By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Since last spring, Mobb Deep has been on a comeback run, as the past few years have been tough on the Queens duo. Mobb Deep did not enjoy the commercial success of fellow Queens-bred hip hop artists, such as LL Cool J, Nas, Ja Rule, and 50 Cent, however, they always maintained a presence on the streets. Hardcore Mobb Deep fans connected with them because of their street stories and the duo always remaining independent.
From a business standpoint, Mobb Deep received an offer they could not refuse when 50 Cent offered to sign them to his G-Unit Records. At the time, 50 Cent was at the peak of his career, with several songs in the top ten on Billboard. Mobb Deep, who 50 Cent had dissed in a song, earlier in the same year, quickly signed to G-Unit, turning off many fans. Despite this, the duo joined 50 Cent on “Outta Control (remix),” finally gaining the commercial success.
The backlash from fans, along with a change in interest proved to be difficult for Mobb Deep, as they were unsuccessful with G-Unit. With the G-Unit popularity diminishing, Mobb Deep had difficulty landing a release date for their second album with the label. 50 Cent was forced by Interscope Records to drop Mobb Deep in 2009, the same year Prodigy was sentenced to a year in prison. With no label and Prodigy in prison, Havoc returned to producing, as Mobb Deep fell out of the public eye.
Since returning from prison, Prodigy has built a solid buzz and fans are again anticipating Mobb Deep. The duo will continue their resurgence when they take the stage Tuesday night at Club Perfection in New York City.
