Rapper Prodigy of Mobb Deep dies at 42

Rapper Albert Johnson, best known by his stage name Prodigy and as one-half of highly acclaimed rap duo Mobb Deep, died Tuesday, according to multiple reports. He was 42 years old.

A publicist for Mobb Deep confirmed to XXL that he was found unconscious Tuesday morning and later died.

• In the statement, the publicist said Johnson was hospitalized in Las Vegas a few days earlier for complications caused by sickle cell anemia. Johnson, who had battled sickle cell since his birth, was in town over the weekend to perform as part of Mobb Deep for the Art of Rap Fest.
• “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 (New York) rap duo Mobb Deep," the group's publicist said. "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.”
• Johnson was born Nov. 2, 1974, in Hempstead, New York. He grew up in Queens with Kejuan Muchita, better known as Havoc, the other half of Mobb Deep. The duo in 1992 released their first demo together under the name Poetical Prophets, and a year later released "Juvenile Hall" as Mobb Deep, Rolling Stone reported.
• The pair released their last record together, "The Infamous Mobb Deep" in 2014.
• Friends and fans took to social media to remember Johnson