Rapper Prodigy Of Mobb Deep Has Passed Away At 42

Photo Credit: Twitter/WORLDSTARHIPHOP

Rapper Prodigy, one half of Mobb Deep, has died. He was 42 years old.

The hip hop artist, whose real name was Albert Johnson, was in Las Vegas performing with the “Art of Rap” tour with artists such as Onyx, KRS-One, Ghostface Killah, and Ice-T. The rapper had a long history of health issues, including sick cell anemia, which deforms red blood cells into a sickle shape, leaving fewer healthy blood cells. The condition can cause a painful lack of blood flow.

Prodigy’s publicist said in a statement:

“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.”

The rapper and his partner, Havoc, created Mobb Deep in the early ’90’s in New York City. Their best known songs include “Shook Ones” and “Quiet Storm.”

Prodigy branched off as a solo artist in 2000. His last album, Hegelian Dialectic, was released in January.

Rest in peace, Prodigy.