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- Mobb_Deep_620x400<em>XXL Presents</em>... Mobb Deep's 50 Greatest SongsDid they break up? Have they made up? Your guess is as good as <em>XXL</em>'s after a week that's been both confusing and disheartening in regards to the status of the Infamous Mobb Deep. But whatever the future may hold for the Queens duo, their legacy is already cemented as one of rap's greatest tag teams of all time. And on that note, <em>XXL</em> Presents... Mobb Deep's 50 Greatest Songs.—<em>XXL Staff</em>
- 50. “Dog Shit” ft. Nas (2011)50. “Dog Shit” ft. Nas (2011)One of Mobb’s first releases since Prodigy’s release from Rikers Island, this single shows that the group’s three-and-a-half year hiatus has done little to affect their chemistry. Longtime collaborator Nas plays anchor, adding to his lengthy collection of stellar guest verses on Mobb tracks. “I chill like the cold side of the moon/Silence you dudes like an empty room,” he spits. Yet again, Prodigy, Havoc and haunting keys—this time provided by Alchemist—prove to be a winning recipe. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/exwhUGaw1pY?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/exwhUGaw1pY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 49. "Throw Your Hands (In The Air)49. "Throw Your Hands (In The Air) ,<em>Amerikaz Nightmare</em>(2004)“Throw Your Hands (In the Air)” is the third single from <em>Amerikaz Nightmare</em>, Mobb Deep’s sixth studio album. The track was produced by Kanye West, who sampled the Cold Crush Brothers’ “Live in Connecticut” and Love’s “Doggone” on it. ’Ye even gets a shout out at the top of the song for creating the catchy beat.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7y7MuG-X6KQ?version=3&hl=en_US"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7y7MuG-X6KQ?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
- 48. "Where Ya From" <em> Murda Muzik</em> 199948. "Where Ya From" <em> Murda Muzik</em> (1999)“Where Ya From” is the ninth track on M-O-B-B’s <em>Murda Muzik</em> LP and is produced by T-Mix. The song features a guest verse from legendary rapper 8 Ball. Although it wasn’t released as a single, “Where Ya From” immediately became a fan-favorite after appearing on the album and marked one of the very first times a New York hip-hop act collaborated with a Southern one.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xSz-zerVuLM?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xSz-zerVuLM?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 47. "Backwards" <em> Backwards 12'</em> 200347. "Backwards" <em> Backwards 12'</em>(2003)Though this record was meant to be apart of 1st Infantry, it forever remained as a 12-inch sleeper release. Mixing and matching segments off the sample (Toshiyuki Honda’s “Thunder Kiss”), Al masterfully demonstrates an illusion that the beat’s main loop is a rewinding sound effect of the intro. Lyrically, it’s nothing less than typical Mobb Deep, with “backwards” alluding to pushing caps with gun claps, than per se telling a story backwards. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t1s7bAXYUwc?version=3&hl=en_US"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/t1s7bAXYUwc?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
- 46. "Man Down" <em>Hell On Earth</em> (1996)46. "Man Down" <em>Hell On Earth</em> (1996)The Infamous team kick that thug shit to the maximum on the gritty "Man Down." P sets the tone immediately when he opens with, "Here come the vultures, the Mobb-laced potent rap shit...My nigga's laughing, blood bathin, the world's greatest/In-famous crime-zanous."<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TGtCs8ICdy0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TGtCs8ICdy0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 45. "Nobody Likes Me" <em> Violators: The Album</em> 199945. "Nobody Likes Me" <em> Violators: The Album</em> (1999)A line like, “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, so I got to pack my gun” wouldn’t sit well with Washington’s policy makers (or anyone for that matter), but it certainly works for P and Hav as they decreed on this track for the Violator: The Album. With their usual anecdotal references and haughty hubris of gun threats against rappers, drug dealers, and haters, the upbeat anthem with a (very) cynical theme, reassures Mobb Deep’s then perspective on street survival and rap politics.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aQt6ulmW1J0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aQt6ulmW1J0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 44. "Everyday Gunplay" <em>The Infamous Archives</em> 200744. "Everyday Gunplay" <em>The Infamous Archives</em> (2007)Hav and Prodigy get into stick up storytelling mode on this hidden gem off The Infamous Archives album.