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.
Stomp Em Out
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walk the street with a motherfuckin straight face
Little shorty flip the script huh
on any punk ass nigga or bitch
I dwell in Juvenile Hell (yea yea)
I got the shit that make you want to catch a body quick
Fuck em up bust em down Queensbridge style
Street corner thug my title neighborhood partygoer
Noreaga was my idle (yea)
So what you want to do nigga
My knuckle game brought me fame in the project hallways
I got mad props, for killin cops
Little shorty hood, a little nigga no good
My twenty-five weighs a ton so run
I'm cockin back on your black ass be and it's like that
Stomp em out kid, stomp em out (4X)
Throw on my hoodie, when niggaz lit the Phillie
I put a fuckin cap in the neighborhood bully
What now, coward ass nigga - you ain't tough
Fakin jax, I'ma call your motherfuckin bluff
Niggaz that violate get me vexed
Son got the mac, Noyd got the tec
I'm catchin body baggin niggaz like deez up
Town ? the ki's, flippin twenty-three G's
Around the way bustin pills by the fuckin pound
(??) Yeah kid, you know I got dat
Jump in the hooptie, countin up my loot deep
? on my vest in case niggaz want to shoot me
Niggaz blazin at my ride, but I don't give a fuck
cause I retaliate, with the bullshit two-five
It's only right, that I represent
Sip on the E&J, straight fuck around and get mega bent
Me and my crew, wild for days
Burn up the stage like a motherfuckin heat wave
Learn to maintain, less stress on the brain
Niggaz try to front, but they know my motherfuckin name
Straight from the Bridge, yeah, you know my style kid
I have you shook like a twenty-five to life bid
[ragga chatta - can't make it out]
[Big Noyd]
Blowin niggaz out the frame, yes it's part of the game
If your style ain't fit, you need to flip the script
and get on it, you might think it's all about that bullshit
But shit get real, with a mac and two clips
Niggaz with a hoodie, hmm, somethin's up
Thought you heard a scream, and next I heard a buck
Bow, I knelt down, one knee on the ground
I pull out the glock and Twin pull out the four pound
Shit is real sprayin rocks on the block
If you want to carry G's you got to carry a glock
and go all out, get down for your crown, don't fuck around
Nigga tried to front, believe me get beat down
and turn around get popped with the glock in a sec
while your man got the tec to his fuckin neck
You know my style kid, you know I'm wild kid
Don't try to front that make me flip and catch a damn bid
Representin from the 'Bridge, you know how it is
My name is Big Noyd, stomp em out kid
[Mobb Deep chorus while Big Noyd speaks]
KnowhatI'msayin? Big Noyd in the motherfuckin house
Representin from the Queensbridge housin
My man Big Twin, knahmsayin, Vic Nice
?? like that
Keep it goin keep it goin keep it goin
Keep it goin keep it goin keep it goin
Keep it goin keep it goin keep it goin
Keep it flowin check it out
Shout out to my motherfuckin Goodfella
We got my man ?, Rapper G
??, knahmsayin? Stomp em out, stomp em out, stomp em out
The lyrics of Mobb Deep's song "Stomp Em Out" depict a violent and ruthless lifestyle that is often associated with inner-city living. The song is set in Queensbridge, New York City, and describes the various altercations between the gangs and police officers. The opening lines indicate that the singer is involved in a double cop murder, and the rest of the song describes various scenarios in which the singer shows off his violent abilities. The lyrics mention the singer's friendship with Noreaga, a well-known rapper at the time. The next few lines describe the singer's prodigious skills in physical fights and his reputation in the neighborhood. The chorus "Stomp em out kid, stomp em out" is repeated several times throughout the song, highlighting the notion that violent solutions are the only way to handle disputes.
The next verse features Big Noyd's rap, which continues the violent theme of the previous verses. He talks about the importance of carrying a gun and being prepared to use it at any time. He also mentions the need to remain alert and aware of surroundings and to be ready to defend oneself at any moment. The overall tone of the song is gritty and unforgiving, providing a glimpse into the harrowing lifestyle in urban America.
