1992โ1994: 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.
1995โ2000: 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 โfurther 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).
2001โ2004: 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" โ 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.
2005โ2017
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, โAs 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.โ 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.
Where Ya Heart At
Mobb Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lets do it dunn...My man...That's why I keep my mouth tight.
Ain't got no worries for why'all niggaz man...y'all niggaz is crazy
[PRODIGY]
Hey yo, its hell on earth down here the pavement scorching
Its more on roc when the Mobb walks in
shit gets hot like a ill pot of grits spilled on you
Spit fire with nines but never squealed on you
If I was you I would too damn right
If I had drama with a nigga like such as myself
I couldn't even sleep at night until...
I made things right
Pull out guns exchange a fight
Be the first to let off mines ignite the pipes...
and never let the daylight decieve
during the suns' hours niggaz do bleed
Aim for the waist and something on the top gets shot
Niggaz can't shoot never made a thing drop
Keep cream of the crop
fresh out of box shit filled to the top
Smell the barrell when its bolt-locked nigga
Hook1 [PRODIGY]
Have you ever lost a loved one?
Or never understood love 'til you lost one?
Where your heart at?
I left mines behind with my dearly departed
Where your heart at? Strength missing
To take losses is the hardest
The ones that overcome be the calmest
Strive regardless. Where your heart at? Brave-hearted.
Now lets find out where niggaz hearts' at
[HAVOC]
This is to my physical you gone...to me you still here
I be buggin thinking how you doin' up there
Probably watching over me calling out my fouls
Fuck with mad chicks but I take care of my child
I miss that ass tell God I said pardon me
If Your real; He'll forgive me [no doubt]
But I ain't crying no more about how you're gone
Used to hold me down niggaz front its on
Ain't wetting going to jail you better shoot me
Just lost my heart-If I die you comin' wit' me
quickly while I'm pissy they're just bitches that's' a little to frisky
risky on point hope these cats is getting the point whisper out my name
Stand but please don't point call me paranoid
But I'm on point close by the stash joint Got you in my mind
I guess that's why the say love is blind
Hook 2 [PRODIGY]
Strength missing we take losses. be the hardest
The ones that overcome be the calmest. Strive regardless
Where your heart at? Brave-hearted.
You better finish what you started [dunn]
If you ever lost a loved one?
You'll never understand love 'til you lost one.
Where your heart at?
I left mines behind with my dearly departed
Where your heart at? Strength missing
To take losses be the hardest
The ones that overcome be the calmest
Strive regardless. Where your heart at? Brave-hearted.
Now lets find out where niggaz hearts' at
Have you ever lost a loved one?
You'll never understand love 'til you lost one.
The song "Where Ya Heart At" by Mobb Deep is a powerful and introspective track that explores the theme of loss and overcoming adversity. Prodigy begins his verse by describing the intense heat of the city streets and the hostility that comes with living in a tough environment. He then references the violence that surrounds him and his readiness to defend himself against those who may try to harm him. However, he also shows an understanding of the motives behind this violence, acknowledging that he would do the same if someone was trying to take his life. Prodigy then delves into the pain of losing someone close to him, questioning where his heart is and expressing a sense of longing for those who have passed away. He concludes by reflecting on the strength that can be found in overcoming loss and continuing to strive forward despite the hardships.
Havoc's verse picks up on the theme of loss and its impact on personal relationships. He laments over the absence of a loved one and the feeling of being alone in the world. He expresses his remorse for not being able to protect the people he cares about, and his fear of being left behind. However, he also shows a resilience and determination to carry on, promising to continue fighting and taking care of his responsibilities despite the pain he feels.
Line by Line Meaning
Lets do it dunn...My man...That's why I keep my mouth tight.
Let's go ahead with this, my friend. I don't worry about the rest of you guys because you're all crazy.
Hey yo, its hell on earth down here the pavement scorching
The world is a terrible place, it's incredibly hot and painful down here.
Its more on roc when the Mobb walks in
Things get more intense when Mobb Deep shows up.
shit gets hot like a ill pot of grits spilled on you
Things get extremely heated, like boiling hot grits spilled on your skin.
Spit fire with nines but never squealed on you
We use guns to fight back, but we never snitch on anyone.
I understood you should try to take my life
I know that you might want to kill me.
If I was you I would too damn right
And I don't blame you for feeling that way.
If I had drama with a nigga like such as myself
If someone like me was causing trouble for someone else.
I couldn't even sleep at night until...
I wouldn't be able to rest until I took care of it.
I made things right
I resolved the situation.
Pull out guns exchange a fight
We use guns to fight back against our enemies.
Be the first to let off mines ignite the pipes...
We shoot first and fast, making the guns go off like firecrackers.
and never let the daylight decieve
Don't be fooled by appearances, things can be dangerous even in the daytime.
during the suns' hours niggaz do bleed
People get hurt or killed even when the sun is out.
Aim for the waist and something on the top gets shot
We shoot for the waist, but something higher up might also get hit.
Niggaz can't shoot never made a thing drop
Some people can't aim properly and never hit their target.
Keep cream of the crop
We have the best of the best.
fresh out of box shit filled to the top
Our stuff is brand new and overflowing.
Smell the barrell when its bolt-locked nigga
We're always ready to shoot, you can smell the gunpowder.
Have you ever lost a loved one?
Have you ever experienced the pain of losing someone close to you?
Or never understood love 'til you lost one?
Maybe you didn't fully appreciate love until you lost someone you loved.
Where your heart at?
Where do you stand emotionally?
