SAD NEW IN HIP HOP: Prodigy of Mobb Deep Dead at 42

Prodigy, one-half of the iconic rap duo Mobb Deep, has passed away at age 42.

The rapper's publicist released a statement on his death, citing complications stemming from his lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia.

 

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.

Several prominent members of the Queens hip-hop community took to social media to share the news—and their condolences—on Tuesday afternoon, with Nas and his younger brother Jungle sharing posts on Instagram within minutes of one another.

Best known by the average fan as one-half of the group responsible for the classic rap record, "Shook Ones Pt. II," Prodigy was part of countless New York posse cuts and a key figure in the "golden age" of rap in the mid-90s. 

Prodigy's battle with sickle cell anemia became public knowledge after it was brought up by 2Pac in their war of words in the mid-90's.

This story is developing. 

More from Complex