Review Summary: A seminal piece of hip hop
Mobb Deep are one of the best duos (or groups in general for that matter) in hip hop. Prodigy, while overrated at times, is a fantastic MC and Havoc's production complements his rapping. Havoc raps at times too, but rapping certainly isn't the man's strongpoint. His rapping isn't bad by any means, but his production is truly what makes him great.
The Infamous, while often confused as their debut, is actually the duo's sophomore album. Their debut, Juvenile Hell, was quite amateur, and is often forgotten for good reason. However, there was potential shown on that album. The Infamous much further improves on that potential, and is an improvement in every way imaginable. Havoc's production on this is dark, menacing, and simply flawless. "Shook Ones Pt. II" is one of the greatest hip hop tracks of all time, with an infectious beat, and impressive performances from the duo. "Survival of the Fittest" is another standout. The beat is grimy, and the duo basically rap about what the song title suggest, it's survival of the fittest in the projects, every man for himself. Almost all of the beats on this album have a grimy, dark vibe, and they're quite unique for the time.
The guests on the album help, but often the guests outshine the duo. Not a problem though, as their verses help the quality of the songs. "Eye For a Eye (Your Beef is Mines)" features Nas and Raekwon, two east-coast heavyweights at the time of the release, and both have superb verses about brotherhood over the dark, grimacing instrumental. "Give Up the Goods (Just Step)", features Big Noyd, and to be quite honest, I think the song could have done without him. Still a remarkable instrumental with fantastic verses from the stars of the show. It's also worth noting that it's one of the tracks with additional help on production, as Q-Tip handles the beat. "Temperature's Rising" is one of the more upbeat instrumentals on the album, but the lyrics aren't happy on here for the most part. The hook (from Crystal Johnson) and beat are uptempo, but the rhymes are about being on the run from police. Once again, Q-Tip handles the majority of the instrumental. "Right Back At You" features Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and Big Noyd. Each of them provide great verses, over this hard hitting instrumental co-produced by Schott Free. "Drink Away the Pain (Situations)" features Q-Tip in an odd, but fantastic collaboration, with, as predicted, Q-Tip producing it. "Party Over", the final track on the album, features Big Noyd, co-produced by Matt Life, and is the perfect closure, as it captures the essence of the album.
The Infamous is as good of an album as you could ask for, lyrics? Check. Production? Double check. The lyrics are stellar, and the production is some of the best to ever be put into a hip hop album. There's a cohesive feel to the album, and not one song on here is less than marvelous, and not one that should have been cut short. The album is perfection damn near front to back. I think I've said everything that needs to be said, as most hip hop fans know (or should know) why this album is so great, but if you're new to hip hop, definitely check this album out, as it's essential listening.
Ratings:
1. The Start of Your Ending (41st Side): 4.5/5
2. The Infamous Prelude
3. Survival of the Fittest: 5/5
4. Eye for a Eye (Your Beef Is Mines) (feat. Nas and Raekwon): 5/5
5. Just Step Prelude
6. Give Up the Goods (Just Step) (feat. Big Noyd): 5/5
7. Temperature's Rising (feat. Crystal Johnson): 5/5
8. Up North Trip: 5/5
9. Trife Life: 5/5
10. Q.U.-Hectic: 5/5
11. Right Back At You (feat. Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, and Big Noyd): 5/5
12. The Grave Prelude
13. Cradle to the Grave: 5/5
14. Drink Away the Pain (Situations) (feat. Q-Tip): 5/5
15. Shook Ones Pt. II: 5/5
16. Party Over: 5/5
Best songs:
Shook Ones Pt. II
Survival of the Fittest
Temperature's Rising
Up North Trip
Trife Life
Weakest song: The Start of Your Endind (41st Side)
Production: 10/10
Lyrics: 10/10
Overall rating: 100/100
Grade: A+
