Mobb Deep
Encyclopedia
Mobb Deep is an American
hip hop
duo from Queensbridge, Queens
, New York
, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy
. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones Pt. II
." Mobb Deep have become one of the most successful rap duos in hip hop, having sold over 3 million records. The majority of their albums have been critically acclaimed, in particular The Infamous
, which is considered a classic. They are partially credited for the resurgence of East Coast rap in the early to mid-'90s.
Havoc and Prodigy were also judges for the 7th annual Independent Music Awards
to support independent artists' careers.
in New York City
. Havoc took the role of producer and secondary MC, while Prodigy assumed the position of primary MC. Originally dubbing themselves the Poetical Profits, the duo later changed its name to Mobb Deep in order to "reflect their reputation on the streets." Many do not know but when Prodigy was only 15 he was featured on the classic movie soundtrack Boyz In The Hood in a track call Too Young
In June of 1991.When Havoc and Prodigy were 17, they released their debut album as Mobb Deep, called Juvenile Hell
, which was led by the single "Peer Pressure
." The album sold poorly and was met with harsh reviews that dismissed the duo as just another hardcore group with little to distinguish it from the rest of the hip-hop world, despite production by DJ Premier
and Large Professor
. However, a few songs from Juvenile Hell did gain some recognition, such as "Hit It from the Back
," "Locked in Spofford," and "Me and My Crew." Also in 1993, Havoc had a guest appearance on the critically acclaimed Black Moon
album Enta Da Stage
, on a song called "U Da Man."
, released in 1995. Mobb Deep catapulted to the top of the hardcore hip-hop scene through Havoc and Prodigy's straightforward narration of street life. Mobb Deep portrayed the struggles of living in New York City's Queensbridge Houses. Following its release, The Infamous
became one of the most influential albums of the East Coast hardcore hip-hop genre. The duo's production stood out, as the beats were often hard-hitting and direct—a testament to Havoc, who produced the tracks almost exclusively throughout Mobb Deep's career. Furthermore, the smash hit single "Shook Ones Pt. II
" received critical acclaim and was well-received within the hip-hop community. Mobb Deep's third album, Hell on Earth was released in 1996, debuting at number six on the Billboard album chart
. The album continued the duo's portrayal of harsh street life, while further pushing them to the forefront of the hardcore hip-hop scene, along with contemporary East Coast rappers
like The Notorious B.I.G.
, Wu-Tang Clan
collective, Jay-Z
, and fellow Queensbridge associate Nas
.
In 1996, they appeared on the Red Hot Organization
's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly
, alongside Biz Markie
, Wu-Tang Clan
, and Fat Joe
, among many other prominent hip hop artists. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as "a masterpiece" by The Source
magazine.
In 1998, the duo collaborated with reggae dancehall rapper Bounty Killer on the track "Deadly Zone" for the soundtrack to Blade
. In 1999, they released the highly anticipated Murda Muzik
album. Despite extensive bootlegging
(nearly 30 songs of unreleased material leaked onto the Internet) and countless delays, the album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and quickly received platinum
certification—further highlighted by the popular single "Quiet Storm
." Shortly afterward, Prodigy released his long-awaited solo album H.N.I.C, in which the MC collaborated with other artists (B.G.
and N.O.R.E.
) and producers (including The Alchemist
, Rockwilder
, and Just Blaze
).
and Tragedy Khadafi
, responded with the song "LA, LA" (This song can be found on Capone-N-Noreaga's debut album The War Report
). This song was released during rapper 2Pac's final days of incarceration. Members of 2Pac's group, the Outlawz
allegedly attended a Mobb Deep concert. They then visited 2Pac, maintaining that the duo had snubbed them at the concert. 2Pac dissed Mobb Deep in "Hit 'Em Up" and "When We Ride on Our Enemies" and mocked Prodigy's sickle-cell disease. Mobb Deep responded in a diss track called "Drop A Gem On 'Em" on the 1997 album Hell on Earth, which was released after 2Pac was murdered. 2Pac also dissed Mobb Deep on the songs "Bomb First (My Second Reply)" and "Against All Odds", both of which were released on 2Pacs last studio album, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory
.
