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'{{short description|American rapper and convict}} {{distinguish|The Prodigy}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2015}} {{Use American English|date=June 2017}} {{Infobox person | name = Prodigy | image = Prodigy.jpg | image_size = 220 | caption = Prodigy in [[Amsterdam]], 2014 | birth_name = Albert Johnson | birth_date = <!-- DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT A RELIABLE SOURCE -->{{birth date|1974|11|02}}<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/artists/mobb-deep/biography/ "Mobb Deep Bio | Mobb Deep Career"]. ''MTV Artists''.</ref> | birth_place = [[Long Island, New York|Long Island]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S. | death_date = {{death date and age|2017|06|20|1974|11|02}} | death_place = [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], U.S. | death_cause = Accidental choking<ref>{{cite news|title=Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy died of accidental choking |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/mobb-deep-rapper-prodigy-died-accidental-choking-article-1.3382073|newspaper=NY Daily News|date=3 August 2017}}</ref> | home_town = [[Queens]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S. | nationality = American | occupation = {{flatlist| * Rapper * songwriter * entrepreneur * author }} | years_active = 1991–2017<ref name="Kellman">{{cite web|author=Andy Kellman|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/prodigy-mn0000855953|title=Prodigy|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=2019-12-02}}</ref> | spouse = Kiki Johnson | children = 2 | parents = {{flatlist| * Albert Budd Johnson Sr * Fatima Frances Collins }} | relatives = {{flatlist| * [[Budd Johnson]] * [[Keg Johnson]] * [[William J. White (journalist)|William J. White]]<ref name=urban/> }} | module = {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> | embed = yes | genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] | background = solo_singer <!-- mandatory format: please do not change or remove --> | instrument = [[Vocals]] | label = {{flatlist| * Infamous * [[Loud Records|Loud]] * [[SRC Records|SRC]] * [[RED Distribution|RED]] * [[E1 Music|E1]] * [[Relativity Records|Relativity]] }} | associated_acts = {{flatlist| * [[Mobb Deep]] * [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]] * [[Infamous Mobb]] * [[Big Noyd]] }} }} | }} '''Albert Johnson''' (<!-- DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT A RELIABLE SOURCE -->November 2, 1974 – June 20, 2017), better known by his [[stage name]] '''Prodigy''', was an American [[rapping|rapper]], author, and entrepreneur who, with [[Havoc (musician)|Havoc]], was one half of the [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] duo [[Mobb Deep]]. ==Early life== Prodigy was born on November 2, 1974, in [[Hempstead, New York|Hempstead]], [[New York (state)|New York]], located on [[Long Island]].<ref name="nytimes">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/20/arts/music/prodigy-mobb-deep-dead.html |title=Prodigy of Mobb Deep Dies at 42; Forged Sound of New York Rap |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |access-date=26 June 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=20 June 2017}}</ref> He had one elder brother, Greg Johnson.<ref name="nytimes" /> He came from a musical family.<ref name="nytimes" /> His grandfather [[Budd Johnson]] was a saxophonist,<ref name="nytimes" /> and his grand-uncle, [[Keg Johnson]], was a [[trombonist]].<ref name="To Be, Or Not-- to Bop">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ACApPO-A3OYC&pg=PA108 |title=To Be, Or Not-- to Bop |last=Gillespie |first=Dizzy |publisher=U of Minnesota Press |year=2009 |isbn=9780816665471 |editor-last=Fraser |editor-first=Al |edition=illustrated, reprint |page=108}}</ref> Both of them are remembered for their contributions to the [[bebop]] era of [[jazz]].<ref name=heavy>{{Cite news |url=http://heavy.com/entertainment/2017/06/prodigy-rapper-mobb-deep-dead-family-wife-parents-uncle-children-kids/ |title=Prodigy's Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know |last=Castro |first=Danilo |access-date=26 June 2017 |work=[[Heavy.com]]|date=20 June 2017}}</ref> His mother, Fatima Frances (Collins) Johnson,<ref name="rsdeath">Blisteen, Jon. [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/mobb-deep-rapper-prodigy-dead-at-42-w488890 Mobb Deep Rapper Prodigy Dead at 42]. ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. June 20, 2017.</ref> was a member of [[The Crystals]].<ref name="nytimes" /><ref name="news">{{cite web |first=Scott |last=Gargan |url=http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/default/article/Mobb-Deep-s-Prodigy-chronicles-infamous-life-1348662.php |title=Mobb Deep's 'Prodigy' chronicles 'infamous' life in new autobiography |publisher=stamfordadvocate.com |date=April 22, 2011 |accessdate=May 21, 2011}}</ref> His father, Budd Johnson Jr., was a member of a [[doo-wop]] music group called The Chanters.<ref name=heavy/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/679586-The-Chanters |title=The Chanters |publisher=[[Discogs]]|accessdate=June 22, 2017}}</ref> His great-great-great-grandfather, [[William J. White (journalist)|William Jefferson White]], founded Georgia's [[Morehouse College]].<ref name="CNN">{{Cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/20/entertainment/prodigy-mobb-deep-dead/index.html |title=Prodigy of Mobb Deep dies at 42|last=Respers |first=Lisa |access-date=24 June 2017 |work=[[CNN]] |date=21 June 2017}}</ref><ref name=urban>{{Cite news |url=https://urbanintellectuals.com/2017/06/21/know-prodigy-mobb-deep-related-founder-morehouse-college/ |title=Did You Know Prodigy Is Related To The Founder of Morehouse College?|last=Barnes |first=Randall |access-date=24 June 2017 |work=Urban Intellectuals |date=21 June 2017}}</ref> Prodigy grew up in [[LeFrak City|LeFrak]]. While attending the [[High School of Art and Design]] in [[Manhattan]], he met his future music partner, [[Havoc (rapper)|Havoc]].<ref name="theguardian2">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jun/20/prodigy-mobb-deep-dead-42 |title=Prodigy, rapper of Mobb Deep fame, dies aged 42 |last=Nevins |first=Jake |access-date=26 June 2017 |work=The Guardian |date=21 June 2017}}</ref> The duo became the "Poetical Prophets", before choosing the name "The Infamous Mobb Deep".<ref name="rsdeath" /><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NNnZAMnSfV4C |title=My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy |last=Johnson |first=Albert "Prodigy" |last2=Checkoway |first2=Laura |publisher=Simon and Schuster |year=2012 |isbn=9781439103197 |edition=reprint |page=80}}</ref> Under the alias Lord-T (The Golden Child), the then 16-year-old Johnson joined [[Jive Records]] and landed an uncredited guest appearance on the [[Boyz n the Hood (soundtrack)|''Boyz n the Hood'' soundtrack]], for his collaborative efforts on the song "Too Young" by [[Hi-Five]] in 1991.<ref name="rsdeath" /> ==Music career== ===1995–1999: ''The Infamous,'' ''Hell on Earth'' and ''Murda Muzik''=== Initially compared to fellow rapper [[Nas]], who took a similar approach lyrically on his ''[[Illmatic]]'' album from 1994,<ref name="ambrosiaforheads">{{Cite news |url=http://ambrosiaforheads.com/2017/05/prodigy-nas-mobb-deep-influence-video/ |title=Prodigy Reveals Nas' Illmatic Was A Blueprint For Mobb Deep's The Infamous (Video) |last=Mester |first=Amanda |access-date=26 June 2017 |work=Ambrosia for Heads |date=2 May 2017}}</ref> Mobb Deep released ''[[The Infamous]]'' in 1995, which was certified Gold by the RIAA within the first two months of its release.<ref name="Vibe2">{{Cite magazine |title=What's love got to do with it? |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8CYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA84 |magazine=Vibe |publisher=Vibe Media Group |date=Mar 2006 |volume=13 |page=84 |issn=1070-4701}}</ref> 1995 was also the year that Prodigy began to raise his solo profile, by providing a guest appearance on [[LL Cool J]]'s controversial [[I Shot Ya (remix)]].<ref name="genius.com">{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/277583|title=LL Cool J – I Shot Ya (Remix) Lyrics|website=Genius}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/06/prodigy-best-guest-verses/|title=Prodigy's 20 Best Guest Verses|website=www.xxlmag.com|first=Max|last=Weinstein|date=June 21, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-the-illuminati-stole-the-mind-soul-and-body-of-hip-hop|title=The Daily Beast: How the Illuminati Stole the Mind, Soul, and Body of Hip-Hop|website=www.thedailybeast.com|first=Rob|last=Brotherton|date=January 2, 2016|quote="Illuminati want my mind, soul, and my body/Secret society trying to keep they eye on me"}}</ref> The song became a minor part of the [[East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry]], due to [[Tupac Shakur]] believing the song to be a [[diss song|diss]] referring to his robbery/shooting in [[Manhattan, New York]] at Quad Recording Studios - singling out the song's title (which many assumed connected to [[Biggie]]'s "[[Who Shot Ya?]])," certain lyrics, and the timing of release - which was the following year after the shooting incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2010/09/tupac-talks-hit-em-vs-who-shot-ya-pg-2|title=Tupac Talks 'Hit Em Up' Vs. 'Who Shot Ya?' (Pg. 2)|website=www.vibe.com|first=Staff|last=VIBE|quote="That’s hip hop. N---- been talking s--- all while I was in jail. “Who Shot Ya?” L.L. got a song “I Shot Ya.” Even if it ain’t about me, n----, you should be like, I’m not putting it out cause he might think it’s about him."}}</ref> Although the track was stated by Keith Murray to not have any lyrical shots aimed at Tupac, [[Mobb Deep|Prodigy and Havoc]] would respond in the following year to Tupac's "[[Hit Em Up]]" with "[[Drop a Gem on 'Em]]," a [[promotional single]] from their 1996 album "[[Hell on Earth (Mobb Deep album)|Hell On Earth]]. Ironically, "[[I Shot Ya]]" does feature a subliminal aim in Prodigy's verse to Murray, which continued friction that started sometime prior with an interlude from [[Mobb Deep]]'s 1995 [[The Infamous]] album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/Mobb-deep-the-infamous-prelude-lyrics#note-17995413|title=Genuis - Mobb Deep:The Infamous Prelude Lyrics|website=www.genuis.com|first=Various|last=contributors|}}</ref> The rivalry continued until sometime in 2012, when the two ended their rivalry by taking a picture together.