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/
Down & Out In New York City
Prodigy Lyrics
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It seems I was out shinin'
Shoes 'bout Tuesday 'noon!
All the bad cats - in the bad hats!
I was born in New York City - on a Monday!
It seems I was out shinin'
Shoes 'bout Tuesday 'noon!
All the bad cats - in the bad hats!
The bad cats - in the bad hats!
Playing it on real goooooooood!
When you're down and oouuuuuut
In Newww York Cityyyyyyyy!
Said I never, never
Never gonna get that way again! AAAHHHHHHH!
The lyrics to Prodigy's song "Down & Out In New York City" express the artist's personal connection and experience with the city of New York. By stating "I was born in New York City - on a Monday!," Prodigy establishes his roots in the city and indicates a sense of pride in his birthplace. The mention of shining shoes on Tuesday noon suggests that Prodigy had humble beginnings and was engaged in hard work from an early age.
The line "All the bad cats - in the bad hats!" introduces the imagery of cool, stylish individuals in the city who may be involved in dubious activities. Prodigy emphasizes his familiarity and affiliation with this subculture, aligning himself with the "bad cats." The repetition of these lines further emphasizes the connection to this gritty world.
Moving on, the lyrics express gratitude towards these "bad cats" who have done him a "real big favor." This suggests that these individuals have extended a helping hand or support to him in some way, perhaps guiding him through the challenges he has faced in New York City. The line "Playing it on real goooooooood!" emphasizes the positive impact they have had on his life.
The chorus, "When you're down and oouuuuuut In Newww York Cityyyyyyyy! Said I never, never Never gonna get that way again! AAAHHHHHHH!" reflects on the struggles and hardships one might face in the city. Prodigy acknowledges his own experiences of being "down and out" but affirms his determination to never allow himself to reach such a low point again. The vocalization of "AAHHHHHHH!" signifies a mix of frustration, pain, and determination.
Overall, through his lyrics, Prodigy portrays his pride in being born in New York City, his association with the gritty and stylish subculture within the city, the gratitude he feels towards those who have supported him, and his resolve to rise above the challenges he has faced.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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