Who Is Prodigy (rapper)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Prodigy, born on November 2, 1974, in Hempstead, New York, was a renowned American rapper and a prominent figure in the hip-hop community, particularly known for his role as one-half of the influential duo Mobb Deep. He passed away on June 20, 2017, at the age of 42, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of artists. His unique vocal style and lyrical prowess made him a significant artist in the 1990s and early 2000s, and his contributions to the genre are celebrated even years after his passing.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 2, 1974 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Hempstead, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 20 June, 2017 |
| Died Place | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
Popularity
Prodigy (rapper)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Prodigy was known for his slender yet imposing stature. Standing at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall, he carried a weight that fluctuated throughout his life but was generally around 150 lbs (68 kg). His body type was often described as lean, fitting the profile of a classic hip-hop artist of his time.
Initially known to been relevant through fellow Queens rapper Nas, who took a similar approach lyrically on his debut album, Illmatic (1994), Mobb Deep released The Infamous in April 1995, which was certified Gold by the RIAA within the first two months of its release.
That same year, Prodigy began to raise his solo profile, by providing a guest appearance on LL Cool J's controversial "I Shot Ya" remix.
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 referring to his robbery/shooting in Manhattan, New York at Quad Recording Studios – singling out the song's title (which many assumed was connected to Biggie's "Who Shot Ya?"), certain lyrics, and the timing of its rel
ease – the year after the shooting incident.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Prodigy was quite private about his personal life. He had a son, генеrally known as “Prodigy Jr.”, whom he adored. While there were rumors about his relationships over the years, he was primarily known to have dedicated his life to his music and family. In the years leading up to his passing, he had re-engaged with his family, reflecting a more settled personal life.
He had one brother, Greg Johnson. He came from a musical family. His grandfather Budd Johnson was a saxophonist who was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1993. His grand-uncle, Keg Johnson, was a trombonist. Both of them are remembered for their contributions to the bebop era of jazz.
His mother, Fatima Frances (Collins) Johnson, was a member of The Crystals. His father, Budd Johnson Jr., was a member of a doo-wop music group called The Chanters. His great-great-great-grandfather, William Jefferson White, founded Georgia's Morehouse College.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2017, Prodigy’s net worth was estimated to be around $6 million. His wealth primarily came from his successful music career, including album sales, concerts, and collaborations. Even years after his death, his music and legacy continue to generate income, contributing to a posthumous net worth that remains significant in the hip-hop world.
Career, Business and Investments
Prodigy’s career began in the early 1990s, and he quickly gained recognition with Mobb Deep's debut album, Juvenile Hell, released in 1993. However, it was their 1995 album, The Infamous, that catapulted them to fame, featuring hits like "Shook Ones (Part II)." Over the years, Prodigy released several solo works and collaborated with a plethora of artists spanning various genres, solidifying his place in music history.
Beyond music, Prodigy ventured into writing, publishing a memoir titled Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook, and launched a number of business endeavors, including his own line of merchandise. His entrepreneurial spirit exemplified his understanding of both the music industry and his personal brand.
Albert Johnson (November 2, 1974 – June 20, 2017), known professionally as Prodigy, was an American rapper and record producer. He was best known for being in the rap duo Mobb Deep along with Havoc, yet Johnson still had a solo career, regularly collaborating with producer The Alchemist. Johnson released eight albums during his career in Mobb Deep as well as five solo studio albums.
Social Network
Despite his passing, Prodigy's legacy lives on through various social media platforms where fans and fellow artists commemorate his contributions. While he wasn’t as active on social media during his lifetime, his accounts (often managed by his estate) continue to share memories, music releases, and updates about tributes and anniversaries related to his work.
On The Infamous track "The Infamous Prelude", Prodigy made remarks about rappers who rap about "smoking weed" and talk about "space shit". Def Squad took offense from this, but the feud was settled when Prodigy and Keith Murray met at a video shoot.
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. 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 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. The feud has since died down, with the two sharing a photograph together with Busta Rhymes on social media.
On Twitter, The reconciliation was confirmed by Prodigy in response to the photo not long after.
Education
Prodigy attended the High School of Art and Design in New York City, where he developed his artistic and creative skills. Although he later left school to focus on his music career, his educational background influenced his lyrical content and artistic vision.
While attending the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, he met his future music partner, Havoc. The duo became Poetical Prophets. Under the alias Lord-T (The Golden Chyld), the then-15-year-old Johnson landed an uncredited guest appearance on the song "Too Young" by Hi-Five on their eponymous debut album, released in 1990.
The song was featured one year later on 1991’s Boyz n the Hood soundtrack. Shortly afterwards, Poetical Prophets received attention through The Source's Unsigned Hype column. In the fall of 1992, the duo released their debut single Peer Pressure after changing their name to Mobb Deep through 4th & B'way, Island and PolyGram Records.
In the following spring of 1993, Mobb Deep released their debut album Juvenile Hell.
