#VitalFactz: Happy Birthday - Prodigy

Happy Birthday Prodigy. Born Albert Johnson November 2, 1974. Prodigy was one half of the Legendary duo from Queens, NYC better known to the world as Mobb Deep. Johnson & his longtime partner Havoc (Kejuan Muchita) made a huge impact on the scene starting in '93 with the release of their debut album Juvenile Hell. But it wasn't until their second album The Infamous when they started to break ground. That album reached gold Status & peaked at #18 on Billboard's Hot 200 Albums Chart. Their third album Hell On Earth charted even higher & topped The R&B Albums Chart while also reaching Gold Status. Their 4th album, 1999's Murda Muzik was their most successful album as it reached Platinum Status. As a solo artist Prodigy released 5 albums. However it was his first album H.N.I.C. where he had the most success as it reached Gold Status. Prodigy had a lifelong battle with sickle-cell anemia. which would require frequent hospital stays. On June 17, Prodigy was hospitalized due to complications from his illness after performing in the Art Of Rap Tour in Las Vegas along with Onyx, Ghostface Killah, KRS-One & Ice-T. Sadly, on June 20, while still being hospitalized Prodigy passed away. According to the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner, the exact cause of death was that he accidentally choked on an egg. He & Havoc brought the sound of the streets to the culture like no one ever has & ever will. Rest In Peace Albert Johnson a.k.a. Prodigy November 2, 1074 - June 20, 2017.