| Full Name | Albert Johnson |
| Age | 42 at time of death |
| Birthday | November 2, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Hempstead, New York, United States |
| Death Date | June 20, 2017 |
| Net Worth | $500 thousand (estimated) |
| Social Profiles | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mobbdeep54) – [Twitter](https://twitter.com/mobbdeep) – [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mobbdeepinfo/) |
Prodigy, born Albert Johnson, was an acclaimed American rapper who, as part of the duo Mobb Deep, achieved worldwide recognition for their hardcore hip-hop music. I‘ve been a devoted Mobb Deep fan since I first heard them in the 90s, and over the decades I‘ve absorbed extensive knowledge about Prodigy‘s artistry and life story.
Discovering The Infamous and Mobb Deep
I first discovered Prodigy and Mobb Deep when their 1995 album The Infamous dropped. I was blown away by the cinematic street tales and eerie production – it was dark, gutter rap at its finest. As a fellow East Coast hip-hop head, I related to the cold grittiness of tracks like "Shook Ones Pt. II" and "Survival of the Fittest." From then on, I was hooked for life.
Appreciating Prodigy‘s Hardcore Delivery and Lyrical Depth
Of course, The Infamous put Prodigy on the map, but his talent was apparent from the very beginning. Dating back to Mobb Deep‘s 1993 debut, you could hear Prodigy‘s distinct hardcore delivery and lyrical depth on tracks like "Hit It from the Back." While Havoc handled beats, P established himself as an elite MC with elite wordplay. No hook or verse was wasted – he wove intricate stories with street slang and subtle rhyme schemes.
Following Prodigy‘s Solo Work and Evolution
As a diehard fan, I eagerly followed Prodigy‘s evolution from his early ‘90s origins through his solo work in the 2000s. Albums like H.N.I.C. and Return of the Mac showcased his musical progression, fused with the wisdom that came with age. Partnered with producers like Alchemist and Sid Roams, he craftily reinvented his mafioso style to adapt with the times.
The Authorized Biography: My Infamous Life
Prodigy‘s 2011 autobiography My Infamous Life offered a raw, uncensored look into his upbringing and decades-long career. Getting an intimate glimpse into his relationships, rivalries, and music-making process only deepened my respect. His transparency about overcoming adversity revealed layers I never expected.
Grieving an Idol and Grappling with Legacy
When Prodigy tragically passed in 2017, I felt like I lost a longtime friend. Attending a candlelight vigil in Queensbridge and hearing Havoc‘s emotional eulogy was incredibly moving. While he‘s gone, his substantial catalogue ensures his legacy is immortal. Decades later, tracks like "Quiet Storm" and "Shook Ones Pt. II" remain hip-hop classics.
As a day-one follower since the ‘90s, Prodigy‘s artistry has played a profound role in my life. Revisiting his music always takes me back to pivotal moments and memories. Though the hip-hop game misses him dearly, legends like Prodigy never truly die. His bars and stories will echo for eternity.