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/
Veteran's Memorial Part II
Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Growing up niggas were murdered for no reason
We just wanna pop our guns
We was just beastin'
All up in the streets and Black was the worst
That was Hav' brother, we called 'em Killa
Killa had an obsession for popping unexpected
He would just pop off when
High shot 'em in his head
Shit Killa ran home
Took some advil and pulled the
Bullet out on his own
A real nigga made of stone, we don't budge
We just stick to the script
When the Ds question us
Killa got knocked for a body
And Pump snitched on 'em
The next thing you know
Killa came home Muslim huh, we ain't mad at
Cha' like the Mack-to-the-10
Too much and he's back at it again
Like the Scarface Twinz
I seen this nigga cut a nigga up
So bad I had to stop looking
I miss the dead, I wish the dead
Would please come back, I need ya help
And everybody that got somebody deceased
I know you feel the same
Their spirit gon' live through me
Listen, I light a candle on
Your death and birthday
Lord have mercy it seems you cursed
Me with a life of pain
All I do is strain, everyday a struggle
Everyday it rain
Even when the sun's shining
They say that's when God crying
Dark clouds hanging over my head
May lightning strike me down if I'm lying
I miss my pops all I got is lonely tear drops
And memories of him teaching me to
Hurt people with my bare hands
And how to shoot people
I remember me and him stuck a jewelry store
He did the sticking I was
In the get-a-way car
Pops came out with a big bag full of jewelry
We had a high speed chase with Nassau County
I was eight years old, my pops was drama
They locked him up and sent me home to mama
I was Ferrari dreaming
E copped the Navigator
On the way there and back
He told me about the jux
Him and Troy took the niggas for
Their shine and had 'em shook
And how he killed Black Just but
He meant to hit Preme
Shot up the nigga Rover over by the Coliseum
I remember laying up fucked
Up in the hospital troy and Bags would visit
Troy had Sickle-cell
Me and him use to kick it and
Bag's baby moms died giving birth
Cause of Sickle-cell problems
And Shamik from Lefrak would
Bring me Red Lobster
I never knew they was coming
They would just pop up
My niggas you stunt on us, we shoot people
Straight like that, no half step, I eat you
Alive with this 4 5 mag-i-num
Stay on your toes cause we toe tagging 'em
The lyrics of Prodigy's song "Veteran's Memorial Part II" paint a vivid picture of a gritty and violent street life. The song delves into the experiences and memories of the singer, reflecting on the loss of friends and loved ones and the constant struggle they face in their daily lives. The opening lines describe a world where people were murdered with no reason, and the singer and their peers felt the need to carry guns for self-protection. The nickname "Killa" is given to one of their friends who had a penchant for unexpected violence, often shooting at people when they least expected it. The song also touches on betrayal, as one of their friends, Pump, snitched on Killa, leading to his arrest.
The second verse portrays the singer missing their deceased father and the pain they have endured throughout their life. They describe the constant struggle they face, and even when it seems like the sun is shining, they believe it to be the tears of God. The singer remembers their father teaching them violence and criminal activities, such as robbing a jewelry store and being involved in a high-speed chase. The verse also mentions the singer's friend Troy, who had Sickle-cell disease and passed away, highlighting the tragedies and hardships they have witnessed. The verse ends with a warning that they are not to be messed with, as they are willing to shoot and kill without hesitation.
Overall, "Veteran's Memorial Part II" showcases the harsh realities of a violent and troubled upbringing, emphasizing the loss, pain, and resilience experienced by the singer and their community.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah yeah
Expressing agreement or acknowledgement
Growing up niggas were murdered for no reason
During our upbringing, individuals were killed without any justifiable cause
We just wanna pop our guns
We simply wanted to shoot our firearms
We was just beastin'
We were behaving aggressively or recklessly
All up in the streets and Black was the worst
Spending a significant amount of time in the neighborhood, and Black was known for his extreme behavior
That was Hav' brother, we called 'em Killa
He was Havoc's brother, and we referred to him as Killa
Killa had an obsession for popping unexpected
Killa had a strong inclination for shooting people by surprise
He would just pop off when
He would randomly fire his weapon when
You wouldn't expect it
It was unexpected or unpredictable
High shot 'em in his head
He shot them in the head
Shit Killa ran home
Killa quickly went back home
Took some advil and pulled the
He took some Advil and extracted the
Bullet out on his own
Bullet by himself
A real nigga made of stone, we don't budge
A genuine individual with a resilient nature, we do not falter
We just stick to the script
We strictly adhere to the plan or course of action
When the Ds question us
When the detectives interrogate us
Killa got knocked for a body
Killa was arrested for a murder
And Pump snitched on 'em
And Pump informed on him
The next thing you know
Soon after
Killa came home Muslim huh, we ain't mad at
Killa returned as a Muslim, and we hold no resentment
