(By: Kyle Eustice for HipHopDX.com)

LAS VEGAS, NV – Hip Hop just took a major blow after learning the one and only Prodigy of Mobb Deep was found dead in Las Vegas, according to multiple sources. The veteran MC was 42. He had reportedly suffered from health problems for years, including sickle cell anemia, but at this time, no official cause of death is known.

A statement from Prodigy’s rep obtained by XXL read:

“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 was in Vegas over the weekend performing on The Art of Rap Tour alongside Ghostface Killah, Onyx, KRS-One and the festival’s founder, Ice-T. Mobb Deep performed on Saturday night (June 17).

Prodigy’s most recent album, Hegelian Dialect:The Book of Revelation, was released in January. His cookbook, Commissary Kitchen, which was co-authored by former HipHopDX staff member Kathy Iandoli, hit the shelves in October 2016.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

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Reactions To Prodigy’s Death Are Pouring In

The Hip Hop community is beside itself over the news that legendary Queens MCProdigy has passed away at the age of 42. The news broke early Tuesday (June 20) after he was pronounced dead in Las Vegas. The Mobb Deep mastermind had been a dominant force in Hip Hop culture since stepping onto the scene in the early ’90s.

Countless Hip Hop figures took to social media to express their shock and sorrow at the passing of one of the greats, including Q-Tip, Action Bronson, Nicki Minaj, Questlove, Chuck D and Nas.