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RWO8QPuidT8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RWO8QPuidT8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 43. "Put Em In Their Place," <em>Blood Money</em> 200643. "Put Em In Their Place," <em>Blood Money</em>(2006)After receiving the G-Unit stamp, P and Hav readied their <em>Blood Money</em> LP release with this rowdy single that peaked no. 59 on <em>Billboard</em>'s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. Despite the album being warmly received, the Mobb had one heck of a banger with the first single.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Co63sm3lgKM?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Co63sm3lgKM?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 42. "Waterboarding" <em>Black Cocaine </em>201142. "Waterboarding" <em>Black Cocaine </em>(2011)Fresh off prison, Prodigy went straight back into the lab, churning out a series of new materials. His collaborative effort with the Alchemist persisted, along with Havoc’s rekindled interest to spit that raw. The frightening concept of waterboarding, reflected on the menacing claim of torturing weak rappers, is classic Mobb Deep its fans have awaited for years.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4l3HqpLMJFk?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4l3HqpLMJFk?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 40. "Nighttime Vultures" <em>Hell On Earth</em> 199640. "Nighttime Vultures" <em>Hell On Earth</em>(1996)P and Havoc impress as well, but The Chef absolutely MURDERS his verse on this banger off of <em> Hell On Earth</em><object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2TBXbOPIeGU?version=3&hl=en_US"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2TBXbOPIeGU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
- 39. "Double Shots" <em>Free Agents: The Murda Mixtape</em> 200339. "Double Shots" <em>Free Agents: The Murda Mixtape</em> (2003)Cheers to this party banger from 2003's <em> Murda Mixtape </em>. Havoc whipped up a looped disco sample for this feel good club jam. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Hukurl9DAs?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Hukurl9DAs?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 38. "Clap" <em> Infamy </em> 200138. "Clap" <em> Infamy </em>(2001)<em> Infamy </em> 's gotta be Mobb Deep's most underrated album Hav snaps on his verse here and comes correct behind the boards as well. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s8ayQNjZTGc?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s8ayQNjZTGc?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 37. "Get At Me" <em>Infamy</em> 200137. "Get At Me" <em>Infamy</em> (2001)Aside from the popular singles, the Alchemist-produced “Get At Me,” stands out as one of the Infamy’s most cinematic and belligerent cuts. Recycling his own lines from “Quiet Storm (Remix)” as the hook, Hav questions the doubters and answers them with threats, while Prodigy warningly does the same.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2uZG8K5ZU6I?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2uZG8K5ZU6I?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 36. “Win Or Lose,” Amerikaz Nightmare, 200436. “Win Or Lose,” <em>Amerikaz Nightmare</em> (2004)One feels good, the other sucks. The Infamous Mobb Deep breaks both down over this smooth, easy-on-the-ears beat.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u3koWXFTKws?version=3&hl=en_US"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u3koWXFTKws?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
- 35. "Crawlin" <em> Infamy </em> 200135. "Crawlin" <em>Infamy </em> (2001)The Mobb makes their enemies cling for life on this not so subtle warning track. “Without a doubt, you gonna hear that thing clap,” promises Hav as the sample rings under him. P takes the opportunity to address Jay-Z’s famous Summer Jam diss, “You a homo rapper, H-to-the-You know,” he jokes before speaking on Jay’s ballerina picture stunt. “I set it off on your bitch ass, don’t forget that/And your retaliation was weak: baby pictures?”<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J0qKr7rvhv8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J0qKr7rvhv8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 34. "Adrenaline" <em>Murda Muzik</em>199934. "Adrenaline" <em>Murda Muzik</em>(1999)A stream-of-conscious boasts laid out back-to-back by Havoc and Prodigy are at its finest in this Murda Muzik album cut. “Adrenaline,” though it’s a less celebrated banger from the LP, summarizes the thuns’ mental notes in a simplistic hook: “It be the guns, money, pussy, cars, drugs, jewels, clothes, brawls, killings, boroughs, buildings, disease, stress, in these N.Y.C.”<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iM7MbrqUJ-w?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iM7MbrqUJ-w?