Words by Jason Cordner
Today ( November 2nd) would have been Prodigy 43rd birthday. His passing has definitely affected the Hip-Hop community to a great extent. While the hip hop community still mourn and reflect, producer Vanderslice pays homage by releasing a new track featuring the infamous one.
“Hardbody Karate” features a 2017 Prodigy verse intended for producer Vanderslice’s upcoming The Best Album Money Can Buy. The Pennsylvania producer and avid “Digga With Attitude” has worked with Freddie Gibbs, Vinnie Paz, Roc Marciano, and Evidence says he considers Prodigy his favorite MC.
This meaningful collaboration also features Infamous Mobb member Big Twins and Conway The Machine, the Griselda/Shady MC who regularly shows how an MC like P would have been an influence.
In his verse, P raps about how advanced he was in crime, attracting women, and fashion. The Queens representative then uses his platform to belittle those who can’t get it right.
“Hardbody Karate” is a street cut of of Vanderslice’s upcoming project with up-and-comer Conway and Big Twin on it. It’s filled with slick street talk bravado, sly threats and vivid imagery. It has an authentic 90’s underground hip hop sound to it and with Prodigy kicking the song off, it emphasizes everything that we miss about him.
While Big Twin was a close affiliate to Mobb Deep, Conway’s one of the few artists of recent times that carry the energy and vibe of 90’s street rap.
Vanderslice deserves some praise, for waiting until Prodigy’s birthday to release the track. Timing is everything and sometimes, you have to give the people what they need, when they need it.
