Havoc Almost Deleted the Beat for Mobb Deep’s "Shook Ones, Part II"—Until Prodigy Saved Hip-Hop History

Hip-hop is often built on moments of chance, instinct, and timing. One of its most iconic tracks, Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones, Part II,” nearly never saw the light of day. In a candid revelation, Havoc, one half of the legendary Queensbridge duo, admitted he was this close to deleting the very beat that would become the cornerstone of a rap classic.

While working alone in his Queensbridge apartment, Havoc was piecing together what would unknowingly become one of the most recognizable beats in hip-hop. But at the time, he wasn’t impressed.

“I really didn’t think too much of it,” Havoc recalled.To him, the beat felt underwhelming—just another sketch among countless others.

That changed when Prodigy, his partner in rhyme, and the rest of the crew walked in on the session. Hearing the haunting, chopped piano loop and gritty drum pattern, they were instantly captivated.

“‘What beat is that you playing?’” they asked.“‘Ah, it ain’t nothing. Just something I was working on,’” Havoc shrugged.

Havoc was about to hit delete, chalking it up as a throwaway.

“I was literally about to erase the beat,” he admitted.But Prodigy and the team weren’t having it.“‘Hell no, save this beat—we gonna use this,’” they demanded.

That decision—one rooted in trust and artistic collaboration—would change the trajectory of not just Mobb Deep’s career, but of hip-hop as a whole.

Released in 1995 on the duo’s critically acclaimed album The Infamous, “Shook Ones, Part II” became a landmark in East Coast hip-hop. The track’s gritty realism, stark portrayal of inner-city life, and unflinching lyrics tapped directly into the heartbeat of 90s street rap.

Havoc’s production was chilling—eerie pianos, hollow snares, and a distorted sample flipped from Quincy Jones’ “Kitty With The Bent Frame.” Prodigy’s opening line, “I got you stuck off the realness,” would go on to become one of the most quoted lines in hip-hop history.

“Shook Ones, Part II” didn’t just top charts—it defined an era. It’s been featured in films like 8 Mile, sampled by other artists, and studied as a masterclass in production and lyricism. It's also a shining example of the value of second chances—of revisiting what you were ready to throw away.

This near-miss is a lesson in trusting the process, even when self-doubt creeps in. Havoc's almost-erased beat became a timeless anthem because someone believed in it when he didn’t.

As artists, producers, and visionaries continue to shape the future of music, let “Shook Ones, Part II” serve as a reminder: Sometimes, your throwaway could be your masterpiece.