in 2001. The song "Burn
" (featuring Vita) was perceived as a response to Jay-Z's diss song "Takeover" on The Blueprint
, as was "Crawlin'," in which Prodigy's two verses both mention Jay-Z. The album marked a major stylistic change in which the duo moved away from raw, minimalist, stripped-down beats and toward more commercial fare with such songs as "Hey Luv (Anything)
." This transition fostered accusations of "selling out
"—upsetting many long-time fans who did not wish to see them veer away from their original style.
Although these stylistic adjustments opened up Mobb Deep to a wider audience, many critics and fans consider their style change as a detriment to Mobb Deep's street image and record sales (most evident when comparing the platinum-selling Murda Muzik to Infamy, which struggled to attain gold-record status).
In 2003, the group split with Loud Records and released Free Agents: The Murda Mix Tape, in which Havoc and Prodigy proclaimed themselves "free agents
" and addressed the group's split with its old label and its search for a new label. Jive Records
signed the duo later in the year through a deal with the group’s own imprint. Mobb Deep then released Amerikaz Nightmare
in 2004, which was seen by the general hip-hop audience as a weaker release, resulting in poor sales and the group’s subsequent departure from the label. Today, as a result of various mergers, all of Mobb Deep's studio albums from 1995 to 2004 are owned by Sony Music Entertainment
.
In late 2009, Mobb Deep were released from their contract with 50 Cent's G-Unit label.
. This is the first official song by Mobb Deep since Prodigy made his return from jail and their first song with Nas in almost 10 years, due to their feud. It is produced by Havoc & Alchemist
. They are also recording an upcoming, self titled album (which will be their ninth studio album), with production from Havoc, Alchemist, Sid Roams, DJ Premier
, MTK, Cardiak and J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, and with guest artists such as Rick Ross
, Lil' Kim
, Wiz Khalifa
, Odd Future
and Nas
on their new album. Havoc also confirmed a collaboration album between Nas.
On November 21, 2011, the duo released an EP called Black Cocaine 2011.
Mixtape
Extended Plays
Compilation albums
Other albums
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
hip hop
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
duo from Queensbridge, Queens
Queensbridge, Queens
Queensbridge Houses is the largest public housing development in North America. It is located in Long Island City in Queens, and opened in 1939. The 3,142-unit complex is owned by the New York City Housing Authority. The complex is located in Community Board 1...
, New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy
Prodigy (rapper)
Lance Albert Johnson Banks, better known as Prodigy, is an American rapper and one half of the hip-hop and rap duo Mobb Deep....
. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones Pt. II
Shook Ones Pt. II
"Shook Ones " is the lead single from Mobb Deep's 1995 album The Infamous. The song was hailed as an instant classic and, in many ways, was the pinnacle of Mobb Deep's critical acclaim, making it their signature song to this day...
." Mobb Deep have become one of the most successful rap duos in hip hop, having sold over 3 million records. The majority of their albums have been critically acclaimed, in particular The Infamous
The Infamous
Upon its release, The Infamous earned critical acclaim and was widely considered to be a cornerstone album of New York hardcore rap. Rolling Stone magazine originally rated the album 3½ out of 5 stars, and called it "a darkly nihilistic masterpiece". It, however, gave it a 5 out of 5 star rating in...
, which is considered a classic. They are partially credited for the resurgence of East Coast rap in the early to mid-'90s.
Havoc and Prodigy were also judges for the 7th annual Independent Music Awards
The Independent Music Awards
The Independent Music Awards is an international program that honors top-ranked independent artists and releases in more than 50 Album, Song, Music Video and Design categories....
to support independent artists' careers.
Origins
Havoc and Prodigy started rhyming in 1986, then later they both attended the High School of Art and DesignHigh School of Art and Design
The High School of Art and Design is a Career and Technical Education high school located at 1075 Second Avenue, between 56th and 57th Streets in Manhattan, New York City, New York.It is operated by the New York City Department of Education...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Havoc took the role of producer and secondary MC, while Prodigy assumed the position of primary MC. Originally dubbing themselves the Poetical Profits, the duo later changed its name to Mobb Deep in order to "reflect their reputation on the streets." Many do not know but when Prodigy was only 15 he was featured on the classic movie soundtrack Boyz In The Hood in a track call Too Young
In June of 1991.When Havoc and Prodigy were 17, they released their debut album as Mobb Deep, called Juvenile Hell
Juvenile Hell
-Samples used:*"Hit It from the Back" contains a sample from "You Can Make it if You Try" by Sly & The Family Stone.*"Flavor for the Non-Believes" contains a sample from "Funky Drummer" by James Brown....
, which was led by the single "Peer Pressure
Peer Pressure (song)
"Peer Pressure" is the first single from Mobb Deep's debut album Juvenile Hell. It was released under the 4th & Broadway label. The b-side features the song "Flavor For The Non-Believers"...
." The album sold poorly and was met with harsh reviews that dismissed the duo as just another hardcore group with little to distinguish it from the rest of the hip-hop world, despite production by DJ Premier
DJ Premier
Christopher Edward Martin , better known by his stage name DJ Premier , is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru...
and Large Professor
Large Professor
Large Professor , also known as Large Pro and Xtra P, is a New York City-based hip hop record producer and emcee. He is also best known as a founding member of the influential underground hip hop group Main Source, and as a frequent collaborator with Nas...
. However, a few songs from Juvenile Hell did gain some recognition, such as "Hit It from the Back
Hit It from the Back
"Hit It from the Back" is the second and final single from Mobb Deep's Juvenile Hell album. It was released under 4th & Broadway, from which the duo was dropped due to poor record sales, barely selling 20,000 at the time...
," "Locked in Spofford," and "Me and My Crew." Also in 1993, Havoc had a guest appearance on the critically acclaimed Black Moon
Black Moon (band)
Black Moon is an American hip hop group, consisting of members Buckshot, 5 ft and DJ Evil Dee . The group were most notable for their debut album Enta da Stage, and their affiliation with the Boot Camp Clik.-Biography:...
album Enta Da Stage
Enta Da Stage
Enta da Stage is the debut album of American East Coast hip hop group Black Moon, released on October 19, 1993 through Nervous Records. The album was produced by DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt of Da Beatminerz...
, on a song called "U Da Man."
Rise to success
The group saw its first major success with their second album, The InfamousThe Infamous
Upon its release, The Infamous earned critical acclaim and was widely considered to be a cornerstone album of New York hardcore rap. Rolling Stone magazine originally rated the album 3½ out of 5 stars, and called it "a darkly nihilistic masterpiece". It, however, gave it a 5 out of 5 star rating in...
, released in 1995. Mobb Deep catapulted to the top of the hardcore hip-hop scene through Havoc and Prodigy's straightforward narration of street life. Mobb Deep portrayed the struggles of living in New York City's Queensbridge Houses. Following its release, The Infamous
The Infamous
Upon its release, The Infamous earned critical acclaim and was widely considered to be a cornerstone album of New York hardcore rap. Rolling Stone magazine originally rated the album 3½ out of 5 stars, and called it "a darkly nihilistic masterpiece". It, however, gave it a 5 out of 5 star rating in...
became one of the most influential albums of the East Coast hardcore hip-hop genre. The duo's production stood out, as the beats were often hard-hitting and direct—a testament to Havoc, who produced the tracks almost exclusively throughout Mobb Deep's career. Furthermore, the smash hit single "Shook Ones Pt. II
Shook Ones Pt. II
"Shook Ones " is the lead single from Mobb Deep's 1995 album The Infamous. The song was hailed as an instant classic and, in many ways, was the pinnacle of Mobb Deep's critical acclaim, making it their signature song to this day...
" received critical acclaim and was well-received within the hip-hop community. Mobb Deep's third album, Hell on Earth was released in 1996, debuting at number six on the Billboard album chart
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
. The album continued the duo's portrayal of harsh street life, while further pushing them to the forefront of the hardcore hip-hop scene, along with contemporary East Coast rappers
East Coast hip hop
East Coast hip hop is a regional subgenre of hip hop music that originated in New York City, USA during the 1970s. Hip hop is recognized to have originated and evolved first in the East Coast...
like The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Christopher George Latore Wallace , best known as The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper. He was also known as Biggie Smalls , Big Poppa, and The Black Frank White .Wallace was raised in the Brooklyn borough...
, Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
collective, Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, and fellow Queensbridge associate Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
.
In 1996, they appeared on the Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly
America Is Dying Slowly
America Is Dying Slowly is a compilation album, the eighth in the Red Hot AIDS Benefit Series of recorded by the Red Hot Organization...
, alongside Biz Markie
Biz Markie
Marcel Theo Hall better known by his stage name, Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989...
, Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
, and Fat Joe
Fat Joe
Joseph Antonio Cartagena , better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper, CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment, and member of musical groups D.I.T.C. and Terror Squad....
, among many other prominent hip hop artists. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as "a masterpiece" by The Source
The Source (magazine)
The Source is a United States-based, monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture, founded in 1988. It is the world's second longest running rap periodical, behind United Kingdom-based publication Hip Hop Connection. The Source was founded as a newsletter in 1988...
magazine.
In 1998, the duo collaborated with reggae dancehall rapper Bounty Killer on the track "Deadly Zone" for the soundtrack to Blade
Blade (film)
Blade is a 1998 vampire superhero action horror starring Wesley Snipes and Stephen Dorff, loosely based on the Marvel Comics character Blade. The film was directed by Stephen Norrington and written by David S. Goyer. Blade grossed $70 million at the U.S. box office, and $131.2 million worldwide...
. In 1999, they released the highly anticipated Murda Muzik
Murda Muzik
Murda Muzik is Mobb Deep's fourth album, which was released in 1999. It features one of the group's best-known and most acclaimed songs, "Quiet Storm." It is also the duo's most commercially successful album to date, for shipping over 1 million copies and was certified Platinum by the RIAA,...
album. Despite extensive bootlegging
Copyright infringement
Copyright infringement is the unauthorized or prohibited use of works under copyright, infringing the copyright holder's exclusive rights, such as the right to reproduce or perform the copyrighted work, or to make derivative works.- "Piracy" :...
(nearly 30 songs of unreleased material leaked onto the Internet) and countless delays, the album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and quickly received platinum
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
certification—further highlighted by the popular single "Quiet Storm
Quiet Storm (song)
"Quiet Storm" is the first single from Mobb Deep's fourth album Murda Muzik. It was originally released on the soundtrack for the film In Too Deep. The song features a sample of the bass line from the classic hip-hop song "White Lines " by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five. It also features a...
." Shortly afterward, Prodigy released his long-awaited solo album H.N.I.C, in which the MC collaborated with other artists (B.G.
B.G. (rapper)
Christopher Dorsey , better known by his stage name B.G. , is an American rapper and actor, from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his music career signed to Cash Money Records in 1993 with Lil Wayne as half of the duo The B.G.'z...
and N.O.R.E.
N.O.R.E.
Victor Santiago, Jr., best known by his stage name N.O.R.E. or Noreaga , is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent...
) and producers (including The Alchemist
The Alchemist (producer)
Alan Daniel Maman , better known as The Alchemist, is an American hip hop producer, DJ and rapper. He hails from Beverly Hills, California...
, Rockwilder
Rockwilder
Rockwilder is an American hip hop and R&B record producer, rapper, and R&B Singer. A long term friend of Def Jam rapper Redman, Rockwilder got his start producing for East Coast Hip Hop artists in the mid 1990s. In 1999 Rockwilder produced Method Man & Redman's hit single "Da Rockwilder"...
, and Just Blaze
Just Blaze
Justin Smith, better known as Just Blaze, is an American hip hop music producer from Paterson, New Jersey. Blaze is also the CEO of Fort Knocks Entertainment. He is most well known for producing Jay-Z songs on the albums The Blueprint, The Blueprint 2, and The Black Album. He is also known for...
).
East Coast vs. West Coast
Mobb Deep was part of the infamous East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry. The beef started when Snoop Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound released "New York, New York", which Mobb Deep, along with Capone-N-NoreagaCapone-N-Noreaga
Capone-N-Noreaga was an American hip hop duo that consisted of Capone and Noreaga.-History:In 1996 the duo signed with Penalty Records; it also appeared in The Source magazine's Unsigned Hype column...
and Tragedy Khadafi
Tragedy Khadafi
Percy Chapman IV, known by his stage name Tragedy Khadafi, and formerly known as Intelligent Hoodlum, is an American rapper and producer who hails from the Queensbridge housing projects in Queens, New York, which has spawned other hip hop artists such as Nas, Cormega, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga,...
, responded with the song "LA, LA" (This song can be found on Capone-N-Noreaga's debut album The War Report
The War Report
The War Report is the influential debut album by rap duo Capone-N-Noreaga . The album features the classics "L.A., L.A."; "T.O.N.Y."; "Neva Die Alone"; "Driver's Seat"; "Illegal Life"; "Capone Bone"; "Bloody Money"; "Closer"; "Iraq "; and Noreaga's dedication to Capone, "Live on, Live Long."...
). This song was released during rapper 2Pac's final days of incarceration. Members of 2Pac's group, the Outlawz
Outlawz
Outlawz, formally known as Outlaw Immortalz, is an American hip hop group founded by Tupac Shakur in late 1995 after Shakur's release from prison. Collectively, they are probably best known for appearing in the video "Hit 'Em Up", in a diss track aimed at Biggie Smalls and other New York...
allegedly attended a Mobb Deep concert. They then visited 2Pac, maintaining that the duo had snubbed them at the concert. 2Pac dissed Mobb Deep in "Hit 'Em Up" and "When We Ride on Our Enemies" and mocked Prodigy's sickle-cell disease. Mobb Deep responded in a diss track called "Drop A Gem On 'Em" on the 1997 album Hell on Earth, which was released after 2Pac was murdered. 2Pac also dissed Mobb Deep on the songs "Bomb First (My Second Reply)" and "Against All Odds", both of which were released on 2Pacs last studio album, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory
The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory
The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory is the fifth and final studio album by Tupac Shakur, under the new stage name Makaveli, finished before his death and his first studio album to be posthumously released...
.
2000-2010
Mobb Deep released InfamyInfamy (album)
Infamy is hip-hop duo Mobb Deep's fifth album. Infamy was released after Jay-Z dissed Prodigy and Nas on his song "Takeover," from Jay-Z's 2001 album, The Blueprint, which caused Prodigy to strike back on the Track "Crawlin'," in which he calls Jay a "female-ass nigga homo emcee." "H to the you...
in 2001. The song "Burn
Burn (Mobb Deep song)
"Burn" is the first single from Mobb Deep's fifth album Infamy. The song features Big Noyd and Vita. On the album, the track is listed as "The Learning ".-Track listing:Side A#"Burn" [Clean Version]Side B#"Burn" [Dirty Version]...
" (featuring Vita) was perceived as a response to Jay-Z's diss song "Takeover" on The Blueprint
The Blueprint
The Blueprint is the sixth studio album by American rapper Jay-Z, released September 11, 2001 on Roc-A-Fella Records in the United States. Its release was set a week earlier than initially planned in order to combat bootlegging. Recording sessions for the album took place during 2001 at Manhattan...
, as was "Crawlin'," in which Prodigy's two verses both mention Jay-Z. The album marked a major stylistic change in which the duo moved away from raw, minimalist, stripped-down beats and toward more commercial fare with such songs as "Hey Luv (Anything)
Hey Luv (Anything)
"Hey Luv " is the second single from Mobb Deep's Infamy album. The song features 112. This song is also included on the B-side of "Get Away", the group's next single.-Track listing:Side A#"Hey Luv " [Clean Version]Side B...
." This transition fostered accusations of "selling out
Selling out
"Selling out" is the compromising of integrity, morality, or principles in exchange for money or "success" . It is commonly associated with attempts to tailor material to a mainstream audience...
"—upsetting many long-time fans who did not wish to see them veer away from their original style.
Although these stylistic adjustments opened up Mobb Deep to a wider audience, many critics and fans consider their style change as a detriment to Mobb Deep's street image and record sales (most evident when comparing the platinum-selling Murda Muzik to Infamy, which struggled to attain gold-record status).
In 2003, the group split with Loud Records and released Free Agents: The Murda Mix Tape, in which Havoc and Prodigy proclaimed themselves "free agents
Free Agents
Free Agents is a romantic black comedy starring Stephen Mangan, Sharon Horgan and Anthony Head. Originally a pilot for Channel 4 in November 2007, the series began on 13 February 2009. It spawned a short lived US remake, which was cancelled after just 4 episodes aired.-Plot:Alex works for CMA, a...
" and addressed the group's split with its old label and its search for a new label. Jive Records
Jive Records
Jive Records was a record label based in New York City, operating under RCA Music Group. Jive was primarily known for a string of successes with hip hop artists in the 1980s, and in teen pop and boy bands in the late 1990s. The word "jive" was inspired by Township Jive, a form of South African...
signed the duo later in the year through a deal with the group’s own imprint. Mobb Deep then released Amerikaz Nightmare
Amerikaz Nightmare
Amerikaz Nightmare is a 2004 album by hip-hop duo Mobb Deep. It is the duo’s sixth studio album and its only on Jive Records, through a deal with the group’s own imprint. It features the singles "Got It Twisted" and "Real Gangstaz"...
in 2004, which was seen by the general hip-hop audience as a weaker release, resulting in poor sales and the group’s subsequent departure from the label. Today, as a result of various mergers, all of Mobb Deep's studio albums from 1995 to 2004 are owned by Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment ' is the second-largest global recorded music company of the "big four" record companies and is controlled by Sony Corporation of America, the United States subsidiary of Japan's Sony Corporation....
.
G-Unit Records
Mobb Deep founded Infamous Records in the late 1990s, but it did not get an imprint deal until 2004. It is now a subsidiary of G-Unit Records. In June 2005, Prodigy and Havoc surprised fans when the duo announced that it had signed with 50 Cent's label G-Unit Records. The move was surprising because 50 Cent had included an indirect dis to the group in his song "Piggy Bank." 50 Cent had a connection to Mobb Deep, as he grew up in Queens and also had used Havoc as a producer for several different beats for albums by G-Unit, Lloyd Banks, and Tony Yayo. The relationship strengthened as Prodigy and 50 Cent each received tattoos to pledge their loyalty to each other. Prodigy has the word "G-Unit" tattooed on the side of his right hand and 50 Cent has "Mobb Deep" tattooed on his wrist. Upon signing with G-Unit, both Prodigy and Havoc were given new Porsches, a gift for two artists who had received very little monetary compensation in the past. Later, Mobb Deep signed different artists on Infamous/G-Unit Records, including Nyce, 40 Glocc, and Gail Gotti. 40 Glocc has his own label on the Infamous label, called Zoo Life. Mobb Deep released its eighth album, Blood Money, on , 2006. It features G-Unit members 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck, as well as Mary J. Blige and Nate Dogg. On , 2006, Mobb Deep became the first American hip-hop duo to perform in India, via VH1's Hip Hop Hustle. It performed in a nightclub called Enigma.In late 2009, Mobb Deep were released from their contract with 50 Cent's G-Unit label.
2011-present
On April 4, 2011 a possible new Mobb Deep single leaked on the internet named "Dog Shit". The song features rapper NasNas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
. This is the first official song by Mobb Deep since Prodigy made his return from jail and their first song with Nas in almost 10 years, due to their feud. It is produced by Havoc & Alchemist
Alchemist
An alchemist is a person who practices alchemy. Alchemist may also refer to:-People and groups:*The Alchemist , a hip hop music producer and rapper*Alchemist , an Australian progressive metal band...
. They are also recording an upcoming, self titled album (which will be their ninth studio album), with production from Havoc, Alchemist, Sid Roams, DJ Premier
DJ Premier
Christopher Edward Martin , better known by his stage name DJ Premier , is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru...
, MTK, Cardiak and J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, and with guest artists such as Rick Ross
Rick Ross
Rick, Ricky or Richard Ross may also refer to:* Rick Ross , American rapper* Richard J. Ross, a Massachusetts State Senator* Richard Ross , an American photographer...
, Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
, Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa
Cameron Jibril Thomaz , better known by the stage name Wiz Khalifa , is an American rapper. He released his debut album, Show and Prove, in 2006, and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 2007...
, Odd Future
OFWGKTA
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, often abbreviated OFWGKTA and also known simply as Odd Future or Golf Wang, is an alternative hip hop collective from Los Angeles, California...
and Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
on their new album. Havoc also confirmed a collaboration album between Nas.
On November 21, 2011, the duo released an EP called Black Cocaine 2011.
Discography
Studio albums- Juvenile HellJuvenile Hell-Samples used:*"Hit It from the Back" contains a sample from "You Can Make it if You Try" by Sly & The Family Stone.*"Flavor for the Non-Believes" contains a sample from "Funky Drummer" by James Brown....
(1993) - The InfamousThe InfamousUpon its release, The Infamous earned critical acclaim and was widely considered to be a cornerstone album of New York hardcore rap. Rolling Stone magazine originally rated the album 3½ out of 5 stars, and called it "a darkly nihilistic masterpiece". It, however, gave it a 5 out of 5 star rating in...
(1995) - Hell on Earth (1996)
- Murda MuzikMurda MuzikMurda Muzik is Mobb Deep's fourth album, which was released in 1999. It features one of the group's best-known and most acclaimed songs, "Quiet Storm." It is also the duo's most commercially successful album to date, for shipping over 1 million copies and was certified Platinum by the RIAA,...
(1999) - InfamyInfamy (album)Infamy is hip-hop duo Mobb Deep's fifth album. Infamy was released after Jay-Z dissed Prodigy and Nas on his song "Takeover," from Jay-Z's 2001 album, The Blueprint, which caused Prodigy to strike back on the Track "Crawlin'," in which he calls Jay a "female-ass nigga homo emcee." "H to the you...
(2001) - Amerikaz NightmareAmerikaz NightmareAmerikaz Nightmare is a 2004 album by hip-hop duo Mobb Deep. It is the duo’s sixth studio album and its only on Jive Records, through a deal with the group’s own imprint. It features the singles "Got It Twisted" and "Real Gangstaz"...
(2004) - Blood MoneyBlood Money (Mobb Deep album)Blood Money is the seventh studio album by hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, released on May 2, 2006. It is the group's first and only album on G-Unit/Interscope Records. It features guest appearances by mainly G-Unit artists 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck and Nyce, as well as Mary J. Blige and...
(2006) - Mobb DeepMobb Deep (album)Mobb Deep is the eponymous working title of the upcoming ninth studio album by Hip Hop duo Mobb Deep. The project was announced in September by the duo through Hip Hop-based news website HipHopDX...
(2012)
Mixtape
- Back from a Hiatus (1998)
Extended Plays
- Black Cocaine (2011)
Compilation albums
- The Infamous ArchivesThe Infamous ArchivesThe Infamous Archives is an album by Queensbridge hip-hop duo Mobb Deep on March 13, 2007. The album consists of previously unreleased tracks. The first disc contains Mobb Deep's Back from a Hiatus mixtape from 1998. Rappers such as Sticky Fingaz, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes are featured...
(2007) - The Safe Is CrackedThe Safe Is CrackedThe Safe Is Cracked is a compilation album by the American hip hop duo Mobb Deep. It was released on April 7, 2009.-Track listing:...
(2009)
Other albums
- The Dunn Language (2002; Unreleased)