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.
The Narcotic Suite: Claustrophobic Sting
The Prodigy Lyrics
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Ha Ha Ha...
The Narcotic Suite is a three-part song by British electronic music group The Prodigy. The second track of this suite is titled Claustrophobic Sting. The lyrics of this song are minimalistic, consisting of only four words - "My mind is blowing. Ha Ha Ha...". However, the meaning behind these words is metaphorical and goes deep. The song is about the intense feeling of being trapped and isolated in a tight space with no way out.
The lyrics "My mind is blowing" indicate the feeling of mental distress and anxiety caused by claustrophobia. The feeling of being confined in a small enclosed space can be overwhelming, and it can lead to a cognitive decline. The repetition of the "Ha Ha Ha" suggests laughter, but it is a nervous sound from someone who is scared, claustrophobic, and feels trapped. It's the sound of someone who has lost control, and their mind is about to snap. The lyrics are accompanied by intense electronic music that further enhances the feeling of being trapped and claustrophobic.
Overall, The Narcotic Suite: Claustrophobic Sting is an incredibly powerful song that makes an impactful statement about the feeling of being alone, trapped, and helpless. The minimalistic lyrics and the intense musical score work together to create a haunting musical masterpiece that taps into deep emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
My mind is blowing.
My thoughts are in a state of chaos and confusion, causing me to feel overwhelmed.
Ha Ha Ha...
My current state of mind is so absurd and perplexing, that laughter is my only reaction to it.
Contributed by Eliana M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
SuperHappyplant
These 3 tracks are quality when taken individually. Combined they are a masterpiece and they close out an amazing album which is still as ferocious as it was 25 years ago when I first heard it.
Ben Staad
The narcotic suite, an absolute masterpiece, ends an incredible album. The best album EVER made.
Adek Nieznalski
Climbatize is a weak track? Rly? For me this one is amazing... Magicall... But MftJG is a masterpiece in general, it's a real gem!
eddie
@prodigy84bg lol, if you can'y spell phat properly... Just joking. It's a superb album. Stronger than jilted generation, other than this suite.
M.L. Crow
prodigy84bg It's just the MFTJG songs you listed are absolutely kick ass (for me), especially Claustrophobic Sting (I simply love this song, one of Prodigy's finest imo)...anyway...we have our own personal opinions and it's ok, I guess. Be well.
prodigy84bg
@M.L. Crow For me they are 7/8 out of 10 tracks, while the rest are 9/10 out of 10 tracks.
M.L. Crow
prodigy84bg Speedway, The Heat, Claustrophobic Sting weaker tracks? I really don't understand you but that's just your opinion and I completely disagree but music is subjective in the end.
Towarez
3 kilos - one of my favourites Prodigy tracks. RIP Keith :(
F Con
I was in 4th grade when Fat of the Land came out, and I loved it. Shortly afterwards, I got every album they had and it was the Narcotic Suite that ended up putting them on my "best bands ever" list.
I raise a glass to Keith Flint - he was a great fucking member of the band that was my gateway drug to electronic music.
dokanyon
mine too dude. very few of the so called fans like or know this song