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.
Littles Skit
The Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down in the hood nigga
You know how we do it in QB man
Let these niggas know how we got up, word
Yo, my first whip in the ghetto
I was poppin' off 14 years old had older
Broads droppin' drawers
But I'm chasin' ones
Surrounded by these snakes and
These faceless slums
Can't trust nobody, no friends, no one
'Cause it'll be your own friends
In the hands of guns
How you think a nigga feel
When a nigga can't sleep
Knowin' your own friends plottin' on
Your neck and sleeves
P, you showed me love so it's vice-versa
You and Hav
Ya'll the reason why my life ain't over
Littles, best of the blocks
Best of the ghetto
Y'all seen me when I pop up
Hood and black metal
Yo we rep NYC, who was fuckin' with QB
Nothin', we invincible you're simple
Me and Killa would converse on how we could
Capitalise off our street anthems, damn
I wish my nigga was here to enjoy the fruit
I spill my beer in memory of you
It's love nigga
I came to the hood, you showed me love nigga
Treated me like blood, your soldier thunn
So in return I'mma follow
Through with our plans
Shocked the industry and showed 'em
How our companies ran we went from
Crack sales to Infamous records and films
These other niggas got garbage for real
And that's why we stand in
A class of our own
We got it locked, helmed and very well sung
The lyrics of The Prodigy's song "Littles Skit" delve into the experiences and struggles of growing up in the hood, particularly in the Queensbridge (QB) neighborhood. The singer, referred to as Littles, reflects on his early days in the ghetto, reminiscing about getting his first car at the young age of 14 and engaging with older women. Despite being caught up in a cycle of chasing money instead of focusing on education, Littles conveys a sense of distrust and vulnerability in a community filled with deceit and danger. The mention of facing betrayal from supposed friends who plot against him with guns highlights the harsh reality of survival in the streets.
The lyrics also pay homage to influential figures in Littles' life, particularly P and Hav, who are credited with preventing him from succumbing to the perils of the streets. Littles acknowledges their support and guidance, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of loyalty and friendship in the face of adversity. The camaraderie and solidarity within the QB community are underscored through the bond forged by shared experiences and mutual respect, transcending mere acquaintanceship to a deeper brotherhood.
The pride in representing New York City and Queensbridge is evident in the lyrics, as Littles reflects on the resilience and strength of his neighborhood against external challenges. The reference to strategizing with Killa (possibly another individual from QB) on leveraging their street credibility for success in the music industry speaks to the ambition and determination to uplift themselves from their surroundings. The lament for a fallen comrade underscores the sacrifices and losses endured in pursuit of their dreams, symbolized by pouring out a beer in his memory as a tribute to their shared journey.
The progression from an environment characterized by drug sales to establishing Infamous Records and venturing into filmmaking symbolizes a transformation from a life of crime to entrepreneurship and creative expression. The lyrics exude a sense of defiance and self-assurance in their ability to navigate the music industry on their own terms, distinguishing themselves from mainstream mediocrity. The mention of holding their own class and setting a high standard for authenticity underscores their commitment to crafting a unique identity and legacy, cementing their place as trailblazers in a competitive and often unforgiving industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo Littles man tell them niggas how we got
Littles, explain to everyone how we rose to success
Down in the hood nigga
In the neighborhood, man
You know how we do it in QB man
You understand our ways in Queensbridge, man
Let these niggas know how we got up, word
Inform these individuals about our journey to the top, understand
Yo, my first whip in the ghetto
My initial car in the urban area
I was poppin' off 14 years old had older
I was active at 14 years old, attracting the attention of older individuals
Broads droppin' drawers
Women removing clothes
I'm supposed to be in school
I should be attending school
But I'm chasin' ones
But I'm pursuing money
Surrounded by these snakes and
In the presence of deceitful individuals
These faceless slums
These impoverished areas without identity
Can't trust nobody, no friends, no one
Unable to trust anyone, no friends or associates
'Cause it'll be your own friends
Because your own friends
In the hands of guns
End up resorting to violence
How you think a nigga feel
What do you believe a person feels
When a nigga can't sleep
When an individual cannot rest
Knowin' your own friends plottin' on
Aware that your friends are scheming against you
Your neck and sleeves
Your safety and well-being
P, you showed me love so it's vice-versa
Prodigy, you demonstrated kindness so I reciprocate
You and Hav
You and Havoc
Ya'll the reason why my life ain't over
You both are the reason I am still alive
Littles, best of the blocks
Littles, the most skilled in the neighborhood
Best of the ghetto
Top performer in the impoverished area
Y'all seen me when I pop up
You witnessed my rise to prominence
Hood and black metal
Urban culture and aggressive music genre
Yo we rep NYC, who was fuckin' with QB
We represent New York City, who could challenge Queensbridge
Nothin', we invincible you're simple
Nothing, we are unbeatable while you are ordinary
Me and Killa would converse on how we could
Myself and Killa would discuss ways to
Capitalise off our street anthems, damn
Profit from our popular songs, wow
I wish my nigga was here to enjoy the fruit
I desire for my friend to experience success with me
I spill my beer in memory of you
I pour out my beer in your honor
It's love nigga
It's a gesture of affection, man
I came to the hood, you showed me love nigga
I visited the neighborhood, you displayed loyalty, man
Treated me like blood, your soldier thunn
Treated me like family, your loyal warrior
So in return I'mma follow
Therefore, I will adhere to
Through with our plans
Carry out our strategies
Shocked the industry and showed 'em
Surprised the sector and demonstrated to
How our companies ran we went from
The operations of our businesses, transitioning from
Crack sales to Infamous records and films
Selling drugs to establishing a successful record label and film production
These other niggas got garbage for real
These other individuals produce low-quality work
And that's why we stand in
And that is the reason we excel
A class of our own
Unique group in the industry
We got it locked, helmed and very well sung
We have secured it, led and performed exceptionally well
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
spearPYN
real hip-hop, new york we the greatest
Leon Brown
Shout out to Little Lord
Retro RockStar
Littlest sound like jay z