Image credit: Infamous Record / Mass Appeal
Author’s Score
19/20
Even though Prodigy is dead, there is a realism to this album
Sometimes, there’s a feeling that listening to old rappers can seem washed up, as though the energy that once defined their art has faded. The sound can feel repetitive, the cadence predictable, and the lyrics recycled. Many long-time hip-hop listeners find themselves longing for authenticity, a sound that brings back the hunger, grit, and raw storytelling that defined the golden era of rap. Mobb Deep, however, remains one of the few rap duos capable of breaking that cycle. Their classic albums The Infamous (1995) and Hell on Earth (1996) are still regarded as masterpieces that captured the essence of New York’s street poetry.
With the death of Prodigy in 2017, it felt as though Mobb Deep had reached its natural end. Fans mourned the loss of a lyricist and the end of a sound that shaped an entire generation of East Coast rap. The surviving member Havoc, continued to produce and collaborate, but the chemistry between the two was irreplaceable. Many assumed Mobb Deep’s legacy would rest on the timelessness of their earlier records. That is, until the release of The Infinite this month, a project that feels like a resurrection rather than a remembrance.
The album is drenched in nostalgia. From the first track, listeners are transported back to the smoky basements and grimy street corners that defined 1990s Queensbridge hip-hop. The beats hit hard but feel organic, echoing the raw textures of classic Mobb Deep and The Alchemist productions. Songs like Easy Bruh and Against the World evoke the spirit of their early years, full of tension, resilience, and street wisdom. The rhymes are sharp with undertones of rawness, the flows deliberate, and the chemistry, surprisingly intact. It’s as if time stood still, and Prodigy is not dead.
Listening to The Infinite feels like rediscovering an old photograph that still carries warmth and power. Havoc’s production maintains that dark, cinematic quality that made Mobb Deep so distinctive. The eerie piano loops, the dusty snares, and the chilling basslines create a soundscape that mirrors the cold realism of their lyrical content. There is a smell of the New York pavement after rain, hear the hum of subway trains, and sense the unfiltered energy of a city that once defined hip-hop’s soul.
One of the standout moments on the album is Down for You, featuring the smooth, angelic vocals of Jorja Smith. The song provides a modern, soulful contrast to the group’s typically rugged sound. It’s introspective and emotional, a reminder that Mobb Deep’s music has always carried depth beyond its street narratives. The inclusion of a contemporary voice like Jorja Smith bridges generations, demonstrating that their influence continues to resonate with younger artists who respect the foundations of rap.
The features across the album feel like a reunion of legends. Nas, The Alchemist, and Big Noyd bring their signature styles, reinforcing the album’s connection to the past. Each guest adds authenticity and weight, contributing to an atmosphere that feels both celebratory and reflective. The collaborations don’t feel forced; they feel earned, rooted in decades of shared history within New York’s underground scene.
What makes The Infinite so powerful is its emotional resonance. Hearing Prodigy’s verses crafted before his passing creates a haunting experience. His bars are filled with conviction, confidence, and wisdom, as though he’s speaking directly to the fans who grew up with him. There’s a spiritual presence in every verse, and it’s easy to imagine how monumental this album would have been if he were alive to perform it. The record plays like a tribute, but it doesn’t mourn; it celebrates.
In a time when mainstream hip-hop often chases trends and viral hits, The Infinite reminds us of the genre’s roots. It’s not about flashy production or commercial hooks; it’s about storytelling, atmosphere, and emotion. Mobb Deep has always represented the heartbeat of New York hip-hop; the sound of survival and authenticity. This album not only honours that legacy but also reaffirms why their music still matters.
If The Infamous made Mobb Deep legends, The Infinite proves that legends never truly fade. The duo’s energy, honesty, and artistry remain intact, and through this release, their legacy continues to inspire both the old heads who lived through hip-hop’s golden age and the younger listeners who crave something real. The Infinite is more than nostalgia; it’s proof that Mobb Deep’s spirit is, fittingly, infinite
