In a deeply reflective interview on SiriusXM’s “The Infamous Hour,” hip-hop titan Nas shared the profound respect and easy admiration that led him to collaborate on Mobb Deep’s latest, and final, album, “Infinite.” The album, released on October 10, 2025, marks a poignant continuation of the legendary duo’s legacy, featuring posthumous vocals from the late Prodigy alongside new verses from Havoc, all meticulously produced by Havoc and The Alchemist. Nas’s appearance on “The Infamous Hour,” hosted by Havoc himself, provided a platform for him to articulate why working with Mobb Deep was an unequivocal “yes”.
Nas didn’t mince words when describing the allure of collaborating with his Queensbridge brethren. “What? You crazy? It’s Mobb Deep,” he stated, encapsulating the immediate and unquestionable respect he holds for the duo. He elaborated, “Mobb Deep is pure. Mobb Deep was original when it came out and hit the scene. What you represent set the example for what was to come later in rap music.” This praise extended to Havoc’s production, which Nas likened to the groundbreaking work of industry titans Dr. Dre and The Bomb Squad, underscoring the duo’s unparalleled sonic vision and its lasting impact on hip-hop music.
“Infinite” itself is a landmark release, serving as Mobb Deep’s ninth and reportedly final studio album. The project is a carefully curated collection that bridges the past and present, weaving together a decade’s worth of unreleased Prodigy vocals with Havoc’s sharp contemporary production. This ambitious undertaking honors Prodigy’s indelible spirit while presenting a cohesive body of work that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. Havoc expressed his intent to “feel like we never left” with the album, a sentiment that resonates through its gritty production and authentic lyrical delivery.
Mobb Deep’s influence on the hip-hop landscape is monumental. From their early work on “Juvenile Hell” to the iconic “The Infamous” and “Hell on Earth,” the duo carved out a distinct niche with their dark, raw, and unflinching portrayals of street life, solidifying their status as progenitors of hardcore East Coast hip-hop. Their signature sound, characterized by haunting beats and intricate storytelling, has inspired generations of artists, including Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, proving their music’s timeless relevance. The impact of their tracks like “Shook Ones, Pt. II” is so profound that it’s considered one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop history.
The “Infinite” album boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators, demonstrating Mobb Deep’s enduring appeal across different eras of hip-hop music. Nas appears on multiple tracks, including “Down For You,” “Pour The Henny,” and “Love The Way,” alongside artists like Clipse, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Big Noyd, Jorja Smith, and H.E.R.. The lead single, “Down For You,” featuring Nas and Jorja Smith, released on October 9, 2025, has already garnered significant attention, offering a soulful yet gritty preview of the album’s depth. The inclusion of artists from different generations underscores “Infinite”‘s role as a bridge between the foundational sounds of Mobb Deep and the contemporary hip-hop scene.
“The Infamous Hour,” Havoc’s weekly show on SiriusXM’s Shade 45, serves as a vital platform for preserving and celebrating hip-hop culture. The interview with Nas exemplifies the show’s mission to bring together legends to share insights, rare studio stories, and commentary on the culture’s evolution. Havoc himself reflected on the emotional weight of creating “Infinite,” acknowledging the responsibility that came with honoring Prodigy’s legacy while continuing the Mobb Deep sound.
In essence, Nas’s participation in “The Infamous Hour” and his contributions to “Infinite” underscore the profound and lasting impact of Mobb Deep. His enthusiastic endorsement highlights the duo’s unwavering originality and their significant role in shaping the trajectory of hip-hop music. “Infinite” stands not just as a final chapter for Mobb Deep, but as a testament to their unparalleled artistry and a powerful gift to fans and the culture at large.
