Much more successful than their debut, The Infamous is hailed as a New York classic. Its gritty underground style is a staple in the hardcore movement going on at this time in New York. This album helped New York Hip Hop separate itself from the mediocre backpacker style that was popular a few years prior. Havoc and Prodigy‘s production shaped a new sound that could separate them from any NYC crime rhymer at the time.
Helping to pave the way for future artists like The Diplomats or A$AP Mob, The Infamous promoted a sound a lifestyle that appealed to a side of New York that wasn’t being spoken to or about by the politically charged artists that came in the late 80s and early 90s. Much like Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Mobb Deep acted as street prophets, spitting the truths of the hood without trying to be outwardly righteous about it. Featuring artists like Ghostface Killah, Nas, and Q-Tip, this project is a titan among its peers.
The album was a commercial success debuting at #15 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts. The album was certified gold within the first month of its release, and the three singles from the project all made appearances on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart, with “Shook Ones Pt. II” and Survival of the Fittest” both making it on to the Billboard Hot 100.
Juvenile Hell was the first album by duo Mobb Deep that paved the path for many other East Coast rappers of their genre, which only a few know preceded their most revered LP, The Infamous.
Dubbed as one of the most acclaimed East Coast rap duos of all time, MCs Havoc and Prodigy came together to release their first album, Juvenile Hell on this day, April 13, 1993. Hailing from Queensbridge Housing projects in New York City, Mobb Deep was rather young when they released their first album, at the early age of 19.
At the time of its’ release, Juvenile Hell wasn’t received on groundbreaking levels. The new sound of the duo was too hardcore for some, very street-oriented, and the album provided one major single entitled “Hit it from the Back”; which peaked at 18 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart that same year. It wouldn’t be until later that Mobb Deep would become a Hip Hop classic and household name. In time they have gained longevity with their sound inspiring practically all other east coast rappers of their caliber. Had it not been for their first album, and their street poetry over tracks produced by the likes of DJ Premier and Large Professor, the map would never have been drawn for much of the major East Coast sound.
“Dirty Feet” by Daly-Wilson Big Band, “Kitty With The Bent Frame” by Quincy Jones, “Jessica” by Herbie Hancock, and “Shook Ones” by Mobb Deep all walk into a bar. The result? One of the greatest rap songs of all time. Moreover, “Shook Ones, Pt. II” by the legendary duo sampled all these cuts and became one of the genre’s most iconic songs ever, especially for the East Coast scene. It’s a legacy that continues to endure to this day, as the LL Cool J-founded rap organization Rock The Bells recently crowned it the best beat of all time. Other competitors in the top five are A Tr*be Called Quest’s “Electric Relaxation,” Craig Mack’s “Flava In Ya Ear,” “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre, and “N.Y. State Of Mind” by Nas.
That’s one heck of a New York bias, right? Jokes aside, this writer can’t help but agree: few tracks encompass the energy, technique, aesthetic, and cultural impact of East Coast rap and hip-hop at large as well as “Shook Ones, Pt. II.” Whether it’s the crisp drum pattern, the wailing sirens, or the most ominous key line you’ll ever hear, this song is legendary for a reason. One half of the Mobb, Havoc, produced this cut, and for those curious, the panel that judged these top 50 beats had DJ Epps, Cool of Cool & Dre, DJ Scratch, and Torae as its make-up. Funnily enough, RapCaviar‘s same list last year had RTB‘s No. 2, “Still D.R.E.,” as No. 1, whereas “Shook Ones, Pt. II,” RTB‘s No. 1, was their second pick. Watch the panel debate the list down below.
Rock The Bells Panel Discusses “Shook Ones, Pt. II” As The Best Hip-Hop Beat Of All Time: Watch
“I just want to say how honored I am to have ‘Shook Ones, Pt. II’ by Mobb Deep produced by myself, voted number one hip-hop beat of all time,” Havoc expressed about the praise. “I remember being in the projects in Queensbridge. Me and Prodigy just being there trying to make something for the world to hear our voice. And here we are this many years later, being saluted and held as the number one beat and hip-hop greatest of all time. But I just want to say thank you to all the hip-hop fans, rest in peace to my brother Prodigy. He would be just excited— as excited as I am, and I just want to thank all y’all fans, man. Salute.”