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 33. "U.S.A. (Aight Then) <em>Murda Muzik</em> 199933. "U.S.A. (Aight Then) <em>Murda Muzik</em> (1999)“U.S.A. (Aight Then)” is the fourth and final single from MB’s <em>Murda Muzik</em>, the duo’s fourth studio album. Epitome Shamello Buddah produced the track, which peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks and features the song “Spread Love” on the b-side. The tune was originally titled “Street Kingz” and featured a verse by Nas.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gtkR5SnhOfU?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gtkR5SnhOfU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 32. "Thug Muzik" <em> Murda Muzik</em> 199932. "Thug Muzik" <em> Murda Muzik</em> (1999)Thanks to his mentor, DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill, The Alchemist went from a Whooliganz alumnus, providing beats for the likes of Dilated Peoples and High & Mighty, to working with the thun’d-out Queens collective. Everything from content, chorus, to the ominous sample is diced into a boiling pot creating the thug anthem of ‘99. Not a bad way to spark a long-standing partnership between Beverly Hills and QB.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fXk6qxwzhF4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fXk6qxwzhF4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 31. "Allustrious"<em>Murda Muzik</em>199931. "Allustrious"<em>Murda Muzik</em>(1999)P occasionally put his gun down to flex his lyrical muscle on weaker MCs. This is such an example. “How dare you entertain the thought/That you could come out to challenge me in blood talk?,” reasons P, well aware that he’s become a tough talk extraordinaire. The song would later be sampled on Mos Def's "Rock & Roll" and Common's " The Sixth Sense."<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CkkoGHlY_Mc?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CkkoGHlY_Mc?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 30. "Got It Twisted" <em>Amerikaz Nightmare</em> (2004)30. "Got It Twisted" <em>Amerikaz Nightmare</em> (2004)Prodigy and Havoc came through with record that blazed both the clubs and streets with 2004's "Got It Twisted." The boisterous yet hypnotizing lead single off <em>Amerikaz Nightmare</em> landed at number 18 on <em>Billboard</em>'s Hot Rap Tracks and 64 on the Hot 100, proving to be another successful record for the Mobb. Still got it twisted?<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hTGr-hCTRz8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hTGr-hCTRz8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 29. Get Dealt With,” <em>Hell on Earth</em> (1996)29. Get Dealt With,” <em>Hell on Earth</em> (1996)This track shows another facet of Mobb's blood talk. The duo became hardcore rap poster children primarily for chronicling the survival of the fittest o the street life in their beloved Queens, but the intent is much more premeditated, here. Mobb lives up to its moniker, as associates assemble to eliminate a threat. “Harms break em down, rapper Noyd cut his throat/Don swoop em up or Gotti stomp em out/Each twin grab a arm, pick this nigga up/Knitty turn his face to me, let me break him up,” P rhymes. Mobb Deep indeed. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i9oaWkwnkmg?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i9oaWkwnkmg?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 28. Where Ya Heart At28. "Where Ya Heart At" <em> Murda Muzik</em> 1999“Ayo it’s hell on earth here, the pavement’s scorching,” begins Havoc on this standout from 1999’s Murda Muzik. He and P go on to reflect on matters close to the heart on this somber tune that also showed up on the soundtrack to In Too Deep, a 1999 thriller starring LL Cool J and Omar Epps.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-KpUPo3dKII?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-KpUPo3dKII?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 27. “Get Away,” Infamy, 200227. “Get Away” <em>Infamy</em> 2001Sometimes it’s good to just get away, but the M-O-B-B remains as Queensbridge as it gets. Prodigy and Havoc still…Queens nigga, grimy retarded.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PNzNwWM8pBI?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PNzNwWM8pBI?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 26. “Pearly Gates,” Blood Money, 200626. “Pearly Gates,” <em>Blood Money</em> 2006With the big assist from 50 Cent, Havoc and Prodigy question religion, P even blasphemously stating, “Now homie if I go to hell and you make it to the pearly gates/tell the boss man we got beef” and later, “We don’t give a fuck about that religious bullshit.” Damn, P, tell ’em why you mad, son! Tell ’em why you mad!<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TmkcobEpqjA?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TmkcobEpqjA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 25. "Murda Muzik" <em> Murda Muzik</em> 199925. "Murda Muzik" <em> Murda Muzik</em> 1999Over a thumping bass line Mobb and Hav go hard, with P taunting the competition rapping "Ya projects is on our dicks, you need to quit and let us rep that for them, your raps ain't shit!
- 24. "Animal Instinct" <em>Hell On Earth</em>199624. "Animal Instinct" <em>Hell On Earth</em>1996At the time of its release, Mobb Deep’s third effort, Hell On Earth, couldn’t help but get compared to its critically lauded predecessor, The Infamous. Havoc’s maturity as a producer and Prodigy’s dexterity as a lyricist, however, were undeniably strong to be shunned. The album’s entrance was none other than “Animal Instinct,” where Hav masterfully loops a tiny intro portion of The Trammps’s “That’s Where the Happy People Go,” and accents it with head-snapping boom bap drums. Fighting words displayed by the always-baleful P and Hav, accompanied by the then newcomers Twin Gambino and Ty Nitty of the Infamous Mobb, make this recording a sinister, yet triumphant intro to one of the duo’s greatest albums.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/98yfcXhKKK4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/98yfcXhKKK4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 23. "Extortion" <em>Hell On Earth</em> 199623. "Extortion" <em>Hell On Earth</em> 1996Featuring Method Man, “Extortion” appeared on the the Mobb’s third album, <em>Hell on Earth</em> and, while not released as a single, instantly became a hit in its own right mainly because on of the sampling of the Jackson 5’s “Can You Remember” on the production (which is credited to duo itself).<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4luDbptVoh8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4luDbptVoh8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 22. "Cobra" <em>The Infamous Archives</em> 200722. "Cobra" <em>The Infamous Archives</em> 2007Just when we thought it was over, the Mobb came back with the dark claustrophobic shit talking banger, “Cobra.” “Yo dunn, they wish they can have talent like this. We do our own beats, and we write our own shit,” P boasts. Can’t argue with that.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jBWNA_D5AU4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jBWNA_D5AU4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 21. "Back At You" <em>Sunset Park Soundtrack</em> 199621. "Back At You" <em>Sunset Park Soundtrack</em> 1996Off the soundtrack to the 1996 basketball drama, <em>Sunset Park</em>, Hav and P kick knowledge on this 90's classic<object width="420" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rkV6SCOIrnM?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rkV6SCOIrnM?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 20. "Q.U. Hectic" <em> The Infamous </em> 199520. "Q.U. Hectic" <em> The Infamous </em> 1995On this ode to their native stomping ground, Mobb Deep paint a hectic picture of Queens indeed, with Havoc scaring citizens into using infants as human shields and P’s dark revelations. “Everything is real inside my mind, these days. You can’t make it if you ain’t affiliated with crime.”<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fsrg0EmU3MA?version=3&hl=en_US"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fsrg0EmU3MA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
- 19. “The Start of Your Ending (41st Side),” <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)19. “The Start of Your Ending (41st Side),” <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)The opener to Mobb’s sophomore masterpiece, this Havoc-produced number encapsulates the Queens duo’s growth from gimmicky teens to menacing younglyricists. Now equipped with a grittier voice, Prodigy begins carvingthe legend of the chilling wordsmith he’s become over the years. “Webustin’ caps none stop blazin’ in all the shows/And even at the hoes,” P warns. Run for cover.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yb_jG-hasSY?version=3&hl=en_US"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yb_jG-hasSY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
- 18. "Trife Life" <em> The Infamous</em> 199518. "Trife Life" <em> The Infamous</em> 1995Hav and P discover they've being set up in this plotting narrative in which they confront rival crews in the faraway land of Brooklyn. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PFVseEeuHKM?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PFVseEeuHKM?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 17. "What's Ya Poison" <em> Murda Muzik</em> 199917. "What's Ya Poison" <em> Murda Muzik</em> 1999This Cormega-assisted heatrock from Mobb Deep’s Murda Muzik is yet another freestyle-friendly instrumental pieced by Havoc. With its dark piano keys dribbling across the board—illustrating a mental picture of crime, murder, and drugs—the three Queensbridge reps mourn the dead, open up about fear, while dreadfully elucidate detailed murder plots. Now ask yourself how you want it? Bent scheme or straight blunted?<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fRfkZVr-WoY?version=3&hl=en_US"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fRfkZVr-WoY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
- 16. "Up North Trip" <em>The Infamous</em> 199516. "Up North Trip" <em>The Infamous</em> 1995Although “Shook Ones” and “Survival of the Fittest” were released as singles and immediately won MB fans over upon dropping, it was the quiet banger “Up North Trip” that stood out to many on the group’s sohomore album. Produced by Havoc, the track sampled classic tracks like "To Be With You" by The Fatback Band and “I’m Tired of Giving” by The Spinners.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lMl_1DEX9GA?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lMl_1DEX9GA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" </object></embed></object>
- 15. "The Realest" <em> Murda Muzik</em> 199915. "The Realest" <em> Murda Muzik</em> 1999On the hook, Kool G Rap and Prodigy trade a list of street etiquettes and proclaim the manifesto of what’s “real.” The solemn loop laid by the Alchemist, plays a fitting canvas to Havoc’s mournful shout out to those deceased (including his brother, Killer Black), while G Rap and P make gun threats that’ll leave domes split, respectively.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hRJrES7bNSg?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hRJrES7bNSg?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 14. “Temperature Rising,” <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)14. “Temperature Rising,” <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)Hav and P take a page off Nas’s book and pen a letter to thenincarcerated friend—who also happens to be Havoc’s older brother—Killa Black. Serving as <em>The Infamous</em>’s third single, the song didn’t make much of a dent on the chart, but has long been a fanfavorite. KB would later die and be eulogized across a number of Mobbsongs.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KdF8wEfP6MQ?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KdF8wEfP6MQ?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 13. "Right Back At You" <em>The Infamous</em> 199513. "Right Back At You" <em>The Infamous</em> 1995Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Big Noyd hop on this classic off The Infamous where P expresses no regard for the life of others or himself threatening “Run for your life or you wanna get your heat, whatever. We can die together. As long as I send your maggot ass to the essence, I don’t give a fuck about my presence.”<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gDe6UxghxKA?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gDe6UxghxKA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 12. “G.O.D. Pt III,” <em>Hell on Earth</em> (1996)12. “G.O.D. Pt III,” <em>Hell on Earth</em> (1996)The third single off Mobb’s third solo LP, “G.O.D. Pt. III” failed to crack the <em>Billboard</em> Hot 100, but it’s a reminder of a pre-shiny suit era where contrived music wasn’t an option just yet. Mobb’s <em>Hell on Earth </em> was certified gold—partly due to a trilogy of singles that today’s A&Rs would have turned into album cuts. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jrtGdWuhRmw?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jrtGdWuhRmw?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 11. "Quiet Storm," <em>Murda Muzik</em> (1999)11. "Quiet Storm," <em>Murda Muzik</em> (1999)Arguably one of P and Hav's mammoth street anthems, "Quiet Storm" peaked at no. 17 on <em>Billboard</em>'s Hot Rap Singles in 1999. The gully joint found the Infamous duo brandishing their crime-rhyme for the duns and adding another classic to their catalog.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M0gYFrWF6UE?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M0gYFrWF6UE?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 10. The Learning (Burn)10. "The Learning (Burn)" <em>Infamy</em> 2001A rumored subliminal at Jay-Z, P’s verse is one of the most vicious of his career. “I bring it to the best of them/From the old to the new to the rest of em,” he spits over the abrasive beat. Add in solid verses from Havoc, Big Noyd and Vita (yes, that Vita) and you’ve got a certified QB classic.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rM9eaRfnTa8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rM9eaRfnTa8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 9. “Drop a Gem on ‘Em,” <em>Hell on Earth</em> (1996)9. “Drop a Gem on ‘Em,” <em>Hell on Earth</em> (1996)Prodigy was dead serious when he warned that he doesn’t back down easy on <em>The Infamous</em>’s “The Infamous Prelude.” It turns out the same goes for Havoc. With coastal feuds nearing its peak, Mobb stepped to the plate and responded to 2Pac’s jabs on the scathing “Hit ‘Em Up.” The song was recorded when ‘Pac was alive, but released shortly after his death. “My rebellion retaliate/I had the whole New York state/Aimin’ at your face at the gate,” Prodigy rhymes. Though controversial at the time of its release, it’s considered one of the greatest diss songs of all time 16 years later.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5ACMDW42eOI?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5ACMDW42eOI?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 8. "It's Mine" ft. Nas, <em>Murda Muzik</em> (1999)8. "It's Mine" ft. Nas, <em>Murda Muzik</em> (1999)The Mobb and Nas on one track, what's better than that? The trio came and delivered with their signature lethal realism on the single single to 1999's punishing <em>Murda Muzik</em> LP.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rDdPcYaFH3k?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rDdPcYaFH3k?