew has achieved worldwide success, despite our humble beginnings in a neighborhood on the Hill.
Beware, of quiet niggaz layin in the cut (for what?)
Be cautious of those who appear innocent but are actually waiting for their opportunity to strike.
Patiently watchin waitin for a come up
They are waiting for a chance to make a profit or some type of gain.
Get your spot took, we rob land like white man
We will take what we want, similar to how white settlers stole land from Indigenous people.
Plans to overthrow your whole shit by shaking your hand
We have plans to overthrow our rivals by gaining their trust and then making a move against them.
Motherfucker
An exclamation of anger or frustration.
Up the ladder of success with tecs we build and destroy
We are slowly making our way to the top by using our skills and weapons to both build and destroy.
Still shinin', still climbin
We are still succeeding and striving to be even better.
Nine six to the motherfuckin year two G
Refers to the years 1996 to 2002.
The Mobb got it locked with the Master keys
Our crew has a monopoly and control over our industry, much like a master key's ability to open any door or lock.
Word life combination to the safe it's on
I promise on my life that we have the combination to the safe.
Get that loot motherfucker spread love well you warned
We will take your money, but just remember that we warned you to be careful.
The forty-first got the heat, for them niggaz that thirst
We have weapons available for anyone who tries to come after us.
Yes devine nine shine put that ass in line
Our powerful crew is able to control and intimidate people, putting them in their place.
Regulate, I'm only here just to take what's mine
I'm only here to take what I'm owed and what I've worked hard for.
Must hit combine, dangerous minds Dunn bust the outline
We need to come together and use our intelligence and creative abilities to take down our enemies.
A half a man generatin grands
Someone who is not a full person, but is still able to make a lot of money.
Kid you know how I go only fuck with fam
You already know that I only trust and associate with my close family and friends.
That's why you're lookin from the outside in, wonderin
You're on the outside looking in and wondering how we were able to achieve our success.
How we bubblin, hustlin, break you days in
You're wondering how we are able to constantly make money and be successful day in and day out.
Grimy motherfuckers, gettin info from your baby's mother
We are not above using dirty tactics, such as getting information from your family members or loved ones if it means making more money.
Got her pillow talkin while that ass was sleepwalkin
We have convinced your baby's mother to subconsciously reveal information to us while she is sleeping.
So all that bullshit you did, I know where you live
I know all about the negative things you've done and I can find out where you live.
You better be on point when you walk in the rest
You need to be careful and aware of your surroundings when you're out in public.
Your broke ass probably don't got a vest
Since you're poor, you likely don't have the proper protection to avoid getting hurt or attacked.
So I suggest change your location is best
It's probably in your best interest to move somewhere else where you will be safer.
Because I'm comin through army fatigue dressed
I'm always prepared to come after my enemies, dressed in my army fatigue clothes and ready to fight.
Blessed with hollow tips yes, to burn through your dirty ass Guess
I am equipped with dangerous bullets that will easily penetrate and damage your low-quality clothing brand.
Hey yo, yo Tommy, word break the fuck off what is you tryin?
Hey Tommy, what are you trying to do? Stop messing around.
His faggot ass cats'll get capped for even tryin
Tommy's friends will die if they try to come after us.
You tried to confront me, but only faced iron
You attempted to challenge me, but were only met with resistance and force.
From holes to your shirt like Jamaican clothes
Your shirt will be riddled with bullet holes, much like traditional Jamaican clothing styles.
Fuck the miss, the science of numbers is how I live
I don't care about being politically correct, I only care about the mathematics and money-making strategies.
If we ain't gettin mathetmatics somethin got to give
If we're not making any money, something needs to change.
Broke for your fuckin life with nowhere to live
You're destitute and have nowhere to go to escape your dire situation.
Is no way to live, resort to Plan be
It's not a way to live, so you need to come up with a new plan to improve your circumstances.
Start to stickin, strong-arm robbery and ice pickin
You might have to resort to violence and theft in order to survive.
It's sneak vickin, it's cold outside I think it's
You need to be sneaky and clever in order to survive, especially during harsh weather conditions.
Past time for me to grab the clapper and take mine
It's time for me to take what's mine, even if it means using a gun.
You follow what I'm sayin it's like leadin the blind
You need to pay close attention and understand what I'm saying, otherwise you'll be lost.
Tryin to voice a clear picture of this life of crime
I'm trying to paint a realistic picture of the harsh realities of living a life of crime.
You slow learners'll understand in due time
Eventually, even the slowest of learners will eventually comprehend the hardships associated with this lifestyle.
We are still succeeding and striving to be even better.
We are still going strong, achieving greatness and pushing ourselves to higher heights.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALBERT JOHNSON, KEJUAN WALIEK MUCHITA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind