Beware of the "Sophomore" Jinx - Dun Language

Disclaimer: While Juvenile Hell is technically Mobb Deep’s first album, most hip hops fans refer to the Infamous as the Mobb’s debut album.  So, for this article, that means Hell on Earth is Mobb’s second album.

“Yo,yo, you know how we did it on the Infamous Album, right?  Aight, we gonna do it again son.” - Prodigy

For many hip-hop artists, the debut album is a compilation of a lifetime of verses, hooks (and even beats).  Artists—especially during the 1990s—had to have a laser focus on their debut album because competition was fierce.  Emcees and hip-hop purists were into lyrics and creativity.  So, you could not be wack or copy someone else’s style.  And during this period, the end-all-be-all for an artist was the often-elusive record deal.  Record deals were hard to come by, and often times, record labels had rejected these artists many times before finally signing them to a record deal.  Artists also knew that they might only have one chance to become a “star.”  Thus, when an artist finally released a debut album, it likely represented the best that artist had to offer.  There were many incredible debut albums in the 1990s.  The list is long, but I’ll name a few: Illmatic, Ready to Die, Reasonable Doubt, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, Black on Both Sides, Doggy Style, Enter the Wu Tang, and many others.  But how do you follow-up a classic debut album?

“Industry Rule number four thousand and eighty, record Company people are shady.” – Q- Tip

Music is a multi-billion dollar business.  It is unsurprising that record companies want to ensure a favorable return on their investments into an artist’s career.  Three common pitfalls lead to a bad second album.  First, assuming the debut album was good (otherwise there probably would not be a second album), record labels pressure artists to work on a second album quickly, so they can capitalize on the success of the first album.  The record company often won’t care about an artist’s creative process.  This can lead to subpar music.  Second, some artists (often pushed by the record label) decide that after a successful debut, they want to display their range as an emcee.   For some artists, this can be a good decision.  For other artists, however, this can be a career-killer.  Whether fair or not, some core fans do not want their favorite artists to change, or show incredible growth.  What they really want is a repeat of the debut album with new beats, hooks, and lyrics.  Lastly, artists place more pressure on themselves following a successful debut album.  In doing so, they can miss that “it” factor they had when creating the debut album.  This can lead to a letdown.   Anyway, let’s talk about one of my favorite groups, Mobb Deep, and their “sophomore album.”

Mobb Deep is a legendary group.  There was a time in hip hop that Havoc and Prodigy (R.I.P.) were arguably the best group in the game.  A few quick thoughts about the Mobb.  During their career they: (1) were at the forefront of the infamous East Coast/West Coast Beef; (2) were consistent; and (3) stayed in their lane.

The East Coast/West Coast Beef was an ugly time in hip hop.  For casual hip hop listeners, the beef starts and ends with Biggie and Tupac.  The Beef, however, was much deeper and involved other hip-hop artists, gangs, goons, and record labels.  Mobb Deep was one of the first groups to go on wax with a song in opposition to Tupac.  I remember watching the video for Capone N Noreaga’s song, LA LA (featuring Mobb Deep).  CNN and Mobb made this song in response to Tha Dogg Pound’s (featuring Snoop Dogg) record New York New York.  In that video, Tha Dogg Pound stomped through New York and kicked over New York skyscrapers (very disrespectful!).  In Tupac’s famous battle track, Hit Em Up, he fired shots at Mobb Deep.  Mobb Deep did not back down and had some things to say on Hell on Earth.

You cannot discuss Hell on Earth without at least mentioning the Infamous.  The Infamous is one of the best hip-hop albums of any era.  It was a classic when the Mobb released it in 1995.  It remains a classic.  As good as that album is, I love Hell on Earth just as much. 

Context is key, so I want to provide a little information to help you understand my perspective on Hell on Earth.  I was fascinated by hip hop in the early 1990s, but because I was young, I had not fully developed my appetite for hip hop music until I was 14 years old, which happened in 1996—the same year Mobb Deep dropped Hell on Earth (November 19, 1996). What a time to be a young hip hop fan!  In my opinion, 1996 was the best year in hip hop.  That summer, I bought (well, really my mom bought, but you get the point) Reasonable Doubt, It was Written and Atliens.  Now that I think about it, summer 1996 is the time when I fell in love with hip hop.  As a young man from the East Coast, I was fascinated by the East Coast/West Coast Beef, which coincidentally occurred during this time.  Tupac was murdered in September 1996, so the stakes were high for Mobb’s release in November.  I remember wondering if the Mobb would diss Tupac?   

Now, imagine being in the car with me (and my mom) on the way to the record store in 1996. Ironically, I remember the weather being cloudy and cool on this day.   We finally get to the store to purchase the album.  I bought the CD, and then went home.  I sat down in my room (with all the lights off) so I could listen to the music on my Discman without distractions.  I was curious as to how Mobb Deep would start the album.  Would they declare war on the West Coast?  An album's first song/introduction usually sets the tone for the album.    

When I pressed play, I heard a sinister beat and Prodigy talking shit, just before P and Hav began rapping.  I knew the album would be special.  Then, track two, Drop a Gem on Em, began playing on my Discman.  After a few bars, it was clear Mobb Deep had not backed off of their stance against Pac.  In listening to just two tracks, you knew Hell on Earth would not be a letdown album. 

My favorite tracks on this album are Nighttime Vultures, G.O.D. Pt. III, Hell on Earth (Front Lines) and Give it Up Fast. 

Hell on Earth is a classic album.  Mobb Deep did not fall into any of the pitfalls outlined above.  The  album flowed like a movie.  Beginning with the title and flowing into the tracks (scenes).  It was clear that Mobb Deep put some time into this album, which makes sense.  Remember: the Infamous was released in April 1995, more a year before Hell on Earth was released.  Mobb Deep stuck to the script on this album, which was smart.  Hardcore Mobb Deep fans were not looking to see the Mobb show their hand at expanding their range.  They (we) wanted sinister beats, dope lyrics and more “dun language.”  Simple.  We wanted a continuation of the Infamous, which is exactly what Mobb Deep delivered.  Lastly, if the Mobb felt any pressure in making Hell on Earth, it did not show through in their finished product.  Hell on Earth is a gem.  If you have not listened to the album, or even if you have not listened to it lately, pull it up on Youtube.

Peace

Battle of the Giants – DJ Premier v. RZA

2020, has been a challenging year.  Kobe Bryant – a global icon – died in a tragic helicopter accident.  Then, just as we were recovering from his untimely death, COVID-19 arrived.  It feels like we are living in a horror movie.  With shelter-in-place orders abound, simple tasks are challenging.  Basic things many of us currently cannot do include: (1) have dinner at a restaurant; (2) go shopping at a mall; (3) have a drink at a  bar; (4) play sports (or watch live sports); or (5) enjoy food at a cookout (yes, it is almost cookout season).  To make matters worse, we have no idea when these restrictions will be lifted.  Many Americans have lost their jobs – whether temporarily (furlough) or permanently.  So many people are literally trying to figure out how they will pay monthly bills, with very little assistance from the federal government.  Accordingly, the unemployment rate has spiked.  How is any of this related to DJ Premier (“Premo”) versus RZA beat battle?  Simple: music is (1) an artistic outlet that unites people, from all walks of life, and (2) allows us to “feel good” and nostalgic, even if temporarily.

 

In March 2020, Swizz Beats and Timbaland sensed the fear, and uncertainty sweeping the country.  They used their collective influence to create an interactive Instagram Live series titled “Verzuz.”  The premise is simple.  One beatmaker plays a song he has produced.  Then, his opponent plays a song he has produced.  The competitors go back and forth in this manner until each competitor has played 20 songs.  A few weeks ago, I watched T. Pain “battle” Lil Jon.  The battle was both entertaining and nostalgic.  That battle took my mind back to my college days in Greensboro, North Carolina.  This was fun, but when I heard about an upcoming battle between RZA and Premo, I was ecstatic (as were most all hip-hop fans). 

Premo is a legendary producer.  He is one half of Gang Starr (RIP Guru).  Many believe he crafted the soundtrack for early 90s gritty, raw New York City hip hop.  Regardless of whether you agree, it is hard to argue with his impact on hip hop culture during the last 30 years.  Premo has produced tracks for the best of the best, including BIG, Nas, and Jay-Z.  If you are unfamiliar with his production style, I would recommend listening to a track by Nas titled NY State of Mind. 

The Abbott, the RZA-rector and Bobby Digital are just a few names RZA goes by.  If you are familiar with Wu-Tang Clan, you know who RZA is.  Most of the songs you have heard from the Wu-tang Clan, especially during the 1990s, are courtesy of RZA.  If you are unfamiliar with RZA’s style, I would recommend listening to Enter the Wu Tang.

Prior to the battle, I envisioned key points to be considered, which I boiled down to three.  First, I wondered whether RZA and Premo would select their personal favorite beats, or would they choose “crowd favorites?”  Second, I thought about the format allowing for each competitor to play only 20 songs.  I thought this format would level the playing field such that the breadth of a person’s catalogue would not be determinative in the battle.  Third, the format allowed each competitor to interact with followers via live stream, which I thought might favor Premo because he is a DJ, while RZA is not.   

