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/
Do or Die
Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My plan B is to write better songs
I don't have a choice, know I…
Do or die
I gotta write these songs to be successful
My plan B is to write better songs
I don't have a choice, know I…
Yea
This is all that I know, this is all that I love, this is all that I do
I give my all to you
And all that I seek in return is to add me to yo list of favorite rappers
As much as the game changed it's still all the same
They bars not sharp, they gon fall by the waist
Look at me now, look at me now goddamn
I done came so far, I still got wings
Up inside my chest I could keep pushin
The bar like a bench press up through the roof
And you try to top my body and work
You gon need a very tall ladder, it really don't matter
If a rapper shoot at me inside of his songs
My confidence stick, it's like I got my bulletproof on
Despite obstacles I thrive with endurance
Just look in my eyes, I got high self-assurance
I gotta write these songs to be successful
My plan B is to write better songs
I don't have a choice, know I
I gotta move the crowd in order to survive
It's do or die
I gotta write these songs to be successful
My plan B is to write better songs
I don't have a choice, know I
I gotta move the crowd in order to survive
It's do or die
This is all that I know, this is all that I love, this is all that I do
I give my all to you
And all that I seek in return is to add me to yo list of favorites
Yea Progidy is in there, you still beefin? I don't wanna go there wit you
Cause I already been there
Went to war with the best rappers
Never scared, truthfully I'm a big fan of theirs
And I've had my fill
Movin right along as I turn the page of my songbook
I'm thinkin of a powerful line to say next
So I could catch to it, and capture the attention of masses
Can't pigeon homie
Can't put me in a little box like I'm only the thing that you perceive me as
No, I'm much more vast
I'm like outer space, too much to understand
My verse just like Braille, you can feel what I'm sayin
If this ain't through then I don't know what you knowin
P is not a fluke, I got multiple audibles
Man all I do is rap songs by the thousands
I gotta write these songs to be successful
My plan B is to write better songs
I don't have a choice, know I
I gotta move the crowd in order to survive
It's do or die
I gotta write these songs to be successful
My plan B is to write better songs
I don't have a choice, know I
I gotta move the crowd in order to survive
It's do or die
This is all that I know, this is all that I love, this is all that I do
I give my all to you
And all that I seek in return is to add me…
Yea, try me in this oversaturated world
Where it's difficult to choose which one you prefer
Cus everybody in it gram over rap now
But those who prosper are those who stand out
If I don't do then I won't eat food
No time for downtime cus my baby need shoes
My work ethic like a machine, I make moves
Like a time piece, around the clock, never snooze
24 hours, money is not power
I earned my respect through these beats I devour
I built my strength by being consistent
365 of the calendar
Pick a challenger, I'll crush him
I'll run him through the gom and dust him
Show you that he was bluffin
Apparently he couldn't keep the rap songs comin
I'm witty with this, for me it's all and nothin
I gotta write these songs to be successful
My plan B is to write better songs
I don't have a choice, know I
I gotta move the crowd in order to survive
It's do or die
I gotta write these songs to be successful
My plan B is to write better songs
I don't have a choice, know I
I gotta move the crowd in order to survive
It's do or die
In Prodigy's "Do or Die" the rapper uses his music as a means to achieve success, but not just any type of success. He understands that hard work and dedication are essential in the music industry if one wants to make it to the top. He also knows that it takes more than just good lyrics to succeed, but being able to connect with the audience and move the crowd is necessary.
The lyrics reveal that Prodigy takes pride in his craft and aims to distinguish himself from others who do not possess the same level of skill or talent. He is not content with mediocrity and uses his artistic platform to push the boundaries of what is expected within the industry. Prodigy recognizes that nothing is handed to him, and he must put in the effort to achieve his goals.
Furthermore, Prodigy expresses his confidence in his abilities and how he has gotten to where he is today through hard work and persistence. He stands firm in his beliefs and has no time for downtime. He is in it for the long haul and is determined not only to survive but to thrive.
