The hip hop community was dealt a hard blow on Tuesday (June 20) when it was revealed that 1/2 of group Mobb Deep, member Prodigy had passed away.
via Billboard:
Prodigy, New York rap legend and one-half of hip-hop group Mobb Deep alongside Havoc, has passed away, a rep has confirmed to Billboard. The 42-year-old was hospitalized in Las Vegas several days ago due to complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis, a disease he has battled since birth.
“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,” a statement from the rep read. “We would like to thank everyone for respecting the family’s privacy at this time.”
News first spread of the rapper’s passing from an Instagram post from Nas. “—- QB RIP King P. Prodigy 4 Ever,” he wrote.
The exact cause of death is yet to be determined.
Mobb Deep’s second album, 1995’s The Infamous, is a hardcore hip-hop classic — its impact on the next generation of rap far outpaced its No. 18 peak on the Billboard 200. The Infamous produced the Billboard Hot 100 hits “Shook Ones Pt. II,” which peaked at No. 59, and “Survival of the Fittest,” which hit No. 69. Their highest-charting single was “Hey Luv (Anything),” which reached No. 58 on the Hot 100 in 2002.