Line by Line Meaning
The midnight murder two cop bodies on my heat
I committed a murder during the night and now have to carry the burden of two cop bodies that are on my conscience
Walk the street with a motherfuckin straight face
I'm walking around pretending like nothing happened, showing no emotions on my face
Little shorty flip the script huh on any punk ass nigga or bitch
I'm willing to retaliate against anyone who dares to mess with me, regardless of their gender or size
The little brown skin buddha sucker little motherfucker
I'm a young, skinny, brown-skinned guy who is underestimated and often called names, but I'm not to be messed with
I dwell in Juvenile Hell (yea yea)
I live in a place where there's a lot of crime and violence, and it feels like hell to be stuck there
I got the shit that make you wanna catch a body quick
I have access to weapons that make it easy to kill someone, and I'm not afraid to use them
Fuck em up bust em down Queensbridge style
I'm going to unleash my rage and take out my frustration on anyone who dares to cross me, using the brutal tactics that are common in Queensbridge
Street corner thug my title neighborhood partygoer
I'm known to be a tough guy who hangs out on the street corner, but I also like to party with my neighbors
Noreaga was my idle (yea)
I looked up to Noreaga, a rapper from Queens, and was inspired by his music and his life story
So what you wanna do nigga
I'm challenging anyone who wants to step up and confront me, daring them to start something with me
My knuckle game brought me fame in the project hallways
I'm known for being good at fighting with my fists, and my reputation as a fighter has earned me respect among my peers in the projects
I got mad props for killin cops
I'm proud of myself for having killed cops, and I've earned respect and admiration from others in my community as a result
Little shorty hood a little nigga no good
I may be small and young, but I'm from the hood and I'm not someone to be underestimated or messed with
My twenty-five weighs a ton so run
I'm carrying a gun that feels heavy, and anyone who wants to mess with me should run away before I use it
I'm cockin back on your black ass be and it's like that
I'm getting ready to shoot you, and there's nothing you can do to stop me
Stomp em out kid stomp em out (4X)
I'm calling on my crew to join me in taking out anyone who dares to mess with us, using violent and brutal methods to stomp them out
Throw on my hoodie when niggaz lit the Phillie
I put on my hoodie when I'm smoking weed with my friends and trying to blend in with everyone else
I put a fuckin cap in the neighborhood bully
I shot the guy who used to bully me and make my life miserable, taking revenge for all the pain he caused me
What now coward ass nigga - you ain't tough
I'm taunting the guy who used to bully me, challenging him to show me what he's made of now that the tables have turned
Fakin jax I'ma call your motherfuckin bluff
I don't believe that this guy is tough anymore and I'm going to call him out on his bluff
Niggaz that violate get me vexed
I get angry when people violate the code of the street and disrespect me or my crew
Son got the mac Noyd got the tec
One of my crew members is carrying a MAC-10 machine gun, while the other has a TEC-9 semi-automatic pistol
I'm catchin body baggin niggaz like deez up
I'm killing people left and right, and putting their dead bodies into body bags
Town ? the ki's flippin twenty-three G's
I'm involved in drug trafficking and making a lot of money selling kilos of cocaine
Around the way bustin pills by the fuckin pound (??) Yeah kid you know I got dat
I'm also selling pills in large quantities and I'm bragging about it because I know nobody can mess with me
Jump in the hooptie countin up my loot deep
I'm driving around in a beat-up car, but not caring because I have a lot of cash on me and I feel rich
? on my vest in case niggaz want to shoot me
I'm wearing a bulletproof vest, just in case someone wants to shoot me or start a fight with me
Niggaz blazin at my ride but I don't give a fuck
People are shooting at my car, but I'm not scared because I'm ready to fight back and defend myself
Cause I retaliate with the bullshit two-five
I'm going to retaliate with my .25 caliber pistol, using the smallest gun I have just to prove that I can take anyone down
It's only right that I represent
I feel an obligation to represent my community and always be true to myself and my values
Sip on the E&J straight fuck around and get mega bent
I'm drinking E&J brandy and getting drunk because I have nothing else to do and because I enjoy it
Me and my crew wild for days
I hang out with a tight-knit group of people who are always up for some crazy and wild adventures
Burn up the stage like a motherfuckin heat wave
When we perform onstage, we light up the place and make it feel like there's a heat wave going on
Learn to maintain less stress on the brain
I'm trying to learn how to deal with my anger and emotions in a healthier way, so that I can be happier and more at peace
Niggaz try to front but they know my motherfuckin name
People try to act tough and challenge me, but deep down they know who I am and what I'm capable of
Straight from the Bridge yeah you know my style kid
I'm from Queensbridge and that's where I learned my tough and brutal style of dealing with people
I have you shook like a twenty-five to life bid
If you mess with me, I'll make you so scared that you'll feel like you're going to spend the rest of your life in jail
Blowin niggaz out the frame yes it's part of the game
Killing people is just part of the game and something that I have to do in order to survive and thrive
If your style ain't fit you need to flip the script and get on it
If you're not able to handle yourself in this kind of environment and mindset, you need to change the way you think and act
You might think it's all about that bullshit
You might think that this is just a bunch of nonsense and that there's no real point or purpose to it, but you're wrong
But shit get real with a mac and two clips
Things can get real and dangerous when you're carrying a MAC-10 machine gun and two clips of ammunition
Niggaz with a hoodie hmm somethin's up
When you see someone wearing a hoodie on the streets, you know that there's something going on and you need to be wary
Thought you heard a scream and next I heard a buck
I shot someone who sounded like they were screaming or making noise, and then I heard the sound of my gun going off
Bow I knelt down one knee on the ground
I'm crouching down on one knee, ready to take aim and shoot anyone who comes near me
I pull out the glock and Twin pull out the four pound
I pull out my 9mm Glock pistol, while my teammate Twin pulls out his .40 caliber Smith & Wesson
Shit is real sprayin rocks on the block
Things are getting intense and dangerous, with bullets flying everywhere and people getting hurt
If you want to carry G's you got to carry a glock
If you want to make a lot of money selling drugs, you also need to carry a gun to protect yourself and your stash
and go all out get down for your crown don't fuck around
You need to be willing to do whatever it takes to protect your reputation and your status, and not hesitate or play around
Nigga tried to front believe me get beat down
If someone tries to challenge me or mess with me, I will take them down and show them who's boss
and turn around get popped with the glock in a sec
If you disrespect me or my crew, I will pull out my gun and shoot you without a second thought
while your man got the tec to his fuckin neck
While you're trying to mess with me, my teammate is holding a Tec-9 pistol to your neck and making sure you don't try anything funny
Don't try to front that make me flip and catch a damn bid
If you try to act tough and mess with me, I will get angry and do something that will land me in jail
Representin from the 'Bridge you know how it is
I'm representing Queensbridge and all the tough and gritty aspects of life in that neighborhood
My name is Big Noyd stomp em out kid
I'm Big Noyd and I'm calling on my crew to stomp out anyone who tries to mess with us or disrespect us
Shout out to my motherfuckin Goodfella
I'm giving a shoutout to a close friend or team member who is like family to me
We got my man ? Rapper G
I'm giving props to some of the other members of my crew, including ? and Rapper G
? like that
And that's the way it is
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: ALBERT JOHNSON, KEJUAN WALIEK MUCHITA, Muchita, Perry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind