In 1995, two young emcees from Queens dropped an album that changed New York hip-hop forever, driving it into a ominous abyss of hardcore lyricism and claustrophobic production. Today, that album turns 21 years old, and it’s only right that we celebrate the masterpiece that is The Infamous.
Mobb Deep are often regarded as one of hip-hop’s best duos – placed alongside pivotal groups like Outkast & Gangstarr – and The Infamous has been their calling card over the past two decades. The album is defined by bleak narratives and gritty beats that evoke images of the abrasive winters that plague New York City – a greyscale collection of unapologetic street anthems.
Havoc’s beats on the album would become a blueprint for New York hip-hop during the Golden Era – they relentlessly staked their claim as the region’s signature sound, diverging away from more jazz-influenced routes in favour of haunting piano loops and raw drums. It’s no wonder that Havoc has been enlisted to produce for everyone from Eminem to Capone-N-Noreaga, and even Kanye West’s latest album The Life of Pablo. Meanwhile, Prodigy delivered some of rap’s most favoured quotables, with ‘Survival of the Fittest’ being later sampled by Immortal Technique on his definitive single ‘Dance with the Devil’.
The duo’s look – self-described as “strictly Timb boots and army certified suits” – also complimented their rugged sound and became a staple for hip-hop heads who donned baggy camoflauge and workwear. From the forever quoted ‘Shook Ones Pt. II’ to the assertive ‘Eye For An Eye’, this album reigns supreme from start to finish.
Mobb Deep would go on to reach similar heights on their next album Hell on Earth, and even had a stint signed to 50 Cent’s G-Unit imprint – but The Infamous remains their most venomous work. Have a listen to the album below, while Mobb Deep will be touring Australia in May alongside Bone Thugs N Harmony, Tha Dogg Pound, DJ Quik and more:
