Albert Johnson, also known as Prodigy, and Kejuan Muchita, also known as Havoc, first collaborated on music as teenagers, attending Graphic Arts High School in Manhattan. They adopted the stage name Mobb Deep in the early 1990s and released their debut album, "Juvenile Hell".
Their second album, "The Infamous", released in 1995, was a massive success and featured hit singles "Shook Ones, Part II" and "Survival of the Fittest". This album is often mentioned alongside Nas' "Illmatic" and the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die" as a classic of hip hop.
Mobb Deep's subsequent albums were also successful, with 1999's "Murda Muzik" being their first Platinum album. The duo, natives of Queensbridge, New York, drew on their experiences growing up in the projects to inform their lyrics.
Havoc produced most of the duo's beats, which are characterized by heavy snare drum brushes and haunting instrumental riffs. This distinctive sound, known as "Mobb Phonics", has become synonymous with gritty, atmospheric hip hop.
Rather than glorifying gang violence, Mobb Deep is often credited with pioneering the "reality rap" style, which presents an accurate, observational picture of life in the inner city. Their credibility, straightforward lyrics, and grimy sound earned them respect among peers and fans alike.
Over the years, Mobb Deep released music on various labels, including their own imprint. Even decades later, the duo remains closely associated with New York hip hop and maintains a loyal fan base.
