Drop a Gem On Em

Mobb Deep's 'Drop a Gem On Em' is a gritty, hard-hitting track that delves into the harsh realities of street life and the rap game. The song is a direct response to the East Coast-West Coast rap feud, particularly targeting Tupac Shakur, who had previously dissed Mobb Deep. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that paint a picture of survival, loyalty, and the constant threat of violence.

In the first verse, Havoc sets the tone by calling out fake gangsters and asserting his authenticity. He uses metaphors like 'smoke that ass like a lucie' to emphasize his dominance and readiness to confront any challengers. The line 'you'se a small cat, whatever you on get off that' dismisses his rivals as insignificant. Havoc's verse is a declaration of his and his crew's realness, contrasting it with the perceived phoniness of others in the rap game.

Prodigy's verse continues the theme of confrontation and survival. He criticizes other rappers for their lack of authenticity and toughness, using phrases like 'pure shuteye' and 'swole up your whole outside' to describe their superficiality. Prodigy also references the dangers of prison life and the constant vigilance required to survive, as seen in lines like 'Rikers Island flashback of the house you got scuffed it in.' His verse is a stark reminder of the consequences of living a life of crime and the importance of loyalty and strength.

The chorus ties the verses together, emphasizing the Mobb's return and their readiness to drop 'gems'—truths and hard lessons—on their listeners. The repeated line 'the Mobb got the bomb run out and tell a friend' serves as both a warning and a boast, highlighting their influence and the impact of their words. 'Drop a Gem On Em' is a powerful statement of Mobb Deep's place in the rap world and their commitment to keeping it real, no matter the cost.