The Prodigy first emerged in the underground rave scene in the early 1990s and achieved popularity and worldwide recognition with UK number one singles such as "Firestarter" and "Breathe", both singles coming from their UK and US chart topping album The Fat of the Land (1997). A third single from the album, “Smack My Bitch Up”, was also successful. They earned titles like "the premiere dance act for the alternative masses" and "the Godfathers of Rave", and remain one of the most successful electronic acts of all time. They have sold an estimated 25 million records worldwide, and won numerous music awards during their career, including two Brit Awards for Best British Dance Act, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Kerrang! Awards, five MTV Europe Music Awards, and received two Grammy Award nominations.
The Prodigy were founded in Braintree, Essex, in 1990 by keyboardist and songwriter Liam Howlett. He had taken piano lessons in his youth and gained the ability to play difficult passages in just a few run-throughs. After he decided to pursue a music career, Howlett met dancer and vocalist Keith Flint in mid-1989 at a rave at which Howlett was DJing. After Flint requested Howlett make a mix tape for him, Howlett obliged, returning a cassette several days later with a collection of his own songs on the other side. Howlett had scratched the word "Prodigy" onto the cassette, the same name as the Moog Prodigy analogue synthesiser, and Howlett's moniker. The tape was well-received by Flint and keyboardist Leeroy Thornhill who developed new dance sequences to the music and suggested to Howlett they begin a group together. They were soon joined by MC and vocalist Maxim, then known as Maxim Reality, and female dancer and vocalist Sharky, a friend of Flint's. Together they became the first line-up of the Prodigy.
On 4 March 2019, Keith Flint was found dead at his home in Essex, just weeks after playing six live dates in Australia and New Zealand. On 5 March, the band announced on Twitter that "all forthcoming concerts in 2019 would be canceled, effective immediately".
Following Flint's death, fans began using the Twitter hashtag "Firestarter4Number1" on various social media platforms to get "Firestarter" to top the British singles charts again. This was done out of respect for Keith Flint and to raise awareness of suicide among men.
On 20 August 2019, one day before his 48th birthday, Liam Howlett posted on the band's official Instagram page, saying he is "back in the studio making noise [...] brand new Prodigy tunes are gonna roll", referring to his intention to keep on releasing music under the Prodigy moniker.
Along with the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, the Prodigy have been credited as pioneers of the big beat genre, which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s. The Prodigy, however, is not considered entirely representative of the genre as their production "often reflected the more intelligent edge of trip-hop, and rarely broke into the mindless arena of true big beat" according to AllMusic. The Prodigy are also considered alternative dance, techno, electronica, breakbeat hardcore, and rave.
Liam Howlett cited early electro as a big influence, mentioning tunes like "Clear" by American music group Cybotron and "Al Naafiysh" by Hashim. Liam Howlett also cited The Bomb Squad, Public Enemy, and Rage Against the Machine as influences.
11. Ruff In The Jungle
The Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the jungle, in the jungle, in the jungle, ininin the jungle
Ruff in the jungle, in the jungle, in the jungle, ininin the jungle
In the jungle, in the jungle, in the jungle, ininin the jungle...
Ruff, ruff, ruff
Ruff in the jungle, in the jungle, inninni the jungle
Ruff in the jungle, in the jungle, inninni the jungle
Ruff in the jungle. Now fear this bold bad boy
Now fear this bold bad boy
Ruff, ruff, ruff
Feel the jungle vibe baby
Feel the jungle vibe baby
Feel the jungle vibe baby
Feel the jungle vibe baby
Feel the jungle vibe baby
Ruff in the jungle, inninni the jungle
Feel the jungle vibe baby
Ruff in the jungle, inninni the jungle
Feel the jungle vibe baby
Ruff in the jungle, inninni the jungle
Feel the jungle vibe baby
Ruff in the jungle, inninni the jungle
Ruff, Feel the jungle vibe baby
Now fear this bold bad boy
Ruff, ruff, ruff
Feel the
Feel the
Feel the
Feel the jungle vibe baby
Ruff in the jungle, inninni the jungle
The lyrics of The Prodigy's song Jungle Bizness are fairly simple, with a repetition of the phrase "Ruff in the jungle, in the jungle" throughout the song. The song is very upbeat and energetic, with a celebration of the jungle environment and the "jungle vibe." The repeated phrase, "now fear this bold bad boy" may suggest that this is a warning to all who enter the jungle to be prepared to face the wild elements and to have respect for the environment. The lyrics, "feel the jungle vibe baby" repeat throughout the song, emphasizing the power and energy of the jungle and how it can affect a person who enters it.
The repetition of "ruff in the jungle" creates a catchy, almost hypnotic quality to the song, which is further emphasized by the use of electronic beats and rapid rhythms. The song is about feeling the jungle's power, and how it can be both awe-inspiring and intimidating for those who enter. Overall, Jungle Bizness is a celebration of nature's wildness and its power to make us come alive.
Line by Line Meaning
Ruff in the jungle, in the jungle, in the jungle, ininin the jungle
The jungle is a wild and dangerous place with a rough atmosphere, where the artist is present and making themselves known.
Ruff in the jungle, in the jungle, in the jungle, ininin the jungle
The artist emphasizes the rough and feral nature of the jungle.
Ruff in the jungle, in the jungle, in the jungle, ininin the jungle
The artist repeats the phrase to enforce their presence and dominance.
Ruff in the jungle, in the jungle, in the jungle, ininin the jungle...
The artist continues to assert themselves in the jungle while warning others of their strong presence.
Ruff, ruff, ruff
A repeated phrase to reinforce the tough and dominant nature of the artist.
Now fear this bold bad boy
The artist warns others to fear them as they are a bold and dangerous individual in the jungle.
Feel the jungle vibe baby
The artist urges their audience to sense the wild and untamed energy of the jungle.
Ruff in the jungle, inninni the jungle
The artist repeats the phrase, highlighting the wild and intimidating nature of the jungle.
Feel the jungle vibe baby
The artist encourages their audience to embrace and immerse themselves in the energy and atmosphere of the jungle.
Ruff in the jungle, inninni the jungle
The artist repeats the phrase, continuing to stress that the jungle is a place of danger and ferocity.
Feel the jungle vibe baby
The artist once again urges others to connect with the primal and intense nature of the jungle.
Ruff in the jungle, inninni the jungle
The artist repeats the phrase yet again, emphasizing how overwhelming and intense the jungle can be.
Ruff, Feel the jungle vibe baby
The artist combines the phrase 'ruff' with 'feel the jungle vibe baby' to further assert their presence in the jungle and to encourage others to experience its energy.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LIAM HOWLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind