NYC Rap Legend Prodigy Of Mobb Deep Dies At 42

QUEENS, NY — New York City hip-hop legend Prodigy of the Queens rap duo Mobb Deep died Tuesday at the age of 42, according to several reports.

Prodigy, born Albert Johnson in 1974, was hospitalized after a performance in Las Vegas, according to a statement sent to Rolling Stone by Mobb Deep's publicist.

"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."

Prodigy and his Mobb Deep partner Havoc rose to fame in 1995 with the release of their second album, "The Infamous," featuring single "Shook Ones Pt. II." The album — which featured hip-hop legends such as Nas, Q-Tip and Ghostface Killah — debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard Top 200.

Mobb Deep was one of many hip-hop acts to come out of the Queensbridge Houses in the '90s.

Tributes for Prodigy poured in from some of the biggest names in hip-hop, sports and pop culture.

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