NEW YORK CITY — Prodigy, one half of the iconic New York rap duo Mobb Deep, died Tuesday in Las Vegas after being hospitalized for complications from sickle cell anemia, according to multiple reports.
He was hospitalized earlier this week after a performance at the Art of Rap Fest for complications caused by the disease, which the rapper has battled since birth, his publicist told XXL.
"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," the publicist said in a statement.
"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.”
Prodigy, a Queens native, and Havoc formed Mobb Deep in the 1990s and ushered in a new sound of hip-hop, becoming mainstays in the East Coast rap scene and enjoying much success throughout the decade with hits such as "Quiet Storm" and "Shook Ones."
The group split in 2012 after a public falling out, but reunited the next year, according to Variety.
Prodigy was slated to perform at a number of events in the city this week, including the Harlem Arts Festival and the Urban Justice Center's Night Out.
Fans also mourned the legend on social media:
RIP Prodigy. Our fave. No words. HNIC MOBB forever. pic.twitter.com/gObuV9O84s
— RIP PRODIGY (@Chromeo) June 20, 2017
With a heavy heart, #RIP Prodigy of Mobb Deep who has reportedly passed away earlier today at the age of 42 🕊🕊🕊 pic.twitter.com/DIgN4LjzNc
— THE RAPFEST (@TheRapfest) June 20, 2017
RIP Prodigy. Mobb Deep will always be the best rap duo in history imo. "The Infamous" will always be in my top 5 albums of all time
— RIP E-Dubble (@AlphaOmegaThe18) June 20, 2017
Prodigy was one of the people who raised me lyrically so I'll basically be sad all day..
— ROYCE (@Royceda59) June 20, 2017
