DX: On H.N.I.C. 1, he put that quote from Menace II Society about kicking knowledge…
Alchemist: Even on this album, if you notice, it comes out: “Fuck jewelry, fuck rims,” the next song is “Heavy on the wrist, heavy on the chain.” And I noted that to P, “You sure you wanna do this?" And he said, "Yeah I do, I’m conscious of that, because that’s how a human being is. I don’t wanna drop a whole album that’s a paranoia album, ‘cause this record is still about entertainment." So he knew what he was doing. He knew there were subtle contradictions, he understood that. And I understand what he’s saying.

DX: What do you think this situation has done for QB as a whole, has it brought more unity?
Big Noyd: I think it’s the same issues going on, I don’t think it will really change anything as far as us. As far as the fans, they might enjoy it more to see Mobb Deep and Noyd together. As far as personal stuff, people grown now, it’s not a situation where you young, you fight, you break up. By the same token, hopefully the fans show us, “Y'all better together than divided,” so hopefully that happens.
Cormega: The way I see it, I’m trying to be cool with everybody, man. It’s a different day, man. You grow older or you grow wiser, or you grow to either appreciate people or get away from people. But at the end of the day, I always respected P, so when he holla’d at me to get on the album, it was nothing, because I always respected him and Havoc as artists. Whatever differences niggas have, at the end of the day we are musicians. Me and Mobb Deep, the songs that we’ve done previously speak for themselves. So at the end of the day, if you an artist of a certain caliber and you got a grudge with another artist, if people used to hearing y’all together you’re not hurting anybody but yourself, ‘cause you’re doing your fans a disservice.

DX: It sounds like P feels like he has a lot to prove these days. What do you think about him defending his legacy so much?
Havoc: I mean that’s just how he feel and it’s all good. Me, personally, I don’t give a fuck. My legacy is with me, as long as I do good by me and I make some people appreciate it, then it’s all fine with me. I don’t give a fuck either way.
Big Noyd: You know I love him to death, so if I say this I don’t think he would take it out of context. I think that he’s focusing more on trying to prove to the people what he’s worth, more than just making songs and doing him. Because I think that shines a little bit more, that’s just my opinion. He been through so much controversy, he’s a controversy dude, with the Jay-Z shit and the Nas shit. He trying to show these niggas hands down he’s one of the fucking best. I think it’d shine more if he just forgot about that and just make some great songs.

DX: Prodigy has also been breaking down how he feels about a lot of rappers, what do you think about him airing out his opinions on people like Jay Z and Fat Joe?
Big Noyd: I think that’s what separates the H.N.I.C. album from regular Mobb Deep albums. He probably wouldn’t say certain things that he feels personally, ‘cause he don’t wanna cause Havoc no conflicts. But with his solo album he able to do that, he can let the world know how he feel. Even though he know we got his back regardless, he taking more responsibility on himself to do that on his solo project. P always gonna speak his mind. Whenever he say something it’s genuine, it’s not just to make sales or boost credibility. If he say it, he means it, that’s the type of dude he is.
Cormega: I respect his honesty, but sometimes I be thinking P is crazy, ‘cause at the end of the day, certain things are better kept to yourself. But I can’t tell another grown man what to do. At the end of the day, what good is it going to do? I know some people’s feelings were hurt, like Fat Joe, his feelings was hurt. He said, “I thought we were cooler than that,” but it is what it is, he speaking his mind

DX: To what extent is the affiliation with G-Unit furthering the Mobb’s career?
Havoc: It is what it is. I’ma always do music. I been doing music, and I’ma continue to do music. Music is my life, among other things.
Nyce: I mean as far as G-Unit go, it’s always a family. G-Unit don’t just represent three artists: Banks, [Tony Yayo] and [50 Cent], you know? It also represents everybody.

DX: No Buck?
Nyce: Yeah, Buck tried to buck, but he’s no longer there. It’s a whole family, and it’s always going to be like that. G-Unit has been built on being a family, so we keep it that way. But everybody branch off and do their own thing after a while. Continued on page 3 »