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.

drive thru skit
The Prodigy Lyrics

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What? You tryna get smart? Nigga, oh
You tryna kick some knowledge nigga?
Fuck that, nigga, give me
Your muotherfucking jewelry, nigga
Take that shit off shit

You got a pager too
You a baller? Huh? You a baller?

You a- this motherfuckin' shit

Better me than the motherfuckin' cops nigga

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Prodigy's song "Drive Thru Skit" are an excerpt from a skit in which a confrontational individual is demanding someone's jewelry and making derogatory remarks. The lines represent a stark contrast between intellectual discussion or education (symbolized by the phrase "trying to get smart" and "kick some knowledge") and the aggressive behavior of the singer. In this context, the lyrics convey a message about the prevalence of materialistic culture and the prioritization of material possessions over personal growth or knowledge.

The singer derides the idea of intellectual conversation, dismissing it as irrelevant and instead demanding the jewelry of the other person. The use of offensive language adds an element of intimidation and highlights the aggressive nature of the individual. The lyrics imply a sense of frustration and disdain towards those who value material wealth over other aspects of life, such as personal development or education.

Overall, these lyrics serve as a brief, but provocative, critique of materialism and the superficial values it perpetuates. By illustrating the aggressive nature of the singer and their dismissal of intellectual pursuits, the song challenges the listener to question the importance placed on possessions and societal expectations.

Line by Line Meaning

What? You tryna get smart? Nigga, oh
Why are you trying to act intelligent? I don't believe it.

You tryna kick some knowledge nigga?
Are you attempting to share some wisdom?

Fuck that, nigga, give me
I don't care, just give me

Your muotherfucking jewelry, nigga
Hand over your valuable jewelry, my friend

Take that shit off shit
Remove those possessions immediately

You got a pager too
Do you also possess a pager?

You a baller? Huh? You a baller?
Are you someone who flaunts their wealth? Is that so?

You a- this motherfuckin' shit
Are you involved in this illicit activity?

Better me than the motherfuckin' cops nigga
I would rather take possession of your belongings than have the authorities discover them, my friend

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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