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/@jmonkey/how-the-bang-still-reverberates-20-years-after-ll-cool-js-i-shot-ya-remix-15248dd9f7ce|title=How The Bang Still Reverberates 20 Years After LL Cool J’s ‘I Shot Ya’ Remix|website=www.medium.com|first=Jaap|last=van der Doelen|date=April 20, 2017}}</ref> A year and a half later, at the end of 1996, Prodigy and Havoc released ''[[Hell on Earth (Mobb Deep album)|Hell on Earth]]'', which debuted at number six on [[SoundScan]].<ref name="F.E.D.S. Magazine: Finally Every Dimension of the Streets">{{Cite magazine |title=F.E.D.S. Magazine: Finally Every Dimension of the Streets |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WIgOAQAAMAAJ |magazine=F.E.D.S. Magazine |publisher=A. Clark |date=1999 |volume=3 |issue=24 |page=21}}</ref> Its next release, ''[[Murda Muzik]]'', was heavily bootlegged while still in its demo stage, leaking, onto the streets and over the internet, rough versions of the nearly 30 songs the duo had recorded.<ref name="YouTube">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-1WDf068R8&t=19 |title=Prodigy: "Murda Muzik Was Probably The First Hip Hop Album In History To Be Bootlegged On CD.|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> ===2000–2006: ''H.N.I.C.''=== In November 2000, Prodigy released his debut solo album ''[[H.N.I.C. (Prodigy album)|H.N.I.C.]]''.<ref name="The Encyclopedia of Popular Music">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_NNmFiUnSmUC&pg=PA1467 |title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music |last=Larkin |first=Colin |publisher=Omnibus Press |year=2011 |isbn=9780857125958 |page=1467}}</ref> His follow up solo album would be released in 2008. But during the next 6 years, between the release of his first two solo albums, Prodigy continued to work with Mobb Deep, releasing ''[[Infamy (album)|Infamy]]'' in 2001, ''[[Amerikaz Nightmare]]'' in 2004, and ''[[Blood Money (Mobb Deep album)|Blood Money]]'' in 2006. ===2007–2011: Collaborations and ''H.N.I.C. Part 2''=== During this time, Prodigy had started work on his second solo album ''H.N.I.C. Part 2'', which was first previewed on his official mixtape ''The Return of the Mac,'' and was later released on the independent label [[Koch Records]].<ref name="rap4fame">{{Cite web |url=http://www.rap4fame.de/thread.php?threadid=24608 |title=Prodigy – H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 |website=rap4fame.de}}</ref> The mixtape single, together with the mixtape video, was called "Mac 10 Handle". Prodigy then released [[H.N.I.C. Pt. 2]] through Voxonic Inc., a company in which he was an [[Stock|equity]] holder.<ref name="XXL1">What Would You Do by Laura Checkoway. XXL Magazine. January 2008</ref> In late 2009, Mobb Deep was released from its contract with [[50 Cent]]'s [[G-Unit Records|G-Unit]] label.<ref>{{cite web|last=Langhorne |first=Cyrus |url=http://www.sohh.com/2009/11/50_cent_released_mobb_deep_from_g-unit_r.html |title=50 Cent Released Mobb Deep From G-Unit Records, Says Game Is Still Signed To His Label |publisher=Sohh.Com |date=November 10, 2009 |accessdate=March 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222053109/http://www.sohh.com/2009/11/50_cent_released_mobb_deep_from_g-unit_r.html |archivedate=February 22, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="theurbandaily.cassiuslife">{{Cite news |url=https://theurbandaily.cassiuslife.com/2901126/extra-credit-mobb-deep-happy-50-cent-has-gone-independent-exclusive/ |title=EXTRA CREDIT: Mobb Deep Happy 50 Cent Has Gone Independent [EXCLUSIVE] |last=Barrow |first=Jerry L. |access-date=26 June 2017 |work=The Urban Daily}}</ref> During this time period, Prodigy was served with a three-year sentence in [[Mid-State Correctional Facility|Mid-State]] medium-security prison, following a plea agreement stemming from a gun-possession charge.<ref name="release">{{cite web |first=D.L. |last=Chandler |url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/03/06/mobb-deep-rapper-prodigy-comes-home/ |title=Mobb Deep Rapper Prodigy Released From Prison |publisher=MTV News |date=March 7, 2011 |accessdate=March 7, 2011 }}</ref> He was officially released on March 7, 2011.<ref name="release"/> Prodigy was featured in the 2009 documentary, ''Rhyme and Punishment'', a film that documented Hip-Hop artists who have been incarcerated.<ref name="rottentomatoes">{{Cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rhyme_and_punishment/ |title=Rhyme and Punishment (2009) |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> In 2011, Prodigy released a free EP called ''[[The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP]]'' which was his first project after he was released from prison.