Albert Johnson’s raspy New York drawl crackles over the phone. It’s gravely and short, just as it was when Johnson (a.k.a. Prodigy) introduced the world to Mobb Deep on the classic track “Shook Ones, Pt. II” a decade ago. Rising out of the thriving New York hip-hop scene of the mid-’90s, Prodigy and Mobb Deep built a reputation for dark, moody instrumentals and violent street stories.
Prodigy seems calm and ready for the release of Mobb Deep’s newest album, Blood Money. Their last LP, Amerikaz Nightmare — a critical success that failed to generate major sales — left them at a crossroads. Dropped from Jive Records, the group faced an uncertain future despite a highly respected track record.
Enter 50 Cent, the bullet-riddled marketing machine known for big money, a big ego and even bigger sales. Now inked to a deal with 50’s G-Unit Records imprint, the group has more opportunities for success than ever before.
“It was bigger than a record deal,” Prodigy says. “We got side projects like G-Unit Clothing, Reebok [shoes] and a whole lot of other things.”
Prodigy feels loyalty to his new boss — even declaring he would die for 50 Cent in a recent freestyle — because now Mobb Deep can relax and focus on producing music.
“The best thing about being over here with G-Unit,” he says, “is that we got [50] running things and overseeing the music that we do. He makes sure it gets to the point where it’s supposed to be.”
Of course, to get to that point (big sales), Mobb Deep may need to polish its grimy street image, a move that could alienate fans. Prodigy is decidedly unperturbed about Mobb Deep’s crossover potential.
“Basically, we gonna do what we do,” he says. “Make these hits how we know how to make ’em. [The public] just gotta accept it.”
Early reports indicate that Blood Money will break the bank: The booming lead single “Put Em in Their Place” should give subwoofers a workout and even the club-ready “Everything’s Cool” has a sinister edge. Prodigy’s personal favorite track is “Pearly Gates,” a collaboration with 50 Cent that he describes as “how the streets talk about religion.”
Despite the new label and album, Prodigy and Mobb Deep plan to stick to their old formula for success: hardcore beats and vivid tales of urban nightmares.
“It is what it is,”Prodigy says. “We ain’t never gonna change.”
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