Cha' like the Mack-to-the-10
You're just like the Mack 10 pistol
Too much and he's back at it again
Being excessively involved in criminal activities, and he resumed his behavior
Like the Scarface Twinz
Similar to the Scarface Twinz, who were notorious criminals
I seen this nigga cut a nigga up
I witnessed this person brutally injure another individual
So bad I had to stop looking
It was so severe that I could no longer watch
I miss the dead, I wish the dead
I feel a sense of longing for those who have passed away
Would please come back, I need ya help
I implore them to return as I require their assistance
And everybody that got somebody deceased
And all the individuals who have lost someone
I know you feel the same
I understand that you share the same sentiment
Their spirit gon' live through me
Their essence will continue to exist within me
Listen, I light a candle on
Listen, I light a candle during
Your death and birthday
Your day of death and your birthday
Lord have mercy it seems you cursed
God, please have mercy, it appears that you have cursed
Me with a life of pain
Me by burdening me with a life full of suffering
All I do is strain, everyday a struggle
I continuously face difficulties, and each day is a challenge
Everyday it rain
Every day it metaphorically rains, signifying constant hardships
Even when the sun's shining
Even in times of apparent happiness or success
They say that's when God crying
It is said that such moments are when God sheds tears
Dark clouds hanging over my head
A metaphorical representation of persistent negative circumstances
May lightning strike me down if I'm lying
May I face severe consequences if I am not telling the truth
I miss my pops all I got is lonely tear drops
I long for my father's presence, and all I have are solitary tears
And memories of him teaching me to
And recollections of him instructing me to
Hurt people with my bare hands
Physically harm others without any weapons
And how to shoot people
And how to use firearms against individuals
I remember me and him stuck a jewelry store
I recall the time when he and I robbed a jewelry store
He did the sticking I was
He committed the crime while I
In the get-a-way car
Remained in the getaway vehicle
Pops came out with a big bag full of jewelry
My father emerged with a large bag filled with stolen jewelry
We had a high speed chase with Nassau County
We engaged in a fast-paced pursuit with the authorities from Nassau County
I was eight years old, my pops was drama
I was only eight years old, and my father was involved in criminal activities
They locked him up and sent me home to mama
They incarcerated him and returned me to my mother
I was Ferrari dreaming
I would imagine owning a Ferrari car
E copped the Navigator
He purchased the Navigator (a type of car)
On the way there and back
During the journey to the destination and the return trip
He told me about the jux
He informed me about the robbery
Him and Troy took the niggas for
He and Troy successfully stole from the individuals
Their shine and had 'em shook
Their valuable possessions and made them fearful
And how he killed Black Just but
And how he murdered Black Just, but
He meant to hit Preme
He intended to target Preme
Shot up the nigga Rover over by the Coliseum
Shot multiple rounds at the individual's Range Rover near the Coliseum
I remember laying up fucked
I recall being in a messed up situation
Up in the hospital troy and Bags would visit
In the hospital, Troy and Bags would come to see me
Troy had Sickle-cell
Troy suffered from sickle cell disease
Me and him use to kick it and
He and I used to spend time together and
Bag's baby moms died giving birth
Bag's baby mother passed away while delivering a child
Cause of Sickle-cell problems
Due to complications related to sickle cell disease
And Shamik from Lefrak would
And Shamik from Lefrak City would
Bring me Red Lobster
Bring me food from the restaurant Red Lobster
I never knew they was coming
I never expected their arrival
They would just pop up
They would suddenly appear
My niggas you stunt on us, we shoot people
If you show off or disrespect us, we retaliate by using firearms
Straight like that, no half step, I eat you
In a straightforward manner, without hesitation, I overpower or defeat you
Alive with this 4 5 mag-i-num
I carry a 45 Magnum revolver, ready to use it if necessary
Stay on your toes cause we toe tagging 'em
Remain alert because we are putting toe tags on our victims
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: ALAN MAMAN, ALBERT JOHNSON, DARRYL CARTER, RICHARD BRADY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jaydiagram2196
My dad showed me this song years ago; Mobb Deep was his favorite. I always think of him when I play this song. RIP Dad. RIP Prodigy
@dipsetforever4611
🙏🏾
@shawnbaldwin5868
😢
@santoniobrown8562
Pure hip hop with real feelings and emotions in it..shyt that you can feel mentally physically and spiritually!!! Rest in paradise BANDANA P !
@sparkzmentalz2340
RIP 🙏 Prodigy....I can relate to this song on so many levels
@ThaMentalGod2003
and everybody thats got somebody deceased ik u feel the same! their spirit gon live through me 😎😎😎
@ronaldmayberry1198
I need your help King P. I can't believe you gone. You pave the way for real shit to expose the fake. Much love you and the squad. Forever Mobb
@undergroundheatcypher1091
This is a DAMN CLASSIC 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
@JAYB1688
When prodigy passed, this was the song that came to mind
@LadyJay114
This song makes so much more sense now after reading P's book