Prodigy of Mobb Deep has passed away.
Following a life-long battle with sickle cell, the legendary rapper has succumbed to the disease at the age of 42.
Prodigy’s publicist has confirmed his passing. He died in Las Vegas following “complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis.” Read the full statement (via XXL) below:
“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 publicist said. “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.”
Nas posted on Instagram, “QB RIP King P. Prodigy 4 Ever,” along with a picture of Prodigy.
Words don’t begin to describe Prodigy’s impact on hip-hop, so for now, we just wish peace for his family and friends. Rest in Paradise, Prodigy.
Prodigy was one of the people who raised me lyrically so I’ll basically be sad all day..
— ROYCE (@Royceda59) June 20, 2017
new york and the world just changed. rest in peace Prodigy.
— el-p (@therealelp) June 20, 2017
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 Paradise young Blood @PRODIGYMOBBDEEP can’t believe you gone lord we was just chilling !! Hold ya head @mobbdeephavoc pic.twitter.com/tXjogmHIfH
— Ghostface Killah (@GhostfaceKillah) June 20, 2017
RIP 👑🙏🙏🙏 @PRODIGYMOBBDEEP .. from God we come and to HIM we all shall return .. tomoro not promised , today not promised . Pray 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vKKZa5iup9
— DJ Green Lantern (@DJGREENLANTERN) June 20, 2017
I’m sick to my stomach, what terrible news to wake up to. RIP Prodigy one of my favourite rappers of all time, can’t believe this.
— Boi-1da (@Boi1da) June 20, 2017
Damn man…. Life is a gift. p was a gift to his fam and the rap world RIP P
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) June 20, 2017