Genres: Rap/Hip Hop,SoundtracksMobb Depp came together in the late 80s when Havoc and Prodigy started to rhyme together. Havoc started playing the role of the producer and Prodigy took over as the main MC. When they were 17 years old they released their first album titled “Juvenile Hell” released in 1993.
Mobb Depp – Hip Hop’s Dynamic Duo
“That's just how life is... you can do good with it or do bad, but the bottom line is that the roots of it all are evil. You just have to make the best of it, know what I'm sayin'?”- Mobb Depp
The Formation
Mobb Depp came together in the late 80s when Havoc and Prodigy started to rhyme together. Havoc started playing the role of the producer and Prodigy took over as the main MC. When they were 17 years old they released their first album titled “Juvenile Hell” released in 1993. It included the song “Peer Pressure”. Despite the bad reviews that put the band as just another hardcore rap band, they vowed to make a better album.
Breaking Through
The band started to refine their rhymes and focus on production. They released an album filled with dark imagery about urban life in New York City. “The Infamous” was the bands breakthrough as it peaked at No. 15 on the charts and was certified Gold.
The next album “Hell on Earth” released in 1996, it would feature very heavy lyrics as it was recorded during the major West Coast VS East Coast rap rivalry. Critically hailed as one their best records, it would crack the Top 10 on the US album charts peaking at No.6 and would also go to No.1 on the RnB charts
Mainstream Success
After the success of their third album, there was a huge anticipation for their fourth album. They released “Murda Muzik” in 1999 which was a massive success. The album sold a million copies in the US, establishing the duo as rap superstars. It was also their highest chart success reaching No.3 on the US album charts. The record featured the single “Quiet Storm” which is considered their greatest song. The album also marked the beginning of their rivalry with Jay-Z
Prodigy took a break from Mobb Depp and recorded his first solo album titled “H.N.I.C”. It was a moderate success reaching No. 18 on the US album charts
The Success Continues
They got back to recording and released “Infamy” which was released in 2001. The production went through a complete change as compared to their previous albums. The sound was more mainstream and commercial doing away with the raw basic beats of the past. The album was another hit and was certified Gold.
The band split from their recording contract and were signed by Jive Records on a 2 year contract. Under Jive they released their 6th album titled “Americaz Nightmare”. Initial reception was quite good as peaked at No. 4 on the US charts. However the overall sales have been disappointing. “Blood Money” in 2006, was a second commercial disappointment.
Did You Know: The album Murda Muzik features an excerpt of Ronald Reagan’s speech on the “Intro” song
Did You Know: Prodigy of Mobb Depp wrote a song which took shots at insulting Jay-Z on the song “Crawlin”
Did You Know: Mobb Depp’s Prodigy and rapper 50 Cent have tattoos of each other o display their loyalty for one another