Hip-hop fans have reason to celebrate as producer extraordinaire The Alchemist has confirmed that a new Mobb Deep project is on the way, packed with unreleased material from the iconic duo. Appearing on *The Breakfast Club* on February 12 to promote his new album *Life Is Beautiful*, which features collaborations with Larry June and 2 Chainz, The Alchemist shared both his admiration for the late Prodigy and exciting news about the forthcoming release. The announcement sparked waves of nostalgia and anticipation across the music world.
Reflecting on the sheer volume of music left behind by Mobb Deep, The Alchemist spoke highly of Prodigy’s unmatched dedication and lyrical prowess. “They did so much work, it was insane,” he said. “You could peel back layers in Prodigy’s rhymes. He was ahead of his time.” As one-half of Mobb Deep, alongside Havoc, Prodigy left an indelible mark on hip-hop with his vivid storytelling, gritty realism, and sharp wordplay. According to The Alchemist, the upcoming project will showcase exactly why Prodigy’s legacy endures. “P’s legend lives. He did more than the average person while he was here, and he left behind so much, so we’re lucky enough to be working on a new Mobb Deep project.”
Production duties for the project are being handled by The Alchemist and Havoc, keeping it close to the group’s original sonic identity. Adding even more weight to the release is the involvement of Nas, a longtime collaborator and fellow Queensbridge native. “It’s me and Hav doing the beats. Nas is involved,” Alchemist confirmed. “It feels great just to hear his voice again. We missed it. It’s a void not hearing his voice anymore.” The inclusion of Nas further cements this as a monumental project for lovers of classic East Coast hip-hop.
Mobb Deep, known for defining ‘90s New York rap with raw albums like *The Infamous* and *Hell on Earth*, left an archive of unreleased tracks that still resonate with today's artists and fans. The Alchemist’s news offers a rare glimpse into the wealth of work the duo created behind the scenes. As fans yearn for that old-school sound and real lyricism, this unreleased material promises to bridge the past with the present, giving a new generation the chance to experience the genius of Prodigy and Havoc.
The interview also took a detour into more current rap affairs—specifically, the ongoing lyrical feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The Alchemist, known for providing beats that have been used in numerous rap battles over the years, shared how he often finds himself caught in the crossfire. “It happens a lot to me,” he said. “I try to tell rappers I’m Switzerland — leave me out of it — but they end up making me the battleground. I’m indifferent to it. I don’t have a dog in the fight, I make beats.” His neutral stance hasn’t stopped artists from choosing his beats as the backdrop for some of their most cutting diss tracks. Still, The Alchemist remains focused on the music itself, emphasizing his role as a creator rather than a participant in rap’s many rivalries.
2 Chainz, who was present during the interview to promote *Life Is Beautiful*, also chimed in on being name-dropped in Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.” In the song, Kendrick throws shade with the line, “Chainz say you good, but he lied.” Rather than take offense, 2 Chainz took the reference in stride, brushing it off as a form of artistic expression. “It’s all creative wordplay,” he said, echoing the sentiment that rap beefs often unfold more like sport than personal vendettas.
Between the promise of unheard Mobb Deep gems and candid insights into hip-hop’s current dynamics, The Alchemist continues to be a pivotal figure in the genre. Whether he’s reviving the legacy of a legendary group or navigating the trenches of rap beefs, his presence is both respected and revered. The upcoming Mobb Deep project serves not only as a celebration of Prodigy’s timeless lyricism but also as a tribute to the enduring spirit of classic hip-hop. With Nas in the mix and Havoc behind the boards, it’s shaping up to be one of the most significant releases of the year.