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.
G Force
The Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
None stop energy left but you go...
The lyrics of The Prodigy's G Force is an anthemic call to action urging the listeners to get ready and energized for a thrilling ride. The song starts with the countdown, and we can picture a rocket being launched into space. The phrase "Non-stop energy left but you go" perhaps suggests that even though the listeners may feel like they are at a low point, they need to summon all their remaining vigor and push ahead with whatever they are trying to achieve. The repeated "Everybody" and the energetic chorus with the signature Prodigy synth sound, the mix of breakbeat, and hardcore techno, make this song an adrenaline-pumping experience that pushes the listener to keep going.
The lyrics of G Force aren't necessary meant to be profound or deep, but rather a celebration of energy, determination, and the act of pursuing one's goals. The song is entrenched with the spirit of the rave and club culture, and it perfectly encapsulates the mood and feeling of an intense night out. It is fascinating how The Prodigy, with their unique blend of sounds, can create a song that is simultaneously uplifting, transcendent and rebellious.
Line by Line Meaning
(woo)
An exclamation conveying enthusiasm and excitement.
We're taking control
We are taking charge of the situation and dictating the course of events.
Gonna make you jack
We are going to compel you to dance wildly and uncontrollably.
Gonna rip you up
We are going to cause a frenzy, tearing the dancefloor apart with our music and energy.
Gonna flood your mind
Our music is going to immerse and consume you completely, as if you are submerged in a sea of sound and rhythm.
Bring you up inside
Our music will uplift your spirits, raising you up from within and fostering a sense of euphoria and liberation.
Gonna move your feet
We will compel you to dance, driving the rhythms and beats into your body and causing you to move involuntarily.
Pumpin' hot and sweet
Our music is pumping, hot and sweet, like the rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins.
Watch that beat drop
Get ready for the sheer power of our music, as the beat drops and we unleash a wave of energy and frenzied excitement.
Watch that beat drop
Get ready for the sheer power of our music, as the beat drops and we unleash a wave of energy and frenzied excitement.
Countdown, baby, get ready to go!
Get ready for the ride of your life, as we gear up to take off and send you on a journey of sonic ecstasy!
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LIAM HOWLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind