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.
Genesis
The Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You must play this.. I-M-D, word up
Yeah, you know, Infamous Mobb Deep
It's real.. check it out tho'
Respect the I-M-D
Fresh out the car in the are-A-double-P, E-are
P-E-double, when I speak it gets real
You can't come out, wylin out like that
Rhymes so vivid Dunn I see what you sayin"
But you gotta understand how I feel
The pain and the hardship it took to build
Years of frustration, some got killed
Others fell vic' to the gates of steel
Most try to instill sanity still
Stuck on this rock where we don't belong
I wanna go home not sing this song
But I'm forced to perform speech napalm
Calm, surrounded by all types of harm
Dogg man fuck your screwface I watch hands
Watch your hands nigga, I see that, word up..
Word up, peep y'all cats movements
Laid back in the cut like what?
Pay attention.. check it out Dunn
I'm bein watched by snake eyes
Peep them shed skin plenty times
Surrounded by crash dummies and empty minds
Get your shit together Dunn, see between the lines
Stay awoke, to the ways of the wickedest kind
Infamous - cause of the way, I write rhymes
Plus my story's more foul than your newborn eatin swine
(Stupid) Catch a seat, it's about to get deep
Like squeezin flouride on your brush for your teeth
Or, takin your seed to get shots every week
We need to pay more attention to our surroundings
Busy wildin, all for the wrong cause
Put that same strength into somethin that'll pay off
Don't forget your soul's involved
That same energy you put out, comes right back it revolves
I smash you, Dunn only if I have to
I would hate to, but I'll be more than glad to
The positive and negative war has now begun
P helps you separate both the sides
Let the truth arise, black devil don't hide
You can't hide from me, you might from the others
I've been employed to pull your ass out from the covers
You walk like you got hooves and talk like you 'sposed to
Trickin my brothers into followin you? Yo
Potential energy is easily made kinetic
I turn 'em all back where they belong, don't wet it
What? Set it..
Set it nigga, fuckin fake-ass motherfuckers
Take your mask off nigga what? (what.. what..)
The Prodigy's song Genesis paints a bleak picture of the harsh realities of life, particularly for those living in the streets. The lyrics speak about the struggle to rise above the poverty, violence, and hardships experienced by many in urban areas. The song begins with a proclamation to respect the Infamous Mobb Deep (I-M-D), setting the tone for an unapologetic, raw expression of the realities of street life. The first verse describes the singer's frustration and pain, born out of years of hardship and the loss of friends and loved ones. Despite the bleak outlook, the chorus signals a call to arms, urging listeners to stay awake to the ways of the wicked and fight for their place in the world.
In the second verse, the lyrics shift to a conversation about surveillance and the duplicitous nature of those in power. Snake eyes, crash dummies, and empty minds are all obstacles to finding the truth and rising above the chaos. The singer speaks of the importance of paying attention to one's surroundings and putting energy into something that will ultimately pay off. The positive and negative come to a head with the singer's pledge to take action against those who would deceive and betray, and the song ends with a call to action - to set things right and unmask those who hide behind a false facade.
Line by Line Meaning
Respect this right here nigga.. I-M-D
Acknowledge and honor the Infamous Mobb Deep
You must play this.. I-M-D, word up
Listen to and appreciate the music of the Infamous Mobb Deep
Yeah, you know, Infamous Mobb Deep
Introducing the Infamous Mobb Deep as a real and authentic group
It's real.. check it out tho'
Confirming the legitimacy and authenticity of the music
Fresh out the car in the are-A-double-P, E-are
Starting the verse with a declaration of the Infamous Mobb Deep's origin from the Queensbridge housing projects
P-E-double, when I speak it gets real
Asserting that when the Infamous Mobb Deep speaks, their words carry weight and significance
Flakes try to tell me, "Yo Dunn, nah chill
Acknowledging that some people try to silence the Infamous Mobb Deep's message
You can't come out, wylin out like that
Critiquing the attempt to suppress the Infamous Mobb Deep for speaking truthfully and passionately
Rhymes so vivid Dunn I see what you sayin'
Affirming that the Infamous Mobb Deep's lyrical content is easily understood and relatable
But you gotta understand how I feel
Emphasizing that the Infamous Mobb Deep's perspective is based on genuine experiences and emotions
The pain and the hardship it took to build
Highlighting the struggles and adversity that shaped the Infamous Mobb Deep
Years of frustration, some got killed
Acknowledging the loss and trauma that the Infamous Mobb Deep has endured
Others fell vic' to the gates of steel
Referencing the high mortality rate and violence of the streets the Infamous Mobb Deep come from
Most try to instill sanity still
Acknowledging the effort to maintain mental and emotional stability in a chaotic environment
Stuck on this rock where we don't belong
Expressing the feeling of being trapped in an environment that doesn't nurture growth or stability
I wanna go home not sing this song
Reiterating the desire to escape the negative conditions and hardships of living in poverty
But I'm forced to perform speech napalm
Acknowledging the obligation to use music as a form of expression and activism
Calm, surrounded by all types of harm
Maintaining composure, despite being constantly exposed to danger and harm
Dogg man fuck your screwface I watch hands
Calling out the fakeness and dishonesty in people's expressions and body language
Watch your hands nigga, I see that, word up..
Continuing to critique the insincerity and deception of people's behavior
Word up, peep y'all cats movements
Encouraging people to pay attention and be aware of others' actions and intentions
Laid back in the cut like what?
Asking the listener to question the motives and sincerity of those who appear nonchalant or detached
I'm bein watched by snake eyes
Referencing the constant surveillance and scrutiny the Infamous Mobb Deep faces
Peep them shed skin plenty times
Metaphorically describing the superficial and changeable nature of those who observe and judge the Infamous Mobb Deep
Surrounded by crash dummies and empty minds
Lamenting the lack of intelligence and substance in those who criticize and oppose the Infamous Mobb Deep
Get your shit together Dunn, see between the lines
Encouraging the listener to understand the deeper meaning and significance of the Infamous Mobb Deep's message
Stay awoke, to the ways of the wickedest kind
Advising the listener to stay vigilant and aware of the evil and malevolent forces in the world
Infamous - cause of the way, I write rhymes
Explaining that the Infamous Mobb Deep's legacy is linked to their unique and impactful style of lyricism
Plus my story's more foul than your newborn eatin swine
Boasting about the Infamous Mobb Deep's experiences and the depth and authenticity of their music
(Stupid) Catch a seat, it's about to get deep
Inviting the listener to engage fully with the profound and relevant content of the music
Like squeezin flouride on your brush for your teeth
Comparing paying attention to the message of the music to taking care of one's personal hygiene
Or, takin your seed to get shots every week
Emphasizing the importance of protecting one's family and community through regular vaccination and preventative care
We need to pay more attention to our surroundings
Calling for greater awareness and engagement with the environment and community we live in
Busy wildin, all for the wrong cause
Commenting on the misguided and unproductive behavior of those who seek to cause chaos and harm
Put that same strength into somethin that'll pay off
Encouraging people to redirect their energy and focus towards more positive and productive pursuits
Don't forget your soul's involved
Reminding the listener that their spiritual and emotional well-being is essential to a fulfilling and meaningful life
That same energy you put out, comes right back it revolves
Affirming the principle of karma and the importance of putting out positive energy and actions
I smash you, Dunn only if I have to
Asserting that the Infamous Mobb Deep will use force only when necessary or justified
I would hate to, but I'll be more than glad to
Expressing a distaste for violence, but a willingness to protect oneself and others
The positive and negative war has now begun
Describing the struggle between good and evil in society
P helps you separate both the sides
Referencing the Infamous Mobb Deep's use of words and wisdom to distinguish between positive and negative forces
Let the truth arise, black devil don't hide
Urging the devil or evil to reveal itself and face the consequences of its actions
You can't hide from me, you might from the others
Asserting the Infamous Mobb Deep's ability to recognize and expose the truth, even when others cannot
I've been employed to pull your ass out from the covers
Claiming the role of the Infamous Mobb Deep as a force for good and liberation
You walk like you got hooves and talk like you 'sposed to
Critiquing the arrogance and entitlement of those who act superior or entitled
Trickin my brothers into followin you? Yo
Condemning the manipulation and deception used to mislead and control others
Potential energy is easily made kinetic
Encouraging the listener to take their potential and turn it into tangible and impactful action
I turn 'em all back where they belong, don't wet it
Confirming the Infamous Mobb Deep's ability to redirect and correct misguided or harmful behavior
Set it nigga, fuckin fake-ass motherfuckers
Challenging the listener to take action and expose and confront those who are fake or dishonest
Take your mask off nigga what? (what.. what..)
Calling on people to reveal their true selves and intentions
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
E.M
This track has never been more relevant than right now
Calm Prone
Facx Rip to don p
CAROLINABLU1982!!
TRILL TALK!!
dank gang
Yo 4reall
ali jalali
Right now It's even more relevant...
Jordan Bruen
@jamal buchanan 🐍🐍🖤👹
Casey Blais
I was 18 years old when this came out. Sometimes I reflect and feel blessed that I've been able to listen to classics my whole life. RIP P
Carrie Beeman-Nickols
12/17/81 here. I always looked up to P
Glad I had the chance
Jon Jay
Yeah G
Sellyboy 727
@CruzNY Nov 90 my dude💯