The hip-hop world was stunned on Tuesday to learn of the passing of a true icon and original -- Prodigy of Mobb Deep. The Queensbridge rapper passed away at 42 in Las Vegas. A statement to XXL from his publicist said he had battled sickle cell anemia but a cause of death has not been determined.
In a statement to XXL, his publicist said: "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."
Nas, a fellow QB rapper and one of the many inspired by Prodigy, took to Instagram to break the news of his friend and hero.
Others have taken to social media to pay their respects to the "Shook Ones" rapper. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, especially Havoc of Mobb Deep.
We're remembering legendary New Yorker and hip-hop icon Prodigy today with a view from Queensbridge. #RIPProdigy pic.twitter.com/PX6JBaAbFf— NYC Parks (@NYCParks) June 20, 2017
RIP #hiphop #legend #prodigy #mobbdeep just saw him Saturday in Vegas at #AllEyezOnMe. #ShookOnes #condolences— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 21, 2017
Pic from 3days ago.. Sat Night in Vegas… @Raekwon ‘PRODIGY’ @GhostfaceKillah @mobbdeephavoc A Legend is Lost… So terrible... pic.twitter.com/Jl7bjvqubi— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) June 20, 2017
In memory of Prodigy of MOBB DEEP! #RIPProdigy pic.twitter.com/M7WrJNcc9s— Apollo Theater (@ApolloTheater) June 20, 2017
new york and the world just changed. rest in peace Prodigy.— el-p (@therealelp) June 20, 2017