Every step in creating “Infinite,” Mobb Deep‘s first album since Prodigy’s death in 2017, has been what Havoc describes as a “deeply unnatural” experience. The veteran producer has shouldered the emotional weight of preserving the duo’s legacy while adapting to the absence of his longtime partner’s distinctive lyrical contributions, a shift that has profoundly affected both the creative process and the resulting music.
Scheduled for release on October 10, 2025, “Infinite” represents a significant milestone as the first official Mobb Deep project crafted without Prodigy’s direct involvement. Havoc, taking full production responsibility alongside The Alchemist, has meticulously worked to maintain the duo’s signature sound – the dark, haunting beats and street-centric narratives that defined classics like “The Infamous” and “Hell on Earth.”
Infinite emerges as Mobb Deep’s haunting return, with Havoc and The Alchemist preserving their iconic darkness despite Prodigy’s absence.
The album features an impressive roster of guest appearances, including Nas, Clipse, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Big Noyd, and R&B vocalist H.E.R., collaborations that both honor Prodigy’s legacy and fill the void left by his absence. These partnerships have proven vital as Havoc navigates the challenge of reinventing Mobb Deep’s artistic identity while respecting their historical impact on East Coast hip-hop.
“There’s no replacing that chemistry,” Havoc noted in reference to his partnership with Prodigy, explaining how the production process required him to simultaneously embrace change while preserving authenticity. The relationship between the two artists formed during their teenage years at Manhattan’s High School of Art and Design, creating a bond that shaped their distinctive sound for decades. The release through Mass Appeal Records maintains the group’s underground credibility amid a contemporary resurgence of interest in classic hardcore hip-hop aesthetics.
Early reception from critics and fans acknowledges the bittersweet nature of the project, with particular praise directed toward the emotional depth conveyed through Havoc’s instrumentals. The production’s strength serves as both tribute and evolution, blending traditional Queensbridge vibes with modern elements that reflect Havoc’s growth as an artist. His approach echoes the guerrilla marketing tactics that initially launched their careers when they promoted demo tapes to record label offices back in their early days. Throughout the creation process, Havoc maintained a rigorous writing schedule, developing lyrics daily to ensure the album captured the authentic storytelling that made Mobb Deep legendary.
For Havoc, “Infinite” represents more than just another album – it’s a personal journey through grief, memory, and artistic resilience, meticulously crafted to honor both Prodigy’s legacy and Mobb Deep’s enduring influence on hip-hop culture. Beyond artistic expression, the project also represents Havoc’s business acumen as he explores sync deals to place the album’s tracks in films and video games, creating additional revenue streams while introducing their sound to new audiences.
