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BIOGRAPHY
This page is a miror of the original Mobb Deep biography form Loud Rec.
You can find the original at Loud.
On the heels of a classic gold LP, The Infamous Mobb Deep bounces right
back into the next chapter of life, death and music. Prodigy and Havoc pick
up the pen once again and "Drop A Gem On 'Em" marking the first
taste of the new LP, Hell On Earth.
Mobb Deep and the QBC: Godfather Pt. III, Gotti, Ty Knitty and Gambino have
seen life take a turn for the better in the last two years since "Shook
Ones." At the same time, an unpredictable tragedy has made this one
of the most painful times in Mobb Deep history. Gambino's twin Scarface
died in a gruesome Manhattan car accident leaving another close friend dead
and seriously injuring four others.
Despite death, the life cycle continues. May 14 1996 marks the birth of
the next generation in the Mobb family, also the birthday of Prodigy's son
Tchaka Jr. Preceding his procreation, Pee has been rapidly expanding his
mind through readings he calls "the study of facts" or "right
knowledge." Also striving towards a righteous path, Havoc's younger
brother has returned from prison a Muslim reuniting his family with positive
inspiration for the whole team.
As the commercial world caves in on revolutionary ideas in music, Mobb Deep
follows a path less traveled seeking refuge behind the only reliable form
of media they confide in on the street-word of mouth. The wisdom contained
in their words comes piece by piece, one spoonful at a time.
The album's title Hell On Earth is as Havoc says "right in front of
your eyes." Music and movies don't create violence. The tensions of
daily life are responsible for the timeless cycle of violence in our world.
Entertainment exists merely as a mirror constantly seeking to reflect our
hellish reality.
The music of Hell On Earth represents this dark picture as the lyrics contemplate
the delusion of a "thug" mentality. Beginning by confessing, "I'm
tired of living life this way/ crime pay/ but for how long? 'Till you reach
your downfall. . .," the album opens with "Animal Instinct."
Even in the music industry, the stakes have gone beyond business. These
days, artist and record label competition can look more like gang warfare
as Pee points out, "This ain't rap its bloodsport/ ya life cut short/
ya fell short/ the pressure's on high, full court."
Joining the Mobb once again, following his platinum LP, Nas sets the tone
quickly on the Queensbridge collaboration "Give It Up Fast" also
featuring Rapper Noyd (introduced on the last Mobb Deep album) who returns
with a burst of strength and street wisdom. Meanwhile, Prodigy and Havoc
relay a simple message to those interested in doing business with the Mobb,
"not going to the tables if its not about doe." Also returning
to the grain after a long string of street sensations on his own, Wu Tang's
Chef Raekwon AKA Lex Diamonds slides onto the list at the last minute with
"Nighttime Vultures." And for the first time, another Wu Gambino
Johnny Blaze (Method Man) touches a Mobb Deep track on "Extortion"
with a few words if you "wanna pop the most junk/ be the same motherfuckers
with the most lumps. Chew on that shit."
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