I left mines behind with my dearly departed
I have moved on from my loved one but I miss them terribly.
Strength missing
We might feel weak or lost without our loved ones.
To take losses is the hardest
Losing someone is one of the most difficult things.
The ones that overcome be the calmest
Those who overcome adversity are often the most serene people.
Strive regardless.
Keep pushing forward no matter what.
You better finish what you started [dunn]
Don't start something you can't finish.
Now lets find out where niggaz hearts' at
Let's see where people's true emotions lie.
This is to my physical you gone...to me you still here
You might be dead, but you'll always be with me.
I be buggin thinking how you doin' up there
I wonder how you're doing in the afterlife.
Probably watching over me calling out my fouls
You might be watching over me, pointing out my mistakes.
Fuck with mad chicks but I take care of my child
I might sleep around, but I still take care of my kid.
I miss that ass tell God I said pardon me
I miss you, please forgive me.
If Your real; He'll forgive me [no doubt]
If God exists, I hope he'll forgive me.
But I ain't crying no more about how you're gone
I'm not going to keep on crying about your death.
Used to hold me down niggaz front its on
You used to be there for me, now it's time to move on.
Ain't wetting going to jail you better shoot me
I'm not scared of going to jail, just kill me instead.
Just lost my heart-If I die you comin' wit' me
I lost my mind when you died, and if I die, you're coming with me.
quickly while I'm pissy they're just bitches that's' a little to frisky
While I'm angry, I don't care about these women who are acting too flirty.
risky on point hope these cats is getting the point whisper out my name
I'm on high alert and hopefully these other guys have taken notice.
Stand but please don't point call me paranoid
Don't point your gun at me, but if you do, I'll call you paranoid.
Where your heart at? Brave-hearted.
Where do you stand emotionally? Hopefully, you are brave-hearted.
If you ever lost a loved one?
If you've ever experienced the pain of losing someone close to you?
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STUART MATTHEWMAN, HELEN ADU, ALBERT JOHNSON, JUAN MUCHLTA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
702โข
Hey yo, it's hell on earth down here the pavement scorching
It's molten rock when the Mobb walks in
Shit gets hot like a ill pot of grits spilled on you
Spit fire with nines but never squealed on you
I understood, you should try to take my life
If I was you I would too, damn right
If I had drama with a nigga like such as myself
I couldn't even sleep at night until I made things right
Pull out guns, exchange a fight
Be the first to let off mines, ignite the pipes...
And never let the daylight decieve
During the sun's hours niggas do bleed
Aim for the waist and something on the top gets shot
Niggas can't shoot, never made a thing drop
Keep cream of the crop
Fresh out of box shit filled to the top
Smell the barrell when it's bolt-locked, nigga
[Chorus 1: Prodigy]
Have you ever lost a loved one?
Or never understood love 'til you lost one?
Where your heart at?
I left mines behind with my dearly departed
Where your heart at?
Strength missing, to take losses is the hardest
The ones that overcome be the calmest
Strive regardless. Where your heart at? Brave-hearted
Now lets find out where niggas hearts' at
[Verse 2: Havoc]
This is to my physical, you gone, to me you still here
I be buggin' thinking how you doin' up there
Probably watching over me, calling out my fouls
Fuck with mad chicks but I take care of my child
I miss that ass, tell God I said "Pardon me"
If you're real; He'll forgive me [haha no doubt]
But I ain't crying no more about how you're gone
Used to hold me down; niggas front, it's on
Ain't sweating going to jail, you better shoot me
Just lost my heart-If I die, you comin' wit' me
Quickly, while I'm pissy
They're just bitches that's a little too frisky, risky
On point, hope these cats is getting the point
Whisper out my name, stare but please don't point
Call me paranoid
But I'm on point, close by the stash joint
Got you in my mind, I guess that's why the say love is blind
[Chorus 2: Prodigy]
Strength missing, we take losses, be the hardest
The ones that overcome be the calmest, strive regardless
Where your heart at? Brave-hearted
You better finish what you started, dunn
If you ever lost a loved one
You'll never understand love 'til you lost one
Where your heart at?
I left mine behind with my dearly departed
Where your heart at?
Strength missing, to take losses be the hardest
The ones that overcome be the calmest, strive regardless
Where your heart at? Brave-hearted
Now let's find out where niggas' hearts at
Have you ever lost a loved one?
You'll never understand love 'til you lost one
Where your heart at?
I left mines behind wit' my dearly departed
Now where your heart at?
calvin Brice. T
I lost my little brother. He was shot and killed. Set up by someone who he thought was his friend. But he got him killed. Left behind a babygirl. And heโs still out here. This song really is hitting me. RIP Scoob. I miss you bro. Sighs
C.I.T.Y.
Sincerest condolences ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ
R Fields
Sorry bro ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐ฅบ
Jeremy Sneed
That how I got shot. Set up by somebody I thought that was my friend. Keep your head up high in your situation. Keep God in your heart and life bro. Imma pray for you
calvin Brice. T
@Jeremy Sneed thank you bro. I appreciate that
DaBlacc$aiyan
My Condolences yo.....smh
Rakitha Dhramasena
Man Havoc made some of the best beats of all time ! Man doesn't get enough props for what he has done.
Paul Pogba
give me sum other songs by him i need to widen my horizons
Rakitha Dhramasena
@Paul Pogba from the top of my head I love the beat of apostle's warning and the one he did with foxxy brown. You can't go wrong with most Mobb Deep songs though bro. I'll post more here if I remember more.
KAZIM MIL GRAU
him is so underrated