The Infamous Mobb Deep
The Infamous Mobb Deep | ||||
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Mobb Deep chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Infamous Mobb Deep | ||||
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The Infamous Mobb Deep is the eighth and final
The duo toured to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut studio album during 2013. This led to the two reconvening to get back into the album's recording process. The album's
Background and development
In 2006, Mobb Deep released its seventh studio album
In January 2013, Prodigy revealed he was sure he would record with Havoc in the future.[3] The 2013's Paid Dues lineup then revealed Mobb Deep would be rejoining to perform at the March 30, 2013 event.[4] They were later confirmed to be reuniting for Paid Dues and an international 20th anniversary tour starting in May 2013.[5] On March 22, 2013, Havoc and Prodigy officially reunited for an interview, and touched base on the turmoil between them. Prodigy stated "At the end of the day, the music is the most important thing and our love for each other it's only right we're gonna get right back to work."[6]
The album was then revealed to be a double album on December 17, 2013, with the second disc containing unreleased tracks and recording sessions from the duo's second studio album, The Infamous. Prodigy stated that the album would be released during March 2014 and it would now be titled The Infamous Mobb Deep.[7] He later said the whole project would be getting back to their original gritty New York sound.[8] Prodigy explained to XXL;
"I would just say, our signature sound is a dark, sinister-type of sound. There's certain things we're going through in our lives right now, and the lyrics are just up to date. Everything that we're saying is going on right now. Each album is like that, it's a time capsule of that time period. So now in 2014, you're gonna hear what we're going through in our lyrics, what's going through our head as grown men."[8]
Recording and production
In May 2011, Havoc announced that they were recording their self-titled eighth studio album. He revealed that the album would contain production from himself, The Alchemist, Sid Roams, DJ Premier, MTK, Cardiak and the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, as well as other guest appearances from rappers such as, Lil' Kim, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Odd Future and Nas on the album.[9]
Around the May 2013 release of Havoc's third studio album, 13, Havoc announced that he and Prodigy had been in the studio for over a month working on their eighth studio album, which he stated was already "halfway done." He also mentioned that he would be doing the entire production on the album.[10] On August 6, 2013, Prodigy announced that they had finished nine songs for the album, and confirmed the album would be titled Mobb Deep.[11] On November 4, 2013, Prodigy revealed that The Alchemist, and possibly Action Bronson and Earl Sweatshirt would be among the few guest appearances on the album.[12]
In a January 2014 interview with
Release and promotion
On November 21, 2011, the duo released an EP titled
On February 18, 2014, Mobb Deep revealed the album's cover artwork and a release date of April 1, 2014 for the album.
Singles
The album's first single "Taking You Off Here" was premiered on January 29, 2014 on New York's Hot 97 radio station. It was the first official song release from the album.[19] Then two days later the song was released for digital download.[20] On March 5, 2014, the music video was released for "Taking You Off Here".[21] The album's second single "Say Something", produced by Illmind, was released on March 12, 2014.[22][23]
Critical reception
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
Pitchfork Media | 4.9/10[28] |
Rolling Stone | [29] |
USA Today | [30] |
XXL | 4/5 (XL)[31] |
The Infamous Mobb Deep was met with generally positive from music critics. At
Martin Caballero of USA Today said, "Mobb Deep return to the spirit of its breakthrough album The Infamous on its eighth LP. That record established the Queens duo's signature brand of nihilistic raps over intoxicatingly dark instrumentals, and now The Infamous Mobb Deep doesn't stray far from that successful formula."[30] Homer Johnsen of HipHopDX said, "There are no fun and games here. Just business. Havoc and Prodigy are as dialed in as ever. The Infamous Mobb Deep is a return to the roots of their artistic consciousness, substantiated almost 20 years ago, and with fine precision. With an all-star cast of guest lyricists and a gang of producers, The Infamous Mobb Deep is a loud wake-up call for Hip Hop. The Rap game is survival of the fittest, and Mobb Deep still roams among the strong."[26] Adam Wordkman of The National stated, "While pairing classic with contemporary is risky, it's an interesting demonstration of the development of Mobb Deep's thuggish methodology. At two hours, though, the entire experience might test the patience of the uninitiated."[27]
Commercial performance
The album debuted at number 49 on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 7,100 copies in the United States.[33]
Track listing
No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Taking You Off Here" | Mack Wilds) | Sevn Thomas, Havoc, Boi-1da | 3:27 |
8. | "Murdera" | Illmind | 3:25 | |
9. | "Check the Credits" | Illmind | 3:06 | |
10. | "Gimme All That" | Havoc | 3:31 | |
11. | "Legendary" (featuring Bun B and Juicy J) | Havoc, Boi-1da, The Maven Boys | 4:01 | |
12. | "Lifetime" | The Alchemist | 3:06 | |
13. | "My Block" | Kaytranada | 2:07 | |
14. | "Henny" (featuring French Montana, Mack Wilds and Busta Rhymes) | Havoc, Salaam Remi | 3:41 | |
15. | "Conquer" | Havoc | 3:22 | |
16. | "Waterboarding" | The Alchemist | 3:34 | |
17. | "Get It Forever" (featuring Nas) | The Alchemist | 3:58 |
No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Eye for an Eye" (featuring Nas, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah) | Mobb Deep | 6:48 |
2. | "Skit" (featuring Raekwon and Nas) | Mobb Deep | 2:31 |
3. | "Get It In Blood" (featuring Infamous Mobb) | Mobb Deep | 5:33 |
4. | "Gimme the Goods" (featuring Big Noyd) | Mobb Deep | 5:19 |
5. | "If It's Alright" (featuring Big Noyd) | Mobb Deep | 5:12 |
6. | "Skit Mobb Deep 1995" | Mobb Deep | 1:25 |
7. | "Survival of the Fittest (Extended Remix)" (featuring Crystal Johnson) | Mobb Deep | 5:15 |
8. | "Temperature's Rising (Remix)" (featuring Crystal Johnson) | The Abstract[a] | 5:19 |
9. | "The Bridge" (featuring Big Noyd) | Mobb Deep | 5:35 |
10. | "Skit" (featuring Big Noyd) | Mobb Deep | 1:52 |
11. | "The Money" (featuring Killer Black and Karate Joe) | Mobb Deep | 7:16 |
12. | "The Money" (Version 2) | Mobb Deep | 4:33 |
13. | "We About to Get Hectic" (featuring Twin Gambino) | Mobb Deep | 4:47 |
14. | "The Infamous" | Mobb Deep | 4:03 |
- ^a Mobb Deep is mistakenly credited on the album as the producer of "Temperature's Rising (Remix)"[34]
Charts
Chart (2014) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Billboard 200[35] | 49 |
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[36] | 11 |
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[37] | 10 |
References
- ^ "39. Mobb Deep, The Infamous Mobb Deep — The Most Anticipated Albums of 2014". Complex. 2014-01-06. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (2012-07-27). "Havoc Says Mobb Deep is on an "Indefinite Hiatus," Confirms He Blasted Prodigy On Twitter". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2012-12-18.
