Mobb Deep Drops 'Hamilton'-Inspired 'Boom Goes the Cannon...'
Nearly one year after Prodigy’s death, Lin-Manuel Miranda pays tribute to the late rapper with an unreleased Mobb Deep track “Boom Goes the Cannon…” Released as part of June’s “Hamildrop,” the track serves as one of Prodigy’s final recordings with Havoc, and the first posthumous release since his passing.
Prior to Prodigy’s death, Miranda invited The Infamous duo to see “Hamilton,” leading to their collaboration on “Boom Goes the Cannon…,” which incorporates a sample of “Right Hand Man” from the acclaimed Broadway show. Prodigy delivers his verse as George Washington, one of the characters from “Hamilton.”
“I paid homage to Mobb Deep in Hamilton by having Alexander Hamilton quote one of Prodigy’s most immortal lyrics: ‘I’m only 19 but my mind is old…’ They are New York hip-hop legends,” said Miranda.
“I feel so humbled and grateful that Havoc and Prodigy not only came to see us at the Rodgers in 2016, but were inspired to create this track before Prodigy’s untimely passing last year. Their lyrics, as ever, paint a vivid picture of friendship and solidarity in the face of overwhelming odds. I’m unbelievably proud to present new Mobb Deep music in 2018. This one’s for Queensbridge.”
Havoc also shared his excitement about the collaboration. “It was an honor being part of the Hamilton project just on the strength alone I’m a huge fan of the musical; I am a history buff so it was right up my alley,” he said. “This being one of the few last recordings I did with Prodigy definitely holds a special place in my heart and always will when I hear the record. Releasing the record now at this time of year after the passing of my partner in rhyme, Prodigy, is a great way to pay homage to him and continue not only Mobb’s legacy, but his as well. He’ll forever be my ‘right hand man.'”
June 20 marks the one-year anniversary of Prodigy’s passing. The rapper was 42 when he died after an accidental choking in the hospital while getting treatment for sickle cell anemia.