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2011/04/download-prodigy-ellsworth-bumpy-johnson-ep |title=Download: Prodigy x Complex "The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP" |last=Ahmed |first=Insanul |access-date=26 June 2017 |work=Complex |date=19 April 2011}}</ref> On April 21, a song titled "The Type", with [[Currensy|Curren$y]], was released on Curren$y's free album, entitled ''Covert Coup''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.14643/title.curreny-f-prodigy-the-type-prod-alchemist |title=Curren$y f. Prodigy "The Type [Prod. Alchemist]" |accessdate=April 21, 2011}}</ref> In 2011, Prodigy released his autobiography, ''My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy.'' It was co-written with Laura Checkoway and published by Touchstone Books.<ref name="My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eYcJlQEACAAJ |title=My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy |last=Johnson |first=Albert "Prodigy" |publisher=Touchstone |year=2011 |isbn=9781439103180 |editor-last=Checkoway |editor-first=Laura |edition=illustrated}}</ref> ===2013–2014: ''The Infamous Mobb Deep''=== In 2013, Prodigy released his second collaboration album with the Alchemist titled ''[[Albert Einstein (album)|Albert Einstein]]''.<ref name="Albert Einstein "/> On April 1, 2014, Mobb Deep released ''[[The Infamous Mobb Deep]]'', their eighth studio album.<ref name="complex">{{Cite news |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/04/mobb-deep-making-of-the-infamous-mobb-deep |title=Mobb Deep Breaks Down Their New Album, "The Infamous Mobb Deep" |last=Ahmed |first=Insanul |access-date=26 June 2017 |work=Complex |date=1 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="Mobb Deep: The Infamous Mobb Depp">{{Cite news |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-infamous-mobb-depp-20140401 |title=Mobb Deep: The Infamous Mobb Depp |last=Weingarten |first=Christopher R. |work=RollingStone |date=1 April 2014}}</ref> In August 2016, he released an untitled EP of five tracks, released in partnership with [[BitTorrent]], an association that Prodigy had been working up for a while.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/prodigy-releases-untitled-ep-news.23291.html? |title=Prodigy releases untitled EP |last=Lilah |first=Rose |date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref> ==Books== In 2011, Prodigy released his autobiography, ''My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy.'' It was co-written with Laura Checkoway and published by Touchstone Books.<ref name="My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy"/> In 2013 Prodigy co-wrote the [[Crime fiction|urban crime]] [[novel]] ''H.N.I.C.'' with British author [[Steven Savile]]. It was published by Akashic / Infamous Books.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/h-n-i-c/|title=HNIC|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=June 5, 2019|via=www.akashicbooks.com}}</ref> They also co-wrote a second novel, '' Ritual'', that was released in 2015 by Akashic.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Ritual.html?id=ghSVoAEACAAJ|title=Ritual|first1=Albert|last1=Johnson|first2=Steven|last2=Savile|date=February 3, 2015|publisher=Akashic Books|accessdate=June 5, 2019|via=Google Books|isbn=9781617753428}}</ref> Prodigy co-wrote a [[cookbook]] with [[Kathy Iandoli]] titled ''Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook''. It features a foreword by chef and food personality [[Eddie Huang]] and was published in 2016 by Infamous Books.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29363395-commissary-kitchen|title=Commissary Kitchen|author=|date=|website=www.goodreads.com|accessdate=June 5, 2019}}</ref> ==Legal issues== The following is a brief timeline and chronology of some of the legal issues that Prodigy faced during his life: *November 6, 2003, Prodigy was arrested in [[Cohoes, New York]], and charged with third degree criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana. Police reportedly recovered a .25 caliber handgun and marijuana on his person.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/1480224/mobb-deeps-prodigy-faces-drug-weapons-charges-following-pre-show-arrest/ "Mobb Deep’s Prodigy Faces Drug, Weapons Charges Following Pre-Show Arrest"]. MTV News.</ref> *October 26, 2006, Prodigy was arrested in New York City and charged with criminal possession of a weapon. He was pulled over in a $120,000 customized bulletproof SUV after making an illegal u-turn around 2:15 AM. After conducting a search of the vehicle, police recovered a .22 caliber handgun in the center console.<ref>[http://allhiphop.com/2006/10/27/prodigy-the-alchemist-arrested-in-new-york-on-gun-charge/ "AllHipHop » Prodigy, The Alchemist Arrested In New York On Gun Charge"]. ''AllHipHop''.</ref> *October 8, 2007, Prodigy was sentenced to serve three-and-a-half years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Originally facing a mandatory sentence of 15 years in prison, Prodigy struck a deal with the prosecution, and pleaded guilty in exchange for the shorter prison sentence.<ref>[http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/03/06/mobb-deep-rapper-prodigy-comes-home/ "Mobb Deep Rapper Prodigy Released From Prison"]. ''RapFix''.</ref> *March 7, 2011, Prodigy was released from [[Mid-State Correctional Facility]] in [[Marcy, New York|Marcy]], [[New York (state)|New York]] after serving three years for criminal possession of a weapon. He had six months shaved off his original sentence for good behavior and remained on parole until 2014.<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/472682/rapper-prodigy-released-from-jail "Rapper Prodigy Released From Jail"]. ''Billboard''.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://161.11.133.89/ParoleeLookup/details.asp?nysid=07088649J|title=NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision|website=161.11.133.89}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov/ |title=NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision |website=Nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov |date=2014-11-07 |accessdate=2017-06-23}}</ref> ==Feuds== ===West Coast=== From 1995 to 1997, the media-fueled "[[East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry]]" was occurring. This "beef" started when [[Tha Dogg Pound]] released "New York, New York," to which Mobb Deep took offense as, in addition to the lyrics, the song's music video portrayed New York buildings being stomped on by Dogg Pound members. In response, Mobb Deep with [[Capone-N-Noreaga]] and [[Tragedy Khadafi]] released "LA, LA".<ref name="mtv">{{Cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1662452/prodigy-mobb-deep-tupac-nore/ |title=Prodigy Didn't Want To Respond To Tupac Dis, N.O.R.E. Says |last=Markman |first=Rob |access-date=26 June 2017 |work=MTV |date=21 April 2011}}</ref> [[Tupac Shakur|2Pac]] "dissed" Mobb Deep (along with [[The Notorious B.I.G.]]) in "[[Hit 'Em Up]]" where, in the outro of the song, he made a remark in clear reference to Prodigy's ailment in having [[sickle cell anemia]].<ref name="Rap-Up: The Ultimate Guide to Hip-Hop and R&B">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2cA4AQAAQBAJ&pg=PT87 |title=Rap-Up: The Ultimate Guide to Hip-Hop and R&B |last=Lazerine |first=Devin |last2=Lazerine |first2=Cameron |publisher=Hachette UK |year=2008 |isbn=9780446511629 |page=87}}</ref> Mobb Deep responded in a track called "[[Drop A Gem On 'Em]]" which was released as a single 2 weeks before 2Pac was murdered.<ref name="variety">{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/prodigy-of-mobb-deep-dead-at-42-1202472749/ |title=Prodigy, One Half of Rapper Duo Mobb Deep, Dies at 42 |last=Aswad |first=Jem |access-date=24 June 2017 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last2=Barker |first2=Andrew |date=20 June 2017}}</ref> 2Pac also dissed Mobb Deep on the song "[[The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory|Against All Odds]]"<ref name=top>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/music/diss-songs/?cur=mobb-deep-vs-2pac |title=Top 11 Diss Songs in Hip-Hop |author=Heinzelman, Bill |publisher=[[UGO.com]] |accessdate=March 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410044952/http://www.ugo.com/music/diss-songs/?cur=mobb-deep-vs-2pac |archivedate=April 10, 2009 }}</ref> and "Bomb First (My Second Reply)" which were released after his death. But Prodigy later sampled 2Pac's voice from a freestyle for the chorus on the song "Return of the Mac" (a.k.a. "New York Shit") [[Return of the Mac|on his album with the same name]].<ref name="prefixmag">{{Cite web |url=http://www.prefixmag.com/news/prodigy-i-dont-give-a-f-about-pac/9556/ |title=Prodigy: "I don't give a f*** about Pac" |last=Krolak |first=Mike |website=Prefix |date=1 March 2007}}</ref> ===Def Squad=== On ''The Infamous'' track "The Infamous Prelude", Prodigy made remarks about rappers who rap about "smoking weed" and talk about "space shit".<ref name=keith>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/013105/|title=Mixtape Monday: Game and 50 On Fame-Haters; The Mobb Deep/Keith Murray Beef Goes On|author=Reid, Shaheem |author2=Joseph Patel |author3=Rahman Dukes |author4=Curtis Waller |author5=Kimberly Rufen-Blanchette|publisher=MTV|date=January 28, 2005|accessdate=March 17, 2009}}</ref> [[Def Squad]] took offense from this, but the feud was settled when Prodigy and [[Keith Murray (rapper)|Keith Murray]] met at a video shoot.<ref name=keith/> The feud was rekindled when Prodigy again referenced "space shit" in his appearance on [[LL Cool J]]'s "[[I Shot Ya]]" which also featured Murray. Murray saw Prodigy at a club one night and punched him.<ref name=keith/> Prodigy recalled the altercation and threatened Murray in the song "In the Long Run" on ''Hell on Earth''. Murray released a song "Call My Name" on his ''[[Enigma (Keith Murray album)|Enigma]]'' album dissing Mobb Deep. The feud seemed to die down until Prodigy dissed Murray again in his 2004 song "Bad Blood." Murray has responded with numerous songs since.<ref name=keith/> The feud has since died down, with the two sharing a photograph together with [[Busta Rhymes]] on social media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.20133/title.prodigy-keith-murray-appear-photographed-together-after-years-of-beef|title=Prodigy & Keith Murray Appear Photographed Together After Years Of Beef|last=https://hiphopdx.com|first=HipHopDX-|date=2012-06-17|website=HipHopDX|access-date=2019-05-28}}</ref> On Twitter, The reconciliation was confirmed by Prodigy in response to the photo not long after.