Prodigy, one part of the infamous Queensbridge hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, has died.
The rapper was hospitalised several days ago due to complications caused by sickle cell anaemia, but unfortunately, last night (20th June) it was confirmed he lost his life aged 42. Although he had battled with the disease since birth, the cause of death has not been confirmed.
A representative for Mobb Deep made a statement to Billboard to confirm the artist’s passing.
“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,” the statement read. “We would like to thank everyone for respecting the family’s privacy at this time.”
Mobb Deep’s breakthrough album The Infamous is still considered a hip-hop classic and projected Prodigy and MC Havoc to wider attention in 1995. The pair’s 1999 album Murda Muzik went platinum upon release.
Tributes to the late legend have poured in from fans and other artists alike. See the tributes from Nicki Minaj, Flying Lotus, Kaytranada, Chuck D, Nas and more below.
Damn. RiP to the great one Prodigy. Rap game lost a legend the world lost a G. ?? to and for his fam. Love. MOBB
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) June 20, 2017
rest in power prodigy
— thebe kgositsile (@earlxsweat) June 20, 2017
Prodigy ! RiP I’ll never forget going to New York and hearing mobb deep for the first time. In queens. Life changing sound. Hell on earth.
— FLYLO (@flyinglotus) June 20, 2017
That sound. Undeniable. Prodigy !!!
— FLYLO (@flyinglotus) June 20, 2017
REST IN PEACE GOD P.
— BLUE CHIPS 7000 (@ActionBronson) June 20, 2017
Unbelievable. Rest in peace Don P. ?
— KAYTRANADA (@KAYTRANADA) June 20, 2017
Shattered hearing news of Prodigy while here Luxembourg tour. MobbDeep duo=nice guys, I would see him occasionally out in LI. #restinbeats
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) June 20, 2017
Can’t believe this. You will be missed. #RIPProdigy pic.twitter.com/ZyelGrrhsS
— Timbaland (@Timbaland) June 21, 2017
LEGENDS OF NY. #RIPYAMS #RIPPRODIGY pic.twitter.com/NAtwvd7xqx
— A$AP MOB (@ASAPMOB) June 21, 2017
A message for my brother Prodigy. #RIPProdigy pic.twitter.com/RvKkxyQ14h
— Sean Diddy Combs (@diddy) June 21, 2017
