1) rapper from Mobb Deep
2) group fronted by Todd Duane and Lale Larsen
3) 90s teenage rapper
4) 70s powerpop from Minnesota
5) US progressive/power metal
6) lounge jazz, alias of Miki Litvak
7) 90s US metal
8) US rapper in The Dominion
1) Albert Johnson (born November 2, 1974 in Bradford, Brooklyn, New York and died on June 20, 2017 in Las Vegas), better known by his stage name Prodigy, was a member of the hip hop duo Mobb Deep. Prodigy worked as a solo artist since the early 2000s. He was born to parents of Ethiopian and Jamaican descent. Prodigy was born with sickle cell anemia and suffered from the disease throughout his life. Propelled to awareness partially by fellow Queens, New York rapper Nas, who took a similar approach lyrically on his championed "Illmatic" album from 1994, as well as with the aid of a successful single, "Shook Ones Pt. 2," Mobb Deep suddenly found themselves developing a quickly growing cult. A year later, in 1996, Prodigy and Havoc released "Hell on Earth"; debuting at number six on SoundScan, the album found them fully realizing their approach, dropping both evocative beats and cinematic rhymes that communicated the dark side of New York's urban landscape. Thanks to a grim video for "Hell on Earth (Front Lines)" and theatrical Scarface-like photos inside the CD booklet picturing the duo with guns and a mound of cocaine, Mobb Deep had created an elaborate image for themselves that took hardcore gangsta rap to a new level for East Coast hip hop. Their next release, "Murda Muzik", was heavily bootlegged while still in its demo stage, leaking rough versions of the nearly 30 songs the duo had recorded onto the streets and over the internet.
Months after the bootlegs leaked and after several pushed-back street dates, "Murda Muzik" was formally released, debuting at number three on the Billboard charts and quickly going platinum on the strength of "Quiet Storm," a song that epitomized the Mobb Deep style. The album was welcomed by critics, who again lauded the group's lucid cinematics, driven primarily by Havoc's production. In late 2000, Prodigy finally released his long-rumoured solo album, "H.N.I.C.", which saw the more lyrically gifted member of the group collaborating with outside producers such as The Alchemist and Rockwilder on tracks that didn't depart far from the trademark sullen Mobb Deep style. Their follow-up, "Infamy", was the duo’s last album for Loud, distributed by Columbia Records and was, for some, a disappointment lyrically and musically, while others praised it as amongst the best rap albums of the year. Loud was absorbed by its new distributor shortly afterwards.
Mobb Deep then signed with Jive, under a unique deal that gave the duo its own imprint, Infamous Records, and released "Amerika'z Nightmare", a very uneven effort, which featured production by The Alchemist and Lil' Jon. However, despite a successful single that featured a Thomas Dolby sample. The duo was not happy with Jive, and were let go at its request. The duo took a hiatus afterwards and came back in 2006, signing to 50 Cent’s Interscope/Universal-distributed G-Unit imprint. Their well-hyped "Blood Money" was a failure from the money side when compared to fellow label mates like 50 Cent, Young Buck and Lloyd Banks. Some accused the duo of selling out, with their beats and rhymes not up-to-par with previous efforts on Loud.
He completed work on his third solo album "H.N.I.C. Part 2", which was previewed on his official mixtape "The Return of the Mac" on the independent label Koch Records. The mixtape single and mixtape video are called "Mac 10 Handle," and it shows Prodigy once again reverting to his trademark braids that he had prior to the release of Mobb Deep's 2004 "Amerika'z Nightmare" album; different from the short fade he had from 2004 to 2006. "H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 was released through Voxonic Inc., of which Prodigy is an equity holder.