Meanwhile, the MC and producer recently debunked a myth about this classic. “You know when a myth [takes] a life of its own?” Havoc said on SiriusXM’s WkndWork. “You just be like, f**k it, you don’t wanna hurt nobody’s feelings, so you just agree with the myth? I be like, ‘Alright, f**k it. Yeah, [the hi-hat on ‘Shook Ones, Pt. II’ is] from the stove.’ The truth of the matter is that the hi-hat that I used on the actual track of ‘Shook Ones’ sounds similar to a project stove.” For more news and the latest updates on Mobb Deep, stay logged into HNHH.
In the long history of hip hop, few acts can truly say they are as influential as Mobb Deep. The Queens, New York rap duo consists of members Havoc and Prodigy, and is often listed alongside the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and LL Cool J. Mobb Deep has sold over three million records, ranking them among the most successful rap duos of all time. Known for their gritty and unrelenting depictions of the streets, the group’s biggest hits include “Shook Ones (Part 2)” and “Survival of the Fittest.”
The instrumental track “Shook Ones (Part 2)” contains samples from Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones. The iconic beat has been a popular freestyle track in street cyphers, radio shows, and rap battles for decades. The Mobb Deep track also holds prominent placements in films such as 8 Mile and video games such as Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and NBA 2K18. Further, the duo has released eight studio albums and appeared on several mixtapes. Though only one member remains, there have been rumors of a final Mobb Deep album as recently as 2023.
Prodigy
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 25: Prodigy of Mobb Deep visits Hip Hop Nation at SiriusXM Studios on February 25, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Prodigy tragically passed away in 2017 after a lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia. His death, which occurred while on tour in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Ghostface Killah, KRS-One, Ice-T, Onyx, and Havoc, prompted an outpouring of love and support from the hip hop community, including tearful social media posts and music shoutouts from the likes of Eminem, Lil Wayne, Nas, Wiz Khalifa, Questlove, and many others. The Mobb Deep rapper was 42.
Before Prodigy’s untimely passing, he pioneered the modern rap sound as part of Mobb Deep. The Queens rapper also released six solo albums, as well as a number of mixtapes and collaborative projects. In his final years, Prodigy was also responsible for writing many literary works, including an autobiography titled My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy.
Other written works from the rapper include a pair of crime novels penned in collaboration with British author Steven Savile. Prodigy also co-wrote a cookbook in 2016 featuring several recipes that could be made or replicated under prison conditions.
Havoc
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 22: Rapper Havoc of the hip hop duo Mobb Deep performs onstage at the Art of Rap festival at Hollywood Palladium on July 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Despite Prodigy’s untimely passing, Havoc has vowed to complete Mobb Deep’s illustrious discography with a final studio album. As recently as August 2023, Havoc has confirmed recording sessions with legendary producer The Alchemist. The remaining member of the duo has also teased unreleased Prodigy verses for the latest installation.
Like his partner, Havoc ventured into solo releases, dropping four studio albums between 2007 and 2014. As a notable producer, Havoc touts production credits on numerous releases over the years. The multi-hyphenate artist has produced hits with Kanye West, Rihanna, G-Unit, The Lox, and many more. Most recently, Havoc appeared behind the boards on 2023 releases such as Russ’ Chomp 2.5, Jabee’s Enough, and the recent 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne collab albumWelcome 2 Collegrove.
For now, only time will tell if the final Mobb Deep album will ever materialize. Of course, the project would undoubtedly serve as a perfect send-off for the iconic rap duo.
On this date in 2001, NYC kings of crime rhyme Mobb Deep released their fifth full-length studio album entitled Infamy on the Loud/Columbia imprint.
As the QB duo’s first album following their publicized beef on wax with Jay-Z, the controversy helped to bolster the album’s sales, recognized by the RIAA as certified gold, despite being created during the advent of the internet, in an era that will forever be known as ringtone music.
As one of the last full-length projects from the Mobb, Infamy offered up one of the few albums during that era that was approved by the streets as well as the industry. Tracks like “Get Away” and “Hey Luv,” which featured Bad Boy R&B group 112 spearheaded the album to commercial success with a more “acceptable” sound, while tracks like “The Learning (Burn)” featuring Rapper Noyd and Vita is an example of their ability to show you that the Mobb is still “Infamous”.
Salute to Prodigy (RIP), Havoc, Noyd and the rest of the Mobb who helped create this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
On this day at the turn of the century, Prodigy, the lyrical half of the legendary QB duo Mobb Deep, dropped his debut LP, H.N.I.C., released under the Loud/Violator/Steve Rifkind Co./Infamous Records imprints.
Produced by behind-the-board experts like his partner Havoc, The Alchemist, Rockwilder, and Just Blaze, this album became the first part of the P’s H.N.I.C. (Head Nigga In Charge) trilogy. It also inspired other similar album titles in the 21st century from premiere artists such as Kendrick Lamar (Y.H.N.I.C.) and Wiz Khalifa (O.H.N.I.C.).
Prodigy showed off his versatility on this project, which included love songs(“Trials Of Love”), renewed history tracks (“Infamous Minded”), crew love tracks(“Can’t Complain”, “Dealt With The Bullshit”), and of course, the album-leading, no chorus having “Keep It Thoro”.
Salute to Prodigy in his physical absence, however, his music will forever be etched in Hip Hop History!
The Mind Squad would like to send a supreme posthumous born day salute to Albert “Prodigy” Johnson, the lyrical half of the “Infamous” Mobb Deep. In 2017, the Hip-Hop community lost Prodigy in what is recognized as a freak hospital accident, with reports stating that P passed after choking on an egg while hospitalized for his sickle cell condition.
Prodigy will forever be remembered as one of NYC’s powerhouses of the rap game, repping the Rotten Apple in feuds within the five boroughs (Jay-Z, Tru Life) as well as cross country (Tupac, Crooked I). With his QB partner Havoc, the Hempstead, Long Island native inherited the crown as the king of NYC crime rhyme from his elder Queens comrade Kool G. Rap and upheld his position for more than two decades. P’s solo career was stellar in its own right, with his H.N.I.C. trilogy serving as one of the best solo efforts from an NYC artist that came from a group since Busta Rhymes.
Salute to Prodigy on his what would’ve been his 48th born day and his contributions through his art and music will maintain his relevance in Hip-Hop forever. R.I.P.!
Hip-Hop 50 is bringing some amazing stories of our culture. The latest comes from Mobb Deep’s Havoc, who revealed that he could have died while shooting the iconic “Shook Ones Pt. II” video.
Sharing with Vevo’s Footnotes, Havoc revealed he was involved in a chaotic fight on the site of the video, which could have led to his death.
The note reads, “One shocking moment was when me and a guy from my block got into an argument because he felt he wasn’t getting enough shine in the video. We started fighting and we both fell into a puddle of water, and one of the movie lights fell in with us. We could have gotten electrocuted to death. That was wild.”
On this day in 1999, Mobb Deep released their fourth LP, Murda Muzik. Coming after a three-year pause and numerous release date push-backs, Murda Muzik did everything but disappoint. Peaking at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart and shipping 1,000,000 copies in the year of its release prove that commercially this album was a success. The album also earned the #6 spot on the Canadian album charts.
Aside from its monetary success, the album was a hit. During a time in rap where Diddy and Master P were calling the shots, a project of this caliber came with much surprise and admiration. Havoc and Prodigy‘s stark realism and imagery depicting the darker side of the streets brought a necessary contrast to a game flooded with gold watch/diamond chain rap. Havoc’s style of production, although the majority unchanged from his previous work, was also a shift away from the norm of the ’99 to the 2000. This album has most definitely earned its respect and acclaim.