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=PRODIGYMOBBDEEP|number=214272924272697345|date=June 17, 2012|title=keith murry ....dope|author=}}</ref> ===Saigon=== During an interview, Prodigy stated that he did not like [[Saigon (rapper)|Saigon]] and [[Tru-Life]] (along with many other rappers).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wutang-corp.com/forum/showthread.php?35149-Prodigy-Explains-Beef-With-Saigon |title=Prodigy Explains Beef With Saigon |website=The Wu-Tang Corp}}</ref> On the night of September 19, 2007, after an impromptu performance by Saigon during a Mobb Deep show, words were exchanged between Saigon and Prodigy.<ref>[http://www.ballerstatus.com/2007/09/20/saigon-mobb-deep-get-into-physical-altercation-during-music-showcase-in-new-york/ Saigon, Mobb Deep Get Into Physical Altercation During Music Showcase In New York] BallerStatus.com (September 20, 2007). Retrieved December 19, 2007.</ref> This escalated into an argument, which resulted in a physical altercation when Saigon punched Prodigy twice before he (Saigon) left the club.<ref>[http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5731/title.saigon-punches-prodigy-of-mobb-deep Saigon Punches Prodigy of Mobb Deep] HipHopDX.com (September 20, 2007). Retrieved November 21, 2007.</ref> Two video versions of the events have since emerged. One version, in slow motion footage, showed Saigon hiding under a table. Another released version of the video, showed Saigon running away from the club.<ref>[http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/12603 Saigon Talks Fight With Prodigy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412001633/http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/12603 |date=April 12, 2008 }} Sohh.com (September 20, 2007). Retrieved November 21, 2007.</ref> The feud, however, apparently died down, since (in an interview two months before Prodigy's release from prison) Saigon expressed happiness that Prodigy was coming home.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT1-sVVRr-E Saigon Talks Prodigy Coming Home From Jail] [[YouTube]], 01/21/11.</ref> ===Crooked I=== While in prison, Prodigy wrote a letter about his disillusionment with hip hop and rappers. He directly referenced [[Crooked I]]'s name in the letter, commenting, {{quote|Vibe says 920,000 people voted for it. I would personally b*tch slap all 920,000 of these voters if given the opportunity. Who in the f*ck picked Crooked I, Flo Rida and Rich Boy? How did Vibe approve this?}} Crooked I responded in a blog entry, and challenged Prodigy to a one-on-one fight upon the rapper's release.<ref>{{cite web|last=Langhorne |first=Cyrus |url=http://www.sohh.com/2009/03/crooked_i_lashes_back_at.html |title=Crooked I Lashes Back At Prodigy, "Fight Me One On One" |publisher=Sohh.Com |date=March 10, 2009 |accessdate=March 30, 2012}}</ref> Following Prodigy's death, Crooked I paid tribute in honor of him by posting an image of him on Instagram.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BVkoAy1F_5x/|title=Instagram post by GOD BLESS THE KXNG • Jun 20, 2017 at 6:57pm UTC|website=Instagram|accessdate=November 30, 2017}}</ref> ===Havoc=== In July 2012, Prodigy's musical partner, [[Havoc (musician)|Havoc]], wrote a series of derogatory comments about Prodigy on [[Twitter]], including accusing Prodigy of engaging in homosexual relationships in prison.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/1690720/mobb-deep-havoc-prodigy-gay-tweets/ "Mobb Deep’s Havoc Confirms He Sent ‘Gay’ Prodigy Tweets"]. MTV News.</ref> At first, Havoc claimed that his Twitter account was hacked.<ref>HipHopDX (April 9, 2012). [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.19313/title.havoc-denies-beef-with-prodigy-in-statement-prodigy-tweets-claiming-we-set-traps "Havoc Denies Beef With Prodigy In Statement, Prodigy Tweets Claiming "We Set Traps""]. ''HipHopDX''.</ref> However, he later confirmed that he wrote the tweets and expressed his frustrations with Prodigy in an interview with [[AllHipHop]].<ref>[http://allhiphop.com/2012/07/27/exclusive-video-havoc-speaks-out-about-prodigy-rumors-and-says-mobb-deep-is-on-hiatus-indefinitely/ "AllHipHop » Exclusive Video: Havoc Speaks Out About Prodigy Rumors And Says Mobb Deep Is On "Hiatus….Indefinitely""]. ''AllHipHop''.</ref> He stated that Mobb Deep was on an "indefinite hiatus" until the duo worked out their differences. Havoc later released a [[diss track]] aimed at Prodigy, which was titled "Separated (Real from the Fake)".<ref>{{cite web|last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.20589/title.havoc-says-mobb-deep-is-on-an-indefinite-hiatus-confirms-he-blasted-prodigy-on-twitter |title=Havoc Says Mobb Deep Is On An "Indefinite Hiatus," Confirms He Blasted Prodigy On Twitter |publisher=HipHop DX |date=July 27, 2012 |accessdate=December 18, 2012}}</ref> Prodigy did not respond to Havoc's song and, even stated publicly, that Mobb Deep would eventually reconcile.<ref>HipHopDX (January 10, 2013). [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22499/title.prodigy-says-hes-sure-there-will-be-another-mobb-deep-album "Prodigy Says He's Sure There Will Be Another Mobb Deep Album"]. ''HipHopDX''.</ref> In March 2013, the duo announced that they had reconciled and were going on tour.<ref>[http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/03/mobb-deep-explains-fallout-reunion/ Mobb Deep Explains Fallout & Reunion]. xxlmag.com. March 23, 2013</ref> ==Illuminati theory== {{see also|Illuminati in popular culture}} Some rap music has been inspired by the theory that a powerful international secret society exists. Often it is referred to as the [[Illuminati]], after the Bavarian secret society founded in 1776. ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' magazine has claimed it was Prodigy who started the interest in the theory.<ref name="complex.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/11/hip-hop-illuminati-obsession|title=Why Is Rap So Obsessed With the Illuminati?|website=Complex|accessdate=June 26, 2017}}</ref> Prodigy had often spoken publicly against the alleged international secret society during his life.<ref>{{cite web|author=C. Vernon Coleman|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2011/08/05/prodigy-says-the-illuminati-caused-911-accuses-obama-of-being-a-member-video/ |title=Prodigy Says The Illuminati Caused 9/11, Accuses Obama Of Being A Member (Video) |publisher=Hip-Hop Wired |date=August 5, 2011 |accessdate=March 30, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.19364/title.source-close-to-mobb-deep-says-they-will-never-release-another-album |title=Source Close To Mobb Deep Says They Will Never Release Another Album &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHop DX |date=April 12, 2012 |accessdate=January 7, 2013}}</ref> Prodigy rapped about a [[secret society]] in his collaboration with [[LL Cool J]] in the song "[[I Shot Ya (Remix)]]", from the 1995 album [[Mr. Smith (album)|Mr. Smith]].<ref name="genius.com">{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/277583|title=LL Cool J – I Shot Ya (Remix) Lyrics|website=Genius}}</ref> From prison in 2007, not long before the release of ''H.N.I.C. Part 2'', Prodigy wrote and published an "open letter" to [[Jay-Z]] in which he made some cryptic allegations alluding to the theory.<ref name="complex.com"/> In 2008, Prodigy titled a song "Illuminati", from ''H.N.I.C. Part 2''.<ref name="auto"/> In his final solo album released during his life, ''The Hegelian Dialectic'' (2017), Prodigy also referred to the theory.<ref name="auto"/> It was reported that Prodigy was working on a musical about his Illuminati theory at the time of his death.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://allhiphop.com/2017/06/21/prodigy-was-reportedly-working-on-a-musical-about-the-illuminati-before-his-death/|title=Prodigy Was Reportedly Working On A Musical About The Illuminati Before His Death|first=Yohance|last=Kyles|date=June 21, 2017|website=Allhiphop}}</ref> ==Illness and death== In an interview with ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' in November 2000, Prodigy spoke about what inspired him to directly address his battle with [[sickle-cell anemia]] in his song "You Can Never Feel My Pain", from his debut studio album ''[[H.N.I.C. (Prodigy album)|H.N.I.C]]''. He attributes his nihilism to the "permanent physical suffering" caused by his lifelong battle with the condition.<ref name="Vibe">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-CcEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA136&dq=King&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjbsuWEi8_UAhWJE5oKHSUGDKEQ6AEIITAA#v=onepage&q=King&f=false|title=King Of Pain |date=November 2000 |first=David|last=Bry |work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] |accessdate=June 21, 2017}}</ref> On June 20, 2017, it was reported that Prodigy had died at the Spring Valley Medical Center in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], while hospitalized for complications related to his sickle-cell anemia. He was performing in the Art of Rap Tour in Las Vegas with Havoc, [[Ghostface Killah]], [[Onyx (hip hop group)|Onyx]], [[KRS-One]], and [[Ice-T]] when he was hospitalized.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/06/prodigy-dies-at-42/ |title=Prodigy dies at 42 |date=June 21, 2017 |first=Max |last=Weinstein |work=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]] |accessdate=June 21, 2017}}</ref> According to a coroner's report, Prodigy was admitted to Spring Valley Medical Center after suffering a significant medical episode arising from his life-long battle with sickle-cell anemia. Days later, on the morning of June 20, Prodigy was found unresponsive by hospital staff. It was reported at the time that Prodigy died from accidental choking. The complaint, which was filed on behalf of the family by The Gage Law Firm, alleges that the Spring Valley hospital breached their duty of care for Prodigy by "failing to maintain a working IV access," and by "failing to continuously monitor oxygen levels" as ordered by physicians in the hospital and that those failures led to Prodigy's