www.hnic2.com/
Award Show Life
Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Award show life, get dressed
Red carpet, cameras, get fresh
It’s best you always look your best
'Cause us weekly and team z don’t slip nah
Award show life, yeah we
Cameras, seats and arm candy
Big dark sunglasses, to match it
My life is like a video, eryday’s a movie
The press tryna kill me, please don’t shoot me
Coming out the spot with my mistress love
Holding hands and kisses and hugs
Front row, next to Bieber, Kanye and Carmen
In the spotlight life, Biggy told me you on touring
We was doing shows tryna reach our goals
He said P, don’t forget how you got where you going
I was just a little nigga back then, I didn’t care
If I didn’t have a tux, afford a black tie fair
'Cause it wasn’t my type of party, type of crowd
I’d rather be with a …shootouts go down
A young ball mentality, ball down,
When you grow up in the hood,
You live the hood lifestyle
Now I own, network with big millionaires
And you prolly seen my picture in Vanity Faire
Award show life, get dressed
Red carpet, cameras, get fresh
It’s best you always look your best
'Cause us weekly and team z don’t slip nah
Award show life, yeah we
Cameras, seats and arm candy
All access, badges, backstage passes
Big dark sunglasses, to match it
I’m a publicity whore, fiend to be seen
I die for more air time on the screen
Nah, 15 minutes ain’t enough for me
I need the endless run, don’t try to kill my dream
I got a rock star house wife, she like nice things
Tavern on the green, breakfast at Tifanny’s
Strictly Rolex and Cartier on her wrist
She high maintenance, it’s my fault she like this
Spoil my bitch, award show lifestyle
We on our way to another show right now
My son growing up he thinks he Chris Brown
My lil daughter need that college money no doubt
I must bust my ass continue to shine
I cannot stop no, on the road I’ma die
Just like, give me my props
So I’ma take mine and climb over you, city top
Award show life, get dressed
Red carpet, cameras, get fresh
It’s best you always look your best
'Cause us weekly and team z don’t slip nah
Award show life, yeah we
Cameras, seats and arm candy
All access, badges, backstage passes
Big dark sunglasses, to match it.
Prodigy's "Award Show Life" is a reflection of the celebrity lifestyle and the high of public recognition that comes with it. The song begins with the singer describing the glitz and glamour of award shows and the pressure of always looking their best as they walk the red carpet. The lyrics also touch on the media's constant scrutiny of celebrities and their personal lives, as well as the desire for more screen time to stay relevant. The song also highlights the idea that success and fame do not guarantee happiness, as the singer talks about their high-maintenance wife and the pressure of providing for their family.
The chorus of the song, "Award show life, get dressed, Red carpet, cameras, get fresh, It’s best you always look your best, 'Cause us weekly and team z don’t slip nah," emphasizes the importance of image in the entertainment industry. The line "My life is like a video, eryday’s a movie" highlights the performative nature of celebrity life, where one is always "on" and constantly in the public eye.
The lyrics also allude to the singer's upbringing in a rough neighborhood and the contrast between that and their current luxurious lifestyle. The song ends with the singer asserting their dominance over others, proclaiming that they will "take [their] props" and "climb over you, city top."
Overall, "Award Show Life" speaks to the complexity of the celebrity lifestyle, including the highs and lows, the pressure to maintain a certain image, and the impact of fame on personal relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Award show life, get dressed
Preparing for these award ceremonies requires one to put on their finest clothes to rock the red carpet.
Red carpet, cameras, get fresh
The red carpet is the centerpiece of these shows; in front of camera, one needs to look sharp in their outfits.
It’s best you always look your best
To maintain their public image, these celebrities must put in the effort to look perfect at all times.
'Cause us weekly and team z don’t slip nah
Celebrities cannot afford to make any mistakes at these events since paparazzi like us weekly and team z are always present and ready to capture every moment.
Award show life, yeah we
The glamorous lifestyle of award shows is something these celebrities have grown used to.
Cameras, seats and arm candy
Cameras are everywhere, and who's by your side is just as important as what you’re wearing.
All access, badges, backstage passes
Backstage passes and all-access tags open the door to all areas one could ever want to go at an award show.
Big dark sunglasses, to match it
Dark sunglasses are often used to protect from bright lights, and they’re even better when they match the outfit and add to the overall high-fashion look.
I’m a publicity whore, fiend to be seen
Some of these celebrities crave the attention and media coverage they receive from being seen at award shows.
I die for more air time on the screen
Appearances on the screen are what these celebrities live for, and they always desire more.
Strictly Rolex and Cartier on her wrist
The finer things in life, like expensive jewelry from brands such as Rolex and Cartier, are the norm for many celebrities and their partners.
She high maintenance, it’s my fault she like this
Some celebrities are aware that they have high-maintenance spouses and partners, but they often accept and even enjoy this relationship dynamic.
My son growing up he thinks he Chris Brown
Children of celebrities can often be caught up in their parents' extravagant lifestyles and may strive to mirror other high-profile celebrities, such as Chris Brown.
My lil daughter need that college money no doubt
Even with all the glamour, parents still need to prioritize and plan for their children's futures beyond just the show business.
I must bust my ass continue to shine
To stay relevant and in the public eye, celebrities must always work hard and put in the effort needed to continue shining and succeed.
So I’ma take mine and climb over you, city top
Celebrities will do whatever it takes to stay on top of their game, even if it means surpassing others who were once their peers.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind