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The first release from Mobb Deep’s upcoming Black Cocaine EP, and to my knowledge their first new project since 2006′s Blood Money album.
A dark, intense production signals an immediate return to the classic Mobb Deep sound, with bleak synths, creepy organ samples and crashing percussion combining for a hard-hitting beat that feels both familiar and refreshing simultaneously. The raps are aggressive enough to capitalise on the production without being too abrasive, as both Prodigy and Havoc come through sounding hungry and focused, whilst the distorted Bounty Killer vocal sample finishes things off by enhancing the eerie atmosphere on the track. It’s great to have Mobb back, and this is a welcome injection into a hip-hop scene really lacking this gritty sort of material.
Mobb Deep-Dead Man’s Shoes ft. Bounty Killer
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The enigmatic Jay Electronica returned to the spotlight last night with the release of some new material, for the first time in months. He was rather active on Twitter in the build-up to the release, and amongst his Tweets was an appeal to Mobb Deep to jump on a track with him: he got his wish as they come by for the assist here.
Prodigy assumes hook duty, including a rather surprising ‘put your diamonds in the sky’ line given Mobb’s tumultuous history with Jay-Z, alongside a solid verse with a laidback, mellow delivery that contrasts favourably with the intense, lively production. Electronica’s verses are enjoyable too, with some strong lines showing a little more self-awareness and timestamping, with his acknowledgment of the mythical nature of his ‘upcoming’ debut album being notable, as he cleverly spins the Detox comparisons in a more favourable manner. Not quite as spectacular a track as I’d expected, but a very simple, effective slice of hip-hop that will get some plays.
Jay Electronica-Call of Duty ft. Mobb Deep
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DAMN. Prodigy’s wasted no time in getting back on that ‘murda muzik’ tip with his Mobb Deep cohort Havoc, and here they’ve combined with The Alchemist and the almighty Nas for a throwback slice of hip-hop that will undoubtedly satisfy the real heads over here.
Al serves up a haunting production comprised of creeping keys, intense synths and a quiet yet threatening production, all combining to set up the dark, gritty sort of backdrop that suits Mobb so well. The raps are fitting from the duo, with sombre deliveries highlighted that soft, quiet threat of the production, and Nas comes through with a short but enjoyable verse of his own. The hip-hop heads know not to question a line-up of this calibre, and it certainly delivers the kind of hip-hop I’ve not heard in quite some time.
Mobb Deep-Dog Shit ft. Nas
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With all the excellent album releases already this month (R.E.K.S., Avenger’s Airwaves, :03 From Gold, Lasers) it’s been easy for me to sleep on certain projects. One project which keeps rising to the top though is Rae’s most recent effort, the accomplished Shaolin vs Wu-Tang which continues Rae’s inroads into bringing those 90′s soundscapes back.
Here are two tracks which were left on Rae’s cutting room floor. Wu-Crime has that signature Wu sound and welcomes vocals from GZA and Priest. The second, Your World & My World with Mobb Deep’s Havoc, is somewhat more darker but neither would have sounded out of place on the LP.
Wu-Crime ft. GZA & Killah Priest
Your World & My World ft. Havoc
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We’ve seen the pictures, now here’s some footage from Havoc and his recently-released partner in crime Prodigy back in the studio tearing it up again.
The real question on all Mobb Deep fan’s minds is what Mobb Deep we are going to get from now on? Before P went to jail, releases such as his anticipated H.N.I.C.2 and the unexpected Product Of The 80′s saw P returning to that signature, gutter QB sound which the Mobb pioneered. However, we all know what went before; the nightmare which was G-Unit Records and 2006′s Blood Money. Giving Raekwon a call might not be such a bad idea…
Let’s hope P got that fire back in his belly after his stint in the pen!
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New Havoc for you Heads out there. Let’s not waste too much time on the track itself when PRODIGY GETS HOME IN 5 DAYS!
Can’t wait for the two to get back in the booth together and expect (hope) to see a fired up Prodigy with lots of new gutter material to satisfy his loyal Mobb Deep fans. Hope H can bring the heaters on production too, with his last killer beat probably this one.
Havoc-Back On My Bullshit
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Holy hip-hop Batman, what a lineup!
The video here is a trailer for the track released earlier today, which is worth watching to get a feel for the full track (which is available below).
The production is instantly likeable, as vintage melodies are allowed to slide over some simple drum work to deliver a retro, positive hip-hop production that matches the stature of the rappers involved.
On the rare occasions he emerges, it’s great to hear Havoc on a mic, and that novelty is certainly clouding my judgement on best verse, here even though his contribution is short. Cons dominates most of the track though, hence there’s probably no ‘competition’ to be had. Definitely worth grabbing for the hip-hop heads.
Consequence-Fake ID ft. Havoc, Q-Tip and Large Professor
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One for the heads this morning. With a heavy-hitting lineup here it’s worth checking just to see who brings their A-game. The chorus is a bit generically annoying but Ortiz’ verse is a pleasure and without doubt takes the throne on this one.
DJ Absolut-If You Love Me ft. Havoc, Sheek Louch, Joell Ortiz & Cassidy
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How peculiar. I was tweeting only yesterday about Smif-N-Wessun after briefly reviewing their debut on this very site and up pops Tek with a joint and video from his upcoming 24KT mixtape.
Although Havoc features on vocals, I am unable at this time to confirm whether it’s his board work or not. However, it is a stylish East Coast effort and great to see these three vets all coming together to hold NY down and remind us that death isn’t just for Christmas, it’s for ever.
Tek (feat Havoc & General Steele) – Death Is Forever
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Gotta love this.
Mobb Deep’s Havoc and long-time collaborator Big Noyd performing a medley of old school Mobb tracks live.
Always fun watching Havoc perform without Prodigy because I remember him once saying how he sometimes forgets his lyrics and has to ask his side-kick to remind him!
The energy looks crazy in there!
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Ajay and Myself are having a bit of a ‘Mobb Deep week’, which always goes down well where I’m concerned (This throwback is for you too buddy!). Big Noyd is / was always Mobb Deep’s side-kick, making appearances on all Mobb LP’s up until Blood Money (apparently 50 didn’t see him fitting into the ‘grand plan’).
Being Mobb’s sidekick meant N.O.Y.D. was graced with the presence of cast-off Havoc beats and as uninspiring as that sounds, in fact, some of them Hav was crazy to let go. This week’s throwback is definitely one of those.
→ Continue Reading Throwback Thursdays Vol 26
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Everything sounds good about this one. Unreleased music is always a good thing. Unreleased music from the legendary Mobb Deep is an even better thing. Any music over on Alchemist beat is just being spoilt. Hip-hop fans, you know what to do.
Mobb Deep-Whole Lotta Thug
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New track by Havoc with Cory Gunz and Nyce featuring. This track is great, Havoc’s production always ensures that classic hip hop feel – Cory Gunz takes advantage and shows his credentials.
That’s How You feel ft. Nyce & Cory Gunz
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