Iconic platinum-selling Hip Hop duo Mobb Deep’s swan song collection, “Infinite” [Mass Appeal Records], drifts like smoke over Queensbridge.

Prodigy’s ghostly voice cuts through, Havoc laces tracks in usual fashion, plus raps cold and steady, while The Alchemist also contributes beats that rumble like distant thunder. Raw, haunted, and alive; classic Mobb Deep. This isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a powerful, final statement.

First things first, a huge congrats is in order regarding the 30th Anniversary of “The Infamous”. So how does it feel; three decades later?

Man, it feels wild, yo! Thirty years later, and “The Infamous” still ring off like it just dropped yesterday. It’s a blessing, for real. We came from them project hallways with a dream, and to see it live on…that’s love from the fans, that’s legacy.

To commemorate this milestone, Mobb Deep, along with Raekwon, will be embarking on a joint tour starting in November. What all exactly can be expected from this upcoming road show?

The tour gon’ be fire! Me and Rae hittin’ the road to celebrate real Hip Hop. Expect that grimey energy, that classic Mobb sound, but also a celebration; a reunion of people who lived this culture with us. Ain’t no gimmicks, just raw performance, timeless joints, and pure vibes.

A new Mobb Deep album has been completed titled “Infinite”. Aside from the absence of your late friend/group-mate, Prodigy, how then does this new body of work either differ and/or compare to previous efforts?

Yeah, the new Mobb album it’s special. You gon’ feel Prodigy’s presence all through it. Even though he not here physically, his spirit in every bar, every beat. I kept it authentic to what we built, but evolved it, too. It’s Mobb Deep, just redefined for now.

August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. What exactly does that mean to and for you?

The 50th Anniversary? That’s monumental. I am Hip Hop. Been livin’ it since a shorty. To see it grow from park jams to global culture, that’s incredible. It’s like watchin’ your baby turn into an empire.

To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?

Nah, I ain’t gon’ lie, we ain’t see it goin’ this far. We were just try’na survive and tell our stories. But Big was right, nobody thought Hip Hop would be this powerful. We built somethin’ the world couldn’t ignore.

What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments/memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?

There’s a lot, man. Rockin’ stages with Prodigy, workin’ with legends, seein’ people recite our lyrics word-for-word worldwide; that hit different. But, the best memories always come from them early days; grindin’, creatin’ that sound in the lab with my brother.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to feel truth. Pain, struggle, survival…that’s all in the music. It’s motivation, too. Like, yeah, life rough, but you can make somethin’ outta nothin’. That’s always been the Mobb message.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Pac or Nas. Pac, ‘cause his emotion was unmatched; he spoke to the streets like nobody else. And, Nas, because he’s from the same soil, Queensbridge. That energy together would be next level.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Madison Square Garden. That’s the Mecca. Every New York artist dream of that. Just to shut it down one more time, Mobb style, that’d be legendary!

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?

I got mixed feelings on that. There’s still dope artists out here, but a lot of it feel watered down. It’s missin’ that soul sometimes. But, I can’t hate the young cats gettin’ to it in their own way. I just want more balance.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Consistency, authenticity, and love for the craft. I never chased trends. I just stayed me, and people respect that. Longevity come from bein’ real, not followin’ waves.

Do you have any other outside/additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

Yeah, definitely. I’m deep into production, film scoring, business moves…creatin’ on different levels. I love music, but I also love buildin’ somethin’ that lasts beyond rap.

What’s an average day like for you?

Regular dude, man. Wake up, hit the studio, handle business, vibe with my fam.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

Fans show love, and I always show it back. Without them, there’s no Mobb Deep.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Favorite part? The creation; watchin’ an idea turn into somethin’ the world feels. Least favorite? The politics. Industry can be foul. But, the art makes it worth it.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Stay true. Learn the business. Don’t copy nobody; find your sound, your story. And, don’t let nobody tell you it can’t happen. Me and P came from nothin’, and look what we did.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Still creatin’, still buildin’ legacy. Maybe more film work, more music behind the scenes, maybe helpin’ the next generation get on. But, I’ll always be part of Hip Hop.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

Nah, you covered it, fam. Just appreciate the love.

Any “parting” words for our readers?

To the readers, keep supportin’ real Hip Hop! Keep honorin’ the ones who built it. And, never forget Mobb Deep forever.