Ty Nitty – “Who Shot Ty”
Ty Nitty Responds to Prodigy’s Claims with “Who Shot Ty?”
Queensbridge rapper Ty Nitty isn’t holding back. Following controversial claims made by Prodigy in his book, My Infamous Life, Nitty is taking the mic to set the record straight. His latest track, “Who Shot Ty?”, isn’t just another song—it’s a direct response to allegations, street conflicts, and a past that refuses to stay buried.
Setting the Record Straight
In My Infamous Life, Prodigy recounted a 1996 Queens altercation that involved Ty Nitty, N.O.R.E., and Mobb Deep’s entourage. According to Prodigy’s version, Nitty was among those involved in an altercation that ended with gunfire, leaving him shot in the back. N.O.R.E. responded to the book’s claims, admitting that the incident happened but countering Prodigy’s version of the details.
Ty Nitty, however, isn’t just offering a rebuttal in an interview—he’s putting his words into music with “Who Shot Ty?” The song doesn’t just question Prodigy’s take on the events—it takes aim at the entire concept of airing out real street issues in a book.
The Track: “Who Shot Ty?”
Produced by Vinny Thunn, “Who Shot Ty?” is a gritty, unapologetic track that blends Nitty’s signature raw delivery with smooth production. From the opening bars, it’s clear that this isn’t just about rap—it’s personal.
“I don’t talk about it, I just be about it.” – Ty Nitty
Throughout the song, Nitty makes it clear that while Prodigy may have put stories in a book, he’s still living out the consequences of what went down. He references the bullet that’s still lodged in his leg and questions why Prodigy would bring up real-life events that put people in danger.
Queensbridge History & Infamous Mobb’s Role
Ty Nitty’s role in Queensbridge’s rap legacy is undeniable. Coming up as part of Infamous Mobb, alongside Twin Gambino and Godfather Pt. III, Nitty played a key part in shaping the gritty New York street rap sound that Mobb Deep championed. First making waves on Mobb Deep’s Hell on Earth and later with their own projects like Special Edition (2002), Infamous Mobb solidified themselves as street rap veterans.
However, the Mobb Deep family tree has had its share of friction. While Ty Nitty and Prodigy once stood side by side, the release of My Infamous Life created a rift that Nitty wasn’t willing to let slide. In his own words, Prodigy “threw his own people under the bus” by including details of street altercations that others would have rather left in the past.
The Backlash Against Prodigy’s Book
Ty Nitty isn’t the only one taking issue with My Infamous Life. Fellow Queens MC Caddillac Tah, from Murder Inc., also spoke out against Prodigy, questioning why real-life conflicts were included in the book.
N.O.R.E. was also named in the book. He admitted that the events Prodigy described had some truth but noted that he never lost a chain or took the kind of L that Prodigy implied. N.O.R.E. decided to take the high road. However, Ty Nitty opted for a different approach—putting the truth on wax.
The Lyrics: Direct & Unfiltered
In “Who Shot Ty?”, Nitty’s verses are straightforward. He doesn’t mince words. As a result, making it clear that he sees Prodigy’s book as an attempt to capitalize off real-life violence. Lines like:
“I don’t know who shot me, I don’t know who did it / Just patch me up, I handle my business.”
…speak to the code of the streets, where silence is respected. He also calls out the inconsistencies in Prodigy’s story. Therefore, questioning why someone would put dangerous details in a book but still claim to be loyal to their people.
A Deeper Message: The Reality of Street Life
Beyond the beef, “Who Shot Ty?” carries a deeper message about the realities of street life and loyalty. Ty Nitty reflects on the violence, loyalty, and betrayal that come with being part of the rap game—especially in a place like Queensbridge, where real consequences follow every move.
He also highlights the impact of violence. Thus, mentioning how being shot affected his future. Once an aspiring basketball player, the shooting put an end to those dreams. Therefore, forcing him to double down on music.
“That bullet stopped a ball career, so I switched up / Now I’m in the booth, making sure I never slip up.”
The Fallout & What’s Next
With “Who Shot Ty?” making waves in the streets and online, the question remains—how will Prodigy respond? Will this track spark another war of words, or will both parties move on?
Ty Nitty, however, seems focused on the future. He’s been building his Love & Loyalty Records brand, dropping new music, and staying consistent in the underground rap circuit. While “Who Shot Ty?” may be a response track, it’s also a statement that he’s still here, still relevant, and still representing Queensbridge.
Yeah, Ty Nitty is out here defending his reputation, who wouldn’t? But he’s also out here building his brand. Again, who wouldn’t? Going on record to defend himself is one thing, growing his label is another. For all of the talk about the streets, hip-hop has changed the lives of many.
So, Nitty is focused on building his label and potentially signing the next big thing. In the meantime, he’s going to set his own record straight, and keep pushing.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Diss Track
While “Who Shot Ty?” could easily be seen as another Queensbridge rap beef, it’s bigger than that. The track is a reflection of how the streets and hip-hop intersect, how real-life violence can shape careers, and how telling the wrong story can have lasting consequences.
Both Ty Nitty and Prodigy are from the streets, so they know how things can play out. At the same time, being a storyteller goes hand-in-hand with rapping. As a result, Prodigy knows how to sell a good story, and is getting his name back out there. With others, like Ty Nitty, being mentioned, of course they’d have issues with how their name is being used and speak out.
Ty Nitty delivers his truth, raw and unfiltered. Whether or not Prodigy chooses to respond, “Who Shot Ty?” stands as a powerful statement on street loyalty, rap authenticity, and the fine line between storytelling and betrayal.