Prodigy of the 1990s rap duo Mobb Deep has died at age 42. The rapper’s publicist announced he died Tuesday from longterm complications of sickle-cell disease.
As the duo Mobb Deep, Prodigy and Havoc, right, were best known for their 1994 hit single “Shook Ones”. Prodigy is the great-great-grandson of the founder of Morehouse College in Atlanta.
Sickle-cell anemia is a blood disorder that causes red blood cells to break down into a sickle shape. The disease can make breathing difficult because it decreases the red blood cell’s ability to pick up and carry oxygen in the lungs.
Other celebrities with sickle-cell disease include rapper T-Boz of TLC and actor Larenz Tate.
The publicist’s statement reads:
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.
Rapper Nas and other prominent rappers expressed their condolences on social media today.
Photos: Getty Images