Rest in Peace to Prodigy and salute to Hav and the rest of the Mobb for this piece of Hip Hop history!
There are multiple legends who are rappers from Queens. New York has been a mecca for hip-hop long before the East Coast vs West Coast “war.” The state was the center of the conscious movement in rap music in the 1990s, with artists telling stories about their lives and empowering others. This happened again in the 2010s with the artists from Beast Coast. There’s also a strong underground scene with artists who fit in the “alternative rap” lane. Queens, specifically, is home to several artists who have well-established and ongoing legacies. Some artists are still active today, whether musically or in other endeavors. The state has been producing talents of all kinds for decades.
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C., a Hip Hop trio, consisted of Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, Joseph “Run” Simmons, and Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels. Sadly, Jam Master Jay was murdered in 2002, leaving a global fanbase in mourning. However, Rev Run and D.M.C. have performed several times since losing their longtime friend. Recently, the duo closed out Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium in August 2023.
The group’s prominence was in the 1980s as their rock and rap fusion brought something new to listeners from both musical worlds. This was most apparent in their collaboration with Aerosmith, “Walk This Way,” which the band re-recorded with the rap group – instead of them rapping over a sample. Run-D.M.C. had a successful run on the charts, with multiple songs and albums going Gold and Platinum. Their song, “My Adidas,” resulted in them getting an official collaboration with the brand. Their signature Adidas tracksuit look has become a staple in hip-hop fashion.
Cormega
Cormega is an artist with ties to other notable rappers from Queens. These include Capone, Havoc, and Nas. His connection to the latter has been a large part of his career. The two started as collaborators and members of the supergroup, The Firm. However, Cormega was later removed from the group, and the two exchanged tracks across the years, sharing how and why this happened.
Later, Cormega started his own label and released his albums through it. He also released a compilation project for artists on the label. Cormega and Nas settled their differences in public when they performed together in 2006. More recently, Cormega and the rest of the members of The Firm were featured on a track fittingly titled “Full Circle” from Nas’ album King’s Disease.
LL Cool J
LL Cool J has been involved in hip hop for multiple generations. His career started in music in the late ’80s and expanded into the early ’90s. He frequently worked with producer Rick Rubin. As time progressed, LL began diversifying his music portfolio by blending more R&B into his songs. Several of his albums sold millions of copies, his singles charted multiple times, and he became a key figure in the public eye. His diversity in music made him highly successful and accessible to various audiences. LL would go on to also act in multiple roles, write books, and host programs. He’s an excellent example of a rapper becoming even more prominent outside of their music.
Phife Dawg is a member of the rap group A Tribe Called Quest and a rapper from Queens. He passed away in 2016. This was especially heartbreaking for listeners because the group released an album that same year. The album, titled We Got It From Here…Thank You 4 Your Service was worked on secretly by Q-Tip and Phife. The latter also named the album. It was released 18 years after their previous album, The Love Movement.
Q-Tip, Jarobi, and DJ Ali often included tributes to Phife when they performed songs from the album during their promo run for it. Phife’s verses mirrored the themes of his group members, often discussing socially political themes and fun, creative verses. Phife’s nickname of the “Five Foot Assassin” came from verses that fit the latter. His second solo album, Forever, was released posthumously on the sixth anniversary of his passing.
Roxanne Shanté
Roxanne Shanté is a rapper from Queens who paved the way for multiple women in rap. Her name may not be instantly recognizable by those not well-versed in decades of rap history, but her impact is eternal. She was also a member of the Juice Crew. She built her career on diss records where she called out her targets by name. The most notorious of these started a series of response diss records called the “Roxanne Wars,” which featured a myriad of other artists – including one called “The Real Roxanne.” This series began when she was allegedly only 14 years old. Roxanne Shanté was one of the first women to have her music videos played on platforms like Video Music Box and BET. Shanté soon became the center of attention and was accompanied on tour by another legend in the rap game: Biz Markie.
Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch is an underground rapper from Queens who has a cemented legacy. Multiple rappers have celebrated and studied him. His career began when he was a member of the duo Organized Konfusion with Prince Poetry. They released three projects, and Monch later embarked on a solo career. His biggest hit as a solo artist was “Simon Says,” which was released in 1999. He also contributed to other media, recording a song for the Training Day soundtrack and the theme for Madden 2002. Monch’s unique approach to music through technical skill, creative flows, and subject matter are why he’s held in such high regard. He formed the rap-rock supergroup Th1rt3en in 2019 with guitarist Marcus Machado and drummer Daru Jones. His skill takes on an entirely new meaning when one considers he has had asthma his whole life.
Salt-N-Pepa
Salt-N-Pepa is a group of rappers from Queens. As women in the rap game in the late ’80s, they are naturally a part of history. Their debut album, Hot Cool and Vicious, sold one million copies, making them the first female rap group to go Platinum. This album contained the hit single “Push It,” which is still popular and used in media today.
They entered the scene at a time when women in rap were not nearly as common as they are in the present day. They took control of the narrative of how women had been portrayed and spoke for women who agreed with their perspectives. Their style was not aggressive as they rapped confidently over more dance and pop-based hip hop production. They received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022.
Kool G Rap
Kool G Rap is a legendary rapper from Queens. For many, he was a pioneer for artists who favored writing raps about their lives in the streets. Outside of this, he was also praised for his delivery, flows, and rhyme schemes, which were all equally complex and intricate. His “multisyllabic rhyming” technique is still niche and praised by many audiences.
Additionally, G Rap’s breath control in his verses is key to his delivery. He has been credited as a pioneer for “mafioso rap.” This is a technique where rappers mention and reference various figures from mafia and gangster culture, whether they are fictional or historical figures. They do this through verses, song titles, imagery, and even samples in the music. Artists like Biggie and Jay-Z took this to the next level but took direct inspiration from Kool G Rap.
Q-Tip
Q-Tip is a rapper from Queens who also produces. Many know him for his time with A Tribe Called Quest, but he received praise for his production credits outside the group. Q-Tip uses jazz sample-based production that pairs well with the smooth delivery of him and his group members. The group was integral to creating this soundscape, and other rap groups followed in their path.
Their single, “Electric Relaxation,” is also one of the best examples of this sound and has become a universally celebrated classic. Q-Tip himself has produced for various artists in his career across generations. These production credits range from Nas to Mariah Carey, Solange to Cordae, and many more. His time in the game has garnered him a wealth of respect.
Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep is a duo from Queens comprising rapper Prodigy and producer and rapper Havoc. Prodigy passed away in 2017. The duo is most known for their song “Shook Ones, Part II,” which has also become a classic amongst rap fans from the past and current generations. Mobb Deep’s second album, The Infamous… which went Gold, is their most highly regarded. Mobb Deep’s music had dark and eerie production, which paired well with their subject matter. Most of the production across the duo’s discography came from Havoc, who used creative samples and techniques to craft dynamic soundscapes for the duo. Further, they are regarded as one of the key figures of rap’s “hardcore hip hop” subgenre.
Nas
Nas is a rapper from Queens that many people have in their Top 5, dead or alive. His debut album, Illmatic, has been called essential listening by multiple generations of hip-hop fans. The album was written by Nas when he was 17 but released when he was 21. His skill level on his debut album showcased he was far above many of his older contemporaries.
Nas has been praised for his storytelling and lyrical skill across the years. However, he’s also tried unique and creative things in his music that received mixed reactions. Recently, he went on a run of releasing several projects since 2020 with producer Hit-Boy. The duo received a GRAMMY for their collab, King’s Disease, in 2020. It seems each project receives more praise than the one that precedes it, showing Nas is still elevating as a lyricist.
Who are some of your favorite rappers from Queens? Let us know in the comments section.
