Mobb Deep - The Infamous

With one album--no, one song ("Shook Ones, Pt. 2")--Mobb Deep went from gimmick kiddie rap duo to hip-hop's dark horsemen of the apocalypse. Gritty and nihilistic, Prodigy and Havoc ushered in a post-gangsta era of reality rap that privileged vivid street narratives over mere drive-by posturing. As well, production by themselves and guests like Q-Tip (who did the jazzy "Drink Away the Pain") kept the soundscape moving beyond just the dissonant drone of "Shook Ones." "The Infamous" captured Mobb Deep at the beginning of their rebirth, before their formula became redundant. --Oliver Wang Amazon.com

Not Their Best But Dope

I know im one of the few that liked Hell on Earth or Murda Muzik more then this. I felt like this album was almost a little boring, so when i listen to it I play 5 songs at a time rather then the whole album. This is a hardcore album, cant deny that. Eye for a eye is a really dope track, Nas and Raekwon lay it down on this track. Shook Ones and Survival of the fittest are classic hip hop singles and are the reason i picked this album up. Up north trip is really dope same as trife life. If you love the east coast sound you should have this album in your collection but i wouldnt call this album one of the best from the east. Pick up some black moon or kool g rap first then check this album May 18, 2008

Mobb Deep is the truth!!

this album is as good as it gets!!! you cant go wrong with classic Mobb Deep...its an easy reminder of how good Hip-Hop used to be....this album is on heavy rotation in my car!!! December 9, 2007

The Mobb

What is sometimes recognized as their first LP, sophmore release The Infamous brought a grittier East Coast feel for its time. Perfectly titled "The Start Of Your Ending (41st Side)" to lead the album off with a simple track accompanied by sound effects to add to the thugged lyrical assault by the duo. Simple deep piano chords with uptempo hard kicks synchronized the street mentality attitude for "Survival Of The Fittest". Slowing down with a dark, deeper mystique of "Eye For A Eye (Your Beef Is Mine)" featuring Nas & Raekwon collaborated to enlighten on the retaliation as does "Right Back At You" featuring Ghostface Killer, Raekwon & Big Noyd goes for a reapeat over looping bass guitar and decending chords. "[Just Step Prelude] " is an accapella interlude with verses from Big Noyd and Prodigy added to the concept and the lifestyle of the Mobb. The upbeat "Give Up The Goods (Just Step)" featuring Big Noyd is a great addition with layered arrangement with violent crime content "...brothers are starvin' from tryin' to find a job / son, its all about robbin'..." "Temperature's Rising" featuring Crystal Johnson is one of the mainstream attemps with a hint of a bounce smoothed out as Mobb Deep kept their street formula. Staying on the same tempo but switching gears on "Up North Trip" as they give tales of going to jail. "Trife Life" shows the street mentality of keeping your eyes on your enemies and being aware of a set up or robbery. Representing their homeground Queensbridge on "Q.U.-Hectic" over simple production arrangement. Highlighted by deep bass on "Cradle To The Grave" is a canvas for the stories told of survival. The jazz influenced "Drink Away The Pain (Situations)" featuring Q-Tip by the horn arrangement as they exchanged liquor for women as the yin-yang combination meshed well. The classic "Shook Ones Pt. II" is a near East Coast anthem with delivery, off-key patterns also provided quotables. Three of the sixteen was produced by The Abstract a.k.a. Q-Tip as the remainder was produced by the group showing how the acronym k-i-s-s (keep it simple stupid) worked perfectly as a signature sound and style. Mobb Deep's performance and overall concept of The Infamous is a hip-hop/rap classic and essential for any collection of for this genre. November 16, 2007

The one album that's perfect in every way...

It really is; I don't think anything can top this album. The lyricism, and flows are exuberant and the production is HAUNTING. If you want an album that portrays the hardships of life in the City, there's nothing better to go to than "The Infamous" by Mobb Deep. If you listen to this album, it's almost unbelievable to think that this is the same Mobb Deep that's currently in G-Unit. The same Mobb Deep that now makes commercial, club-themed anthems. But back then, they were so different. So real, so hardcore, so raw. Listening to this album gives me such extreme visuals; you'll feel like you're in the midst of the street-poetry that Prodigy and Havoc display all throughout. I could go through the tracks...Survival of the Fittest (personal favorite), Eye For a Eye, The Start of Your Ending, Right Back at You, Give It Up Fast...but why bother? Pretty much every song is incredible. This album is beyond a masterpiece. This album is perfection... November 13, 2007

Unparalleled Classic

Mobb Deep's 2nd album is hands down an essential to the East Coast hip-hop scene. Havoc and Prodigy both had excellent flow and lyrical content that tells some bitter stories, and the background beats are some of the most original and dark beats to ever grace the hip-hop scene. Each track, even the preludes, holds its own and stands out well. An album to not be avoided. October 5, 2007

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