- ^ Burgess, Omar (2013-01-10). "Prodigy Says He's Sure There Will Be Another Mobb Deep Album | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
- ^ "2013 Paid Dues Lineup Revealed". Complex. 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
- ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (2013-02-06). "Mobb Deep To Perform At Paid Dues Festival 2013, Embark On 20th Anniversary Tour | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
- ^ Cooper, Roman (2013-03-23). "Mobb Deep Officially Reunites, Ready To Move On From Past Beefs & Record New Music". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
- ^ a b "Mobb Deep Announces New Album 'The Infamous Mobb Deep,' World Tour, Talk Past Beef". Huffingtonpost.com. 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ a b c Rys, Dan (2014-01-23). "Unreleased Mobb Deep Tracks Have Verses From Raekwon, Ghostface And N.O.R.E. - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ Havoc Talks Nas, Wiz Khalifa, Odd Future, New Album (Video) HipHopSite.com, May 27, 2011, Retrieved on August 14, 2011
- ^ Meara, Paul (2013-05-12). "Havoc Says That Prodigy Isn't Gay & Speaks On New Mobb Deep Album". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
- ^ "Prodigy Dishes On Book, New Music, And Making Movies - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-08-06. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
- ^ Mr. Mecc and Yohance Kyles. "EXCLUSIVE: Prodigy Gives Props To Earl Sweatshirt, Details New Mobb Deep Album". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
- ^ "Boi-1da Speaks On Producing For 'The Infamous Mobb Deep' Album". Vibe. 2014-01-02. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ a b "Mobb Deep Reveals 'The Infamous Mobb Deep' Album Cover: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ James, Jesse. "Prodigy Talks About His Novel, The New Mobb Deep Album & More | Video – stupidDOPE". Stupiddope.com. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ "Mobb Deep "The Infamous Mobb Deep" Tracklist". Complex. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
- ^ a b c Tardio, Andres (2014-02-18). "Mobb Deep "The Infamous Mobb Deep" Release Date & Cover Art | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ Bonoan, Christian (2014-01-30). "Mobb Deep Is Re-Releasing 'The Infamous' In April - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ "Mobb Deep "Taking You Off Here"". Complex. 2014-01-29. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Taking You off Here - Single by Mobb Deep". Itunes.apple.com. 2014-01-31. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
- ^ "Mobb Deep "Taking You Off Here"". Complex. 2014-03-05. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
- ^ "Here's Mobb Deep's Newest Single, 'Say Something' | VICE United States". Vice.com. 2014-03-11. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
- ^ "Say Something: Mobb Deep: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. 2014-03-12. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
- Rovi Corporation. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^ a b Cowie, Del F. (2014-03-24). "Mobb Deep - The Infamous Mobb Deep • Hip-Hop Reviews •". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
- ^ a b Johnsen, Homer (2014-04-07). "Mobb Deep - The Infamous Mobb Deep". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2016-03-03.
- ^ a b "Album review: Mobb Deep – The Infamous Mobb Deep | The National". Thenational.ae. 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2016-03-03.
- ^ "Mobb Deep: The Infamous / The Infamous Mobb Deep". Pitchfork. 2014-04-09. Retrieved 2016-03-03.
- ^ a b Christopher R. Weingarten. "Mobb Deep 'The Infamous Mobb Depp' Album Review | Album Reviews". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
- ^ a b Martin Caballero (2014-03-31). "Mobb Deep's 'Infamous' works". Usatoday.com. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
- ^ a b "Mobb Deep Offers Their Trademark Sound On 'The Infamous Mobb Deep' - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
- CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
- ^ Tardio, Andres (2014-04-09). "Hip Hop Album Sales: Week Ending 04/6/2014". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on 2014-04-12. Retrieved 2014-04-09.
- ^ Mobb Deep – Temperature's Rising / Give Up The Goods Discogs. Accessed on December 13, 2016.
- ^ "Mobb Deep Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
- ^ "Mobb Deep Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
- ^ "Mobb Deep Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2014.