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 7. “Drink Away the Pain,” ft. Q-Tip <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)7. “Drink Away the Pain,” ft. Q-Tip <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)The Mobb draws parallels between their tumultuous relationships between women and alcohol on this brilliant personified concept song. P plays the field—indulging in E&J and Tanqueray, while Havoc is clearly sprung with Hennessey. Q-Tip—who also produced the track—name-drops Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica, just to name a few brands, as characters in an elaborate heist tale. Tip’s verse is sandwiched between P, who’s playing the field—indulging in E&J and Tanqueray—while Havoc is clearly sprung with Hennessey.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/T_PANWkHTT8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/T_PANWkHTT8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 6. "Hell On Earth (Front Lines" <em>Hell On Earth</em>19966. "Hell On Earth (Front Lines" <em>Hell On Earth</em>(1996)Along with “Shook Ones (Part II),” “Hell On Earth (Front Lines)” ranks in the upper echelon of tracks selected by both amateurs and professionals of rap as an essential instrumental to spit over. Plus, Prodigy makes sure to exhibit one of his toughest military-minded threats: “Test me? You must be bent, G. Don’t tempt me. I had this full clip for so long, it needs to empty.”<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lIi7J1riB2w?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lIi7J1riB2w?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 5. "Eye for a Eye" ft. Nas & Raekwon, <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)5. "Eye for a Eye" ft. Nas & Raekwon, <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)With all due respect to Chamillionaire, the sound of revenge was Mobb's over a decade before the Houston rapper was riding dirty. Retribution remains a favorite on the Queens duo's topical palette. But, this track arguably finds Hav and P at their best. Nas and Raekwon join in on the action. "Shaolin and Queensbridge, we rob nighas for fun," Rae nonchalantly quips. In this instance, revenge is a track best served cold. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_XzGCUXm7p0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_XzGCUXm7p0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 4. “Give Up the Goods (Just Step)” ft. Big Noyd, <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)4. “Give Up the Goods (Just Step)” ft. Big Noyd, <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)One of three Q-Tip produced tracks off <em>The Infamous</em>, this recklessly entertaining cut—the B-side to “Temperature’s Rising”—features some of Mobb’s all-time most famous lines. “For years I’ve been doin’ the same shit/Just drinkin’ liquor doin’ bids/Extortin’ crackheads and stickin’ up the stick up kids,” a diabolic P offers. But it’s Big Noyd who arguably steals the show, here. Though not exactly breaking ground lyrically, Rapper Noyd offers a memorable rhyme-along-ready verse. “Don’t make me buck ya/’Cause I’m a wild muthafucka/You know my flow, you know my steelo/Even pack a gat when I go to see my P.O.”<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u-LB6jkCGog?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u-LB6jkCGog?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 3. “Survival of the Fittest,” The Infamous, 19953. “Survival of the Fittest,” <em>The Infamous</em>(1995)It’s hard to follow a song like “Shook Ones Pt. II,” the blueprint track for legions of hip-hop enthusiasts. Yet, the M-O-B-B did just that with “Survival of the Fittest,” the second single of The Infamous. There’s a war going on outside, no man is safe from. Talk to ’em, P!<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i9ZykEJuFrI?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i9ZykEJuFrI?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
- 2. Quiet Storm2. “Quiet Storm (Remix)” <em> Murda Muzik</em> (1999)The hook to this sinister banger was already gully enough on the original version. But when Lil Kim recites the immortal bars (“It’s the real shit, Shit to make you feel shit”) on the remix, the Queen Bee takes the term gangstress to another level. Havoc drops one of his most quotable verses and P brings it home with a verse that stabs harder than the track’s ominous piano keys.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3d3TfbjJUEU?version=3&hl=en_US"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3d3TfbjJUEU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
- 1. Shook Ones Part II <em>The Infamous</em> 19951. Shook Ones Part II <em>The Infamous</em> (1995)An instant classic. The lead single off of the The Infamous is not only the greatest Mobb Deep song of all time, but one of the greatest hip hop songs of all time, period. A graphic depiction of inner city struggle, Shook Ones Part II embodied everything that was New York 90’s rap music and was the defining record of Mobb Deep’s career.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cP0wsET8__Y?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cP0wsET8__Y?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>








