Rapper Prodigy of the legendary hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, best known for the classic gangsta anthem “Shook Ones Part II,” has died at 42, TMZ reported.
He had battled sickle cell anemia for decades, although the cause of death is currently unknown. With his partner Havoc, he rose from the Queensbridge housing projects, composed classic rhymes and even beefed with Tupac Shakur.
“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 rapper’s publicist said in a statement to Complex. “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.”
Prodigy performed in Las Vegas over the weekend at the “Art of Rap” tour along with Ghostface Killah, Onyx, KRS-One and Ice-T. Last week, Jay Z mentioned dozens of rappers who have inspired him over the years, and Mobb Deep was included in his list.
“Shook Ones” is one of the most referenced songs in hip-hop history, catching mentions from rappers ranging from Eminem to Fabolous. The instrumental of the song appears at a crucial scene in Eminem‘s “8 Mile” and Fabolous whimsically quoted the song in his hit with Nate Dogg, “Can’t Deny It.”
Havoc and Prodigy were among the many MCs called out in Shakur’s most infamous diss track, “Hit ‘Em Up,” in which he also boasted of having sex with Notorious B.I.G.’s wife, Faith Evans. Shakur made fun of Prodigy’s battle with sickle cell anemia on the track.
Upon hearing the news, members of the hip-hop community took to social media to share their condolences. Nas, for example, posted a picture of Prodigy with the caption, “QB RIP King P. Prodigy 4 Ever.”
Prodigy’s representatives have not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.
10 Songs to Remember the Greatness of Mobb Deep's Prodigy (Videos)
Prodigy, whose gravelly monotone helped make Mobb Deep one of the iconic hip-hop duos of the 1990s, died Tuesday in Las Vegas at the age of 42. The rapper, who burst on the scene alongside partner Havoc with their 1995 album "The Infamous," suffered from sickle-cell anemia his entire life. "The One and Only" was one of his final songs.
The lead single from Mobb Deep's 1995 album "The Infamous," "Shook Ones Pt. II," helped put the Queensbridge, N.Y. duo on the national map -- and years later, its iconic instrumental was featured during a pivotal scene in Eminem's "8 Mile."
"Survival of the Fittest" may have been overshadowed by fellow "Infamous" track "Shook Ones Pt. II," but its classic mid-90s cadence and raw beat deserves plenty of love on its own.
Mobb Deep dropped "Hell on Earth" one year after making a massive splash with "Infamous." The first single from the album, "Drop a Gem On 'Em," took aim at Tupac Shakur, who was feuding with the group before his death -- which came before the album's release.
Legendary beatmaker Pete Rock, who gave the world the horns on "They Reminisce Over You," enlisted Prodigy and the Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah and Raekwon for "Tha Game" on his underrated "Soul Survivor" album.
"Quiet Storm" did not live up to its title, as the first single off Mobb Deep's certified platinum "Murda Music" quickly became the talk of hip-hop radio and TV shows. Its cinematic instrumental and Prodigy's gritty monotone flow made it an instant '90s hip-hop classic.
And because "Quiet Storm" was so popular -- and the '90s was the era of remixes -- Lil' Kim joined Havoc and Prodigy for one of the few that lived up to the original, especially with the Queen Bee adding her own style to the hook.
Fellow Queensbridge native Nas lent a memorable verse to "It's Mine," the second single off of "Murda Muzik." The video is classic '90s, too.
From Prodigy's 2000 solo debut "H.N.I.C.," Alchemist-produced banger "Keep It Thoro" reminded plenty of tough-talking younger rappers exactly what Mobb Deep's frontman was all about.
Prodigy's second solo album, "H.N.I.C. Pt. 2" -- sense a them? -- didn't get as much love as its prior effort, but it still had plenty of moments where the rapper showed off his clear talent, such as "Represent Me."
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The Queensbridge rapper died Tuesday at 42
Prodigy, whose gravelly monotone helped make Mobb Deep one of the iconic hip-hop duos of the 1990s, died Tuesday in Las Vegas at the age of 42. The rapper, who burst on the scene alongside partner Havoc with their 1995 album "The Infamous," suffered from sickle-cell anemia his entire life. "The One and Only" was one of his final songs.
