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Rapper Prodigy of Legendary Queens Duo Mobb Deep Dead at 42

Posted byBy Kiersten Willis | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

Prodigy counted Hot 97 Summer Jam among his last concerts before his death. (Dave Kotinsky /Getty Images)

Prodigy, one-half of the iconic rap duo Mobb Deep from Queens, N.Y., has died.

“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 N.Y. rap duo Mobb Deep,” Mobb Deep’s publicist said in a statement to Rolling Stone Tuesday, June 20. “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, who was 42 when he died, formed Mobb Deep with rapper Havoc and the group enjoyed success in the 1990s with hits including “Shook Ones” and the Lil Kim feature, “Quiet Storm.” They also enjoyed success with “Hey Luv (Anything)” in 2001, which marked a turn away from raw rap toward a more commercial sound.

Prodigy’s last performance was in Las Vegas at the Art of Rap Fest Saturday, June 15.

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