Meaning of “Shook Ones, Part I” by Mobb Deep
Coming out in 1994, “Shook Ones” was one of Mobb Deep’s earliest releases, with this track being associated with the demo version of their second studio album, “The Infamous”. Mobb Deep was a rap act consisting of Queens-based musicians Prodigy (1974-2017) and Havoc. And whereas the former was a better rapper, the latter is multi-talented, being able to also produce beats. As such, it is Hav who produced this track, with him and Prodigy writing it.
“Shook Ones” – which has been released through Loud Records, BMG and RCA – reportedly served as a promo single but obviously didn’t make any noise in that regard whatsoever, being a forgettable track in and of itself. But the reason it holds a special place in the history of rap music is because it preceded 1995’s “Shook Ones (Part II)“, a bonafide hip-hop classic which proved to be Mobb Deep’s breakthrough hit.
The Lyrics of “Shook Ones, Part I”
For readers who are familiar with “Shook Ones (Part II)”, from a lyrical perspective “Shook Ones” is quite similar. For instance, we have Prodigy and Havoc portraying the role of fearless gun-slinging street thugs while reppin’ their ‘hood, Queensbridge (New York City), in the process. And beyond that, they speak to the type of mentality necessary to practice such a lifestyle.
Basically, as presented there are two main components to successfully practicing the thug life. One is doing what you have to do in order to make bread. Or as Prodigy explains, where he comes from ‘trying to keep a positive mind and walk a straight line don’t work’. So he is compelled to ‘dig his way out of holes by hustling’.
Secondly and relatedly, it takes a lot of heart to live by the gun, if you will. So they proceed to point out the difference between real crooks and “shook one(s)”. In context, the latter would be along the line of wannabe gangsta, those who think they’re about that life but are ultimately proved otherwise. So as implied, the M-O-BB fall into the former category, being true thugs.
However to note, “Shook Ones” isn’t necessarily gangsta rap as we know it today. With this song dating back to the early 1990s, imbedded herein are also references to Prod and Hav’s proficiency as rappers. But the street aspect of the lyrics definitely take precedence.