death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesource.com/2018/06/21/source-exclusive-prodigy-family-sues-hospital-and-physician-for-wrongful-death/|publisher=|accessdate=November 30, 2017}}</ref> ==Discography== {{Main|Prodigy discography}} {{See also|Mobb Deep discography}} '''Studio albums''' *''[[H.N.I.C. (Prodigy album)|H.N.I.C.]]'' (2000)<ref name="The Encyclopedia of Popular Music"/> *''[[H.N.I.C. Pt. 2]]'' (2008)<ref name="H.N.I.C., Pt. 2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/hnic-pt-2-mw0000498337 |title=H.N.I.C., Pt. 2 |last=Jeffries |first=David |website=AllMusic}}</ref> *''[[H.N.I.C. 3]]'' (2012)<ref name="H.N.I.C. 3">{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/hnic-3-mw0002373929 |title=H.N.I.C. 3 |website=AllMusic}}</ref> *''[[The Bumpy Johnson Album]]'' (2012)<ref name="hiphopdx">{{Cite web |url=http://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.1970/title.prodigy-the-bumpy-johnson-album |title=Prodigy – The Bumpy Johnson Album |last=Fairfax |first=Jesse |website=[[HipHopDX]] |date=12 October 2012}}</ref> *''[[Hegelian Dialectic (The Book of Revelation)]]'' (2017)<ref>{{cite web|last=Lyons |first=Patrick |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/prodigy-announces-new-album-the-hegelian-dialectic-news.17258.html |title=Prodigy Announces New Album "The Hegelian Dialectic" |website=Hotnewhiphop.com |date=2015-08-26 |accessdate=2016-02-06}}</ref> '''Collaboration albums''' *''[[Return of the Mac]]'' <small>(with [[The Alchemist (musician)|the Alchemist]])</small> (2007)<ref name="Return of the Mac ">{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/return-of-the-mac-mw0000478837 |title=Return of the Mac |last=Jeffries |first=David |website=AllMusic}}</ref> *''[[Product of the 80's]]'' {{small|(with Big Twins & Un Pacino)}} (2008)<ref name="djbooth">{{Cite web |url=http://djbooth.net/index/albums/review/prodigy-product-of-the-80s-1021081/ |title=Prodigy – Product of the 80s |website=The DJ Booth LLC}}</ref> *''[[Albert Einstein (album)|Albert Einstein]]'' <small>(with the Alchemist)</small> (2013)<ref name="Albert Einstein ">{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/albert-einstein-mw0002522211 |title=Albert Einstein |last=Jeffries |first=David |website=AllMusic}}</ref> *''[[Young Rollin Stonerz]]'' <small>(with Boogz Boogetz)</small> (2014)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2389/title.prodigy-boogz-boogetz-young-rollin-stonerz# |title=Prodigy & Boogz Boogetz – Young Rollin' Stonerz |last=Johnsen |first=Homer |website=HipHopDX |date=1 December 2014}}</ref> ==Filmography== * ''Murda Muzik'' (1999)<ref name="spin">{{Cite web |url=http://www.spin.com/2017/06/mobb-deep-murda-muzik-review/ |title=Review: Mobb Deep – Murda Muzik |last=Gross |first=Joe |website=SPIN.com|date=June 20, 2017 }}</ref> * ''[[Full Clip]]'' (2006)<ref name="blastingnews">{{Cite news |url=http://us.blastingnews.com/showbiz-tv/2017/06/prodigy-the-mobb-deep-rap-group-member-has-died-001790707.html |title=Prodigy, the Mobb Deep rap group member has died |last=Njoroge |first=Joseph |access-date=24 June 2017 |publisher=blastingnews |date=21 June 2017}}</ref> * ''[[Blackout (2007 film)|Blackout]]'' (2007)<ref name="blastingnews" /> * ''Rhyme and Punishment'' (2011)<ref name="blastingnews" /> ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==Further reading== *{{cite book|author1=Albert "Prodigy" Johnson|authorlink=|author2=Laura Checkoway|title=My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy |year=2012|publisher=Touchstone Books|isbn=978-1439103197}} *{{cite book|author1=Albert "Prodigy" Johnson|authorlink=|author2=Steven Savile|title=H.N.I.C: An Infamous Novella|year=2013|publisher=Akashic Books|isbn=978-1617752360|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781617752322}} *{{cite book|author1=Albert "Prodigy" Johnson|authorlink=|author2=Kathy Iandoli|title=Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook |year=2016|publisher=Infamous Books|isbn=978-0997146233}} *{{cite book|author1=Albert "Prodigy" Johnson|authorlink=|author2=Kathy Iandoli|title=The State vs. Albert "Prodigy" Johnson |year=2017|publisher=Infamous Books|isbn=978-0997146202}} *{{cite book|title=The Realness|publisher=WNYC Studios|date=November 15, 2018}} ==External links== * {{Official website|http://www.ariarmani.com/}} * [https://www.last.fm/music/Prodigy Prodigy at Last.fm] * [http://lyricsmusic.name/prodigy-lyrics/ Prodigy lyrics] * [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180556405/albert-johnson findagrave.com] {{Prodigy}} {{Mobb Deep}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Prodigy}} [[Category:1974 births]] [[Category:2017 deaths]] [[Category:African-American male rappers]] [[Category:EOne Music artists]] [[Category:G-Unit Records artists]] [[Category:People from Queens, New York]] [[Category:People from Hempstead (village), New York]] [[Category:People from Freeport, New York]] [[Category:Deaths from choking]] [[Category:Rappers from New York City]] [[Category:East Coast hip hop musicians]] [[Category:Gangsta rappers]] [[Category:People with sickle-cell disease]] [[Category:Accidental deaths in Nevada]]'