Rapper Prodigy, a member of the New York hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, has died. He was 42.
The rapper's publicist said in a statement to NBC News Tuesday that Prodigy was hospitalized a few days ago in Las Vegas "for complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis." The exact cause of death has yet to be determined.
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 Las 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.
Prodigy has battled sickle cell since birth and was in Las Vegas performing at the Art of Rap Fest on Saturday.
Prodigy, born Albert Johnson in New York, found success in the '90s with fellow rapper Havoc in the group Mobb Deep. The duo's hits included "Quiet Storm" with Lil Kim, "Shook Ones (Part II)" and "Hey Luv (Anything)."
Prodigy released a cookbook of prison recipes last year, based on his time in jail. The book, "Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook," was released on Infamous, Prodigy's own imprint at Brooklyn-based Akashic Books.
He was remembered on social media by member of the hip hop community as a legendary lyricist and one of New York’s finest.