Rapper Prodigy From Mobb Deep Dead at 42

Rapper Prodigy From Mobb Deep Dead at 42

This sad news was confirmed by the rapper’s publicist in a statement sent to XXXL. According to the statement, Prodigy who had been battling sickle cell disease was found unconscious this morning, and later pronounced dead.

See the statement sent to the magazine:

“It is with extreme sadness and disbelief that we confirm the death of our dear friend Albert Johnson, better known to millions of fans as Prodigy of legendary NY rap duo Mobb Deep. Prodigy was hospitalized a few days ago in Vegas after a Mobb Deep performance, for complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis. As most of his fans know, Prodigy battled the disease since birth. The exact causes of death have yet to be determined. We would like to thank everyone for respecting the family’s privacy at this time.”

Prodigy, who is the great-great-grandson of the owner of the famous Morehouse College, was a master wordsmith whose lyricism shot their group to fame. His partner Havoc brought them the attention of New York top producers.

In 1996, the youngsters had so marked their space in the hip hop world that the late Tupac Shakur even dragged them in his diss song, ‘Hit ‘Em Up, which has been described as the most savage diss song in hip hop history.

XXL adds that the rapper was in Las Vegas with Havoc performing on the Art of Rap tour, alongside other legends like Ghostface Killah, Onyx, KRS-One, and Ice-T.

Prodigy, who was born Albert Johnson, was 42.