The Prodigy is an English electronic dance music band from Braintree, Essex… Read Full Bio ↴The Prodigy is an English electronic dance music band from Braintree, Essex, formed in 1990 by keyboardist and songwriter Liam Howlett. The line-up of the band has included MC and vocalist Maxim, dancer and vocalist Keith Flint (until his death in March 2019), dancer and live keyboardist Leeroy Thornhill (who left to pursue a solo career in 1999), and dancer and vocalist Sharky (1990-1991). Along with the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy are credited as pioneers of the breakbeat-influenced genre big beat, which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s. Howlett's rock inspired drum rhythms infused with electronic rave music beats/breaks were combined with Maxim's omnipresent mystique, Thornhill's shuffle dancing style and Flint's modern punk appearance.

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.

Click Clack
The Prodigy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(feat. Twin Gambino)

[talking: Prodigy]
Click Clack
Rock-a-bye Baby
Click Clack
Oh you'se dead mothafucka

[Prodigy:]
Just look into my eyes, you see there's no bullshit
And I'm a professional, drama bring a .9 slinger
Just look at my face; do I look like I'm playing with you?
Listen to my verse; Do it sound like I'm a scared fool? NO!
I don't give a fuck when I rap
You see me in the street it's the same way I act
It's not movie dawg, it's a reality show
So that'll be real good when that cali-coat blow

[Chorus: Prodigy]
Welcome to the life of V.I.P
On DVD 'cause shit too violent for MTV
There's niggas being killed; bitches being fucked
There's drugs being sold; our money getting up

[Big Twinz:]
If you look into my mind; all you see is hate dunn
The blood's everywhere, but most of 'em is fake one's
I load up the .9, trying to get payload
I take everything from you shoes to your Kangol
You gotta give it up or get your arm chopped off
Niggas know my name - Big Twinz pop off
The fiends know wassup, I'm the one to cop off
I'm not soft, Infamous fire like hot-sauce

[Prodigy:]
Get a load of real shit, the hemi go bang
The swami go rang, in the shoot & range
So I could perfect my aim
Stick you like a dope needle how a nigga aim
Sharp-shooter, top shotta, top fire rapper
Voted most likely to knock back up...
I pick the ratch[et] up and cap you up
Night or day it don't matter
The skateboarder, surfboarder, snowboarder
Understand P you see 'cause he's sorta...
The best stuff on Earth
And if you come up with your bitch to put the cuff on first
'Cause I'm a animal pimp, I get up on a female
And tell her things she likes, she give me that tail
And I call heads, but I was all wrong dawg, a sex is the best

[talking: Prodigy]
Click Clack
Rock-a-bye Baby
Click Clack

[Sample:]

"And the man walked in the valley of the shadow of death
For years and he feared no evil"

Overall Meaning

The Prodigy's "Click Clack" featuring Twin Gambino is a song about the reality of the street life. The song's title "Click Clack" refers to the sound of a gun being cocked, ready for action. The opening lines, "Just look into my eyes, you see there's no bullshit," reveal the singer's honesty and fearlessness. He's a professional who is not afraid to defend himself with a .9 slinger. The singer's straightforwardness is clear when he states, "NO! I don't give a fuck when I rap." He's not exaggerating his street life expertise, and he's not trying to appeal to the listener. He's an honest reflection of the gritty reality that he has lived.

The chorus of “Click Clack” welcomes the listener to the life of a Very Important Person (VIP) but in a world where the violent reality is too much for MTV to show. The lyrics describe the ugly side of life that many people are oblivious to or choose to ignore. The verse by Twin Gambino describes the world of hustling, where blood and violence are part of the game. He’s ready to take whatever he wants, and his trademark is brutal force. He’s not afraid to pull the trigger and make you give up your possessions or life.

The song is an intense presentation of the reality of street life that many people never experience. It speaks of a world of violence and survival, where the only law is force. The Prodigy's delivery is raw and honest, which gives the song a sense of authenticity. The beat is aggressive, and the heavy synths create an atmosphere of tension, which makes the listener a participant in the harshness of the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Just look into my eyes, you see there's no bullshit
I am honest and do not deceive. My eyes reflect my true intentions.

And I'm a professional, drama bring a .9 slinger
I am experienced in handling conflicts and carry a gun for protection.

Just look at my face; do I look like I'm playing with you?
I am serious about my words and actions. I am not someone to be taken lightly.

Listen to my verse; Do it sound like I'm a scared fool? NO!
My lyrics convey my confidence and bravery. I am not afraid of anything.

I don't give a fuck when I rap
I speak my mind and am unafraid of the consequences of my words.

You see me in the street it's the same way I act
I remain true to myself and my character, regardless of who I am around.

It's not movie dawg, it's a reality show
This is not a fictional portrayal, but a real-life depiction of our daily experiences.

So that'll be real good when that cali-coat blow
Our success will be even greater once we reach a wider audience and achieve recognition.

Welcome to the life of V.I.P
Our lifestyles are luxurious and exclusive.

On DVD 'cause shit too violent for MTV
Our content is too explicit and raw for mainstream television.

There's niggas being killed; bitches being fucked
There is violence and sexual activity happening around us regularly.

There's drugs being sold; our money getting up
Drug trafficking is prevalent in our environment and it is a source of income for us.

If you look into my mind; all you see is hate dunn
There is deep anger and hostility within me.

The blood's everywhere, but most of 'em is fake one's
There is a lot of violent activity going on, but much of it is fake and for show.

I load up the .9, trying to get payload
I carry a loaded gun and am seeking to acquire wealth through any means necessary.

I take everything from you shoes to your Kangol
I am willing to steal and take whatever I can to get ahead.

You gotta give it up or get your arm chopped off
You either surrender what you have or face severe physical consequences.

Niggas know my name - Big Twinz pop off
I am known for my violent tendencies and am willing to engage in conflict.

The fiends know wassup, I'm the one to cop off
Drug addicts know they can come to me to obtain drugs.

I'm not soft, Infamous fire like hot-sauce
I am not weak and my actions are as potent as hot sauce.

Get a load of real shit, the hemi go bang
Pay attention to reality because violent activity could occur at any moment.

The swami go rang, in the shoot & range
The gunshot will be heard and echo in the shooting range.

So I could perfect my aim
I am practicing to become even better at shooting my gun.

Stick you like a dope needle how a nigga aim
My aim is precise and deadly, much like inserting a needle in a vein.

Sharp-shooter, top shotta, top fire rapper
I am skilled in shooting, unafraid of conflict, and a talented rapper.

Voted most likely to knock back up...
I have a reputation for being violent and unpredictable.

I pick the ratch[et] up and cap you up
I will quickly take out my gun and shoot you if I need to.

Night or day it don't matter
I am willing to engage in violent conflict at any time of the day.

The skateboarder, surfboarder, snowboarder
I am versatile and enjoy various extreme sports.

Understand P you see 'cause he's sorta...
Get to know me better, and you will understand who I really am.

The best stuff on Earth
I am the best of the best.

And if you come up with your bitch to put the cuff on first
If you try to handcuff me and my partner, do not expect it to end well for you.

'Cause I'm a animal pimp, I get up on a female
I am aggressive in my sexual advances towards women.

And tell her things she likes, she give me that tail
I flatter and manipulate women into having sex with me.

And I call heads, but I was all wrong dawg, a sex is the best
I made a wrong decision earlier but have now realized that sex is the best choice.

And the man walked in the valley of the shadow of death
The artist is referencing a biblical quote to convey the sense of danger and violence in their environment.

Contributed by Levi E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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