The Battle

The battle was everything I thought it would be.  I thought Premo would easily win the battle.  This was no knock on RZA, but, more, a nod to Premo’s greatness and breadth of his musical catalogue.  And this was after personally witnessing Premo destroy Pete Rock, another legendary producer, in Raleigh, North Carolina a few years ago. After watching the battle, I must admit that I underestimated RZA (In Baby’s words: Put some “respek” on my name”).

I have to share a few observations.  RZA began the battle with Liquid Swords, which is a phenomenal beat.  But, when Premo dropped A Million and One Questions, I just knew it was over for RZA.  I felt that Premo set the tone that he was out for blood.  But he definitely did not keep that same energy (although he certainly could have done so). I also noticed the mutual respect between Premo and RZA.  They were both humble, but I felt that Premo was so respectful that he almost forgot he was in a beat battle.  I think he saw it as a win for the culture, so there was no need to “compete.”   From the beginning, I believe RZA approached the battle a little more seriously (but not in an asshole type of way).  Premo has a deeper catalogue, but RZA was more consistent in selecting the best of his catalogue.  Also, I think RZA did an excellent job surprising Premo with songs that he was not expecting.  In a sense, it felt that RZA was in attack mode, while Premo, at least at times, was reacted to RZA’s moves. This factor played into momentum, which RZA seized and never truly relinquished, although Premo started swinging for the fences towards the end of the battle.    

RZA	DJ Premier	Result
1.GZA- Liquid Swords	1.Jay-Z – A Million and One Questions	Premo
2.Method Man – Bring Tha Pain	2.M.O.P. – Breakin the Rules	RZA
3.Wu Tang – Maria	3.Mos Def – Mathematics	Premo
4.Raekwon – Wu Gambinos	4.Big L – the Enemy	Tie
5.Ghostface Killa – Run	5.KRS- MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know	RZA
6.Wu Tang – Shame on a Nigga	6.Das EFX – Real Hip Hop	Premo
7.Wu-Tang – Protect Ya Neck	7.Group Home – Livin Proof	Premo
8.GZA – Cold World	8.D’Angelo – Devil’s Pie	RZA
9.Wu Tang – Method Man	9.Gangstarr – Just to Get a Rep	RZA
10.Ghostface Killa – Motherless Child	10.Jay-Z – D’evils	Premo
11.Raekwon – Verbal Intercourse	11.Nas – Nas is Like	RZA
12.Ghostface – Buck 50	12.Gang Star – Remainz	Tie
13.Raekwon – Ice Cream	13.The Notorious B.I.G. – Unbelievable	RZA
14.Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Brooklyn Zoo	14.Jeru the Damaja – Come Clean	Premo
15.Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Shimmy Shimmy Ya	15.The Notorious B.I.G. – Kick in the Door	Premo
16.Biggie – Long Kiss Goodnight Long Kiss	16.Gangstarr – Above the Clouds Above the Clouds	Tie
17.Ghostface -Assassination Day	17.Nas – N.Y. State of Mind	Premo
18.Raekwon – Criminology	18.Gang Starr - DWYCK	RZA
19.Raekwon – Incarcerated Scarfaces	19.Royce Da 5’9 - Boom	RZA
20.Mary J and Method Man – You’re All I Need	20.Biggie – Ten Crack Commandments	Premo

The Winner

So, who won?  RZA won by the slimmest of margins.  To be clear, I believe the music played by RZA and Premo were pretty close to even.  As noted in my observations, I believe RZA won on what I would call “soft” factors.  He seized the momentum; he embraced the concept of “battle;” and he made Premo change his song selection a number of times.  And, he also gets some props because he was the underdog, but he really came through with heat all night. 

To use a basketball analogy, last night was like Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals (I apologize if you are not an NBA Fan, but just google it).  In this corner: RZA (2001 76ers).  In the opposing corner: Premo (2001 Lakers).  The 76ers were large underdogs, but were led by a motivated Allen Iverson.  The Lakers were dominant, led by Kobe and Shaq and had not lost a game in the 2001 Playoffs until Game 1 against the 76ers.   For this one night, the Iverson-led 76ers beat the Lakers.  At that level of competition, any team has a fighter’s chance to win on any given night.  Last night was RZA’s Game 1 (a phenomenal performance by an underdog).  But, as history showed in the 2001 series, the Lakers won the next four games to close out the series.  If Premo and RZA battled four additional times, considering Premo’s catalogue – I would expect him to win each time. 

Last night’s battle, however, belonged to RZA.  And the big winner was, well of course, “the Culture.” 

Peace