Overall, "Do or Die" is a testament to Prodigy's dedication to his craft, his unwavering self-belief, and his passion for creating music that connects with his audience. It showcases his ability to tell a story and convey his message through his rhymes.
Line by Line Meaning
Write these songs to be successful
I will write songs in order to become successful.
My plan B is to write better songs
If my current songs don't work, I will write better ones as a backup plan.
I don't have a choice, know I…
I must continue writing and performing in order to achieve my goals.
Do or die
I must succeed or face failure.
I gotta move the crowd in order to survive
I need to gain a following to continue pursuing my passion.
This is all that I know, this is all that I love, this is all that I do
I give my all to you
And all that I seek in return is to add me to yo list of favorite rappers
My music is my life and passion, and I hope that you will appreciate and enjoy it.
As much as the game changed it's still all the same
They bars not sharp, they gon fall by the waist
Look at me now, look at me now goddamn
I done came so far, I still got wings
Up inside my chest I could keep pushin
Despite changes in the industry, I remain true to my craft and have progressed greatly. I have the drive and ability to continue improving.
The bar like a bench press up through the roof
And you try to top my body and work
You gon need a very tall ladder, it really don't matter
If a rapper shoot at me inside of his songs
My confidence stick, it's like I got my bulletproof on
Despite obstacles I thrive with endurance
Just look in my eyes, I got high self-assurance
My skills and confidence are unshakeable, and I will continue to improve and succeed despite any challenges or criticism.
Yea Progidy is in there, you still beefin? I don't wanna go there wit you
Cause I already been there
Went to war with the best rappers
Never scared, truthfully I'm a big fan of theirs
And I've had my fill
I have had conflicts with other rappers, but I respect their talent and have moved on from these issues.
Movin right along as I turn the page of my songbook
I'm thinkin of a powerful line to say next
So I could catch to it, and capture the attention of masses
Can't pigeon homie
Can't put me in a little box like I'm only the thing that you perceive me as
No, I'm much more vast
I'm like outer space, too much to understand
My verse just like Braille, you can feel what I'm sayin
If this ain't through then I don't know what you knowin
P is not a fluke, I got multiple audibles
Man all I do is rap songs by the thousands
I am constantly pushing myself as an artist and striving to create the best music possible. My talent and creativity are multifaceted and cannot be confined to any one style. My impact and message are clear and resonate with many listeners.
Yea, try me in this oversaturated world
Where it's difficult to choose which one you prefer
Cus everybody in it gram over rap now
But those who prosper are those who stand out
If I don't do then I won't eat food
No time for downtime cus my baby need shoes
My work ethic like a machine, I make moves
Like a time piece, around the clock, never snooze
24 hours, money is not power
I earned my respect through these beats I devour
I built my strength by being consistent
365 of the calendar
Pick a challenger, I'll crush him
I'll run him through the gom and dust him
Show you that he was bluffin
Apparently he couldn't keep the rap songs comin
I'm witty with this, for me it's all and nothin
I face tough competition in the music industry, but I am determined to stand out and succeed. I work tirelessly and consistently to create quality music and build my reputation as an artist. I am always ready and able to take on any challenge and prove my skill and talent.
Contributed by Jeremiah N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
That Guy
Damn, this song hits hard after Prodigy's passing
INIR2
I heard this 2014 almost when it first came out. This embodies and defines Prodigy as an artist, legend, and a man itself. We'll miss you Prodigy. There aren't many MC's, influences, or talents like this anymore. Always a Top 5 Favorite.
edward sanders
One of P's best songs. If you noticed its not one curse word on this one
Jon Gray
God damn not a curse yo lol
ol' school Tony Carter
He did say Goddamn lol
Antonio Gonzales
Prodigy con The Alchemist siempre haciendo musica perfecta para mis oidos
J Sir
I heard you man, really were one of the best, always be on my list of favorites, rest in peace
Dramacydal EL
Love you 🅿️💔
This songs makes me sad. 🅿️ loved hip hop with all his heart
Carlos Gutierrez
Respect the legend
carlos
fire🔥🔥