Rapper Prodigy, one half of Mobb Deep, is dead aged 42.

Axar.az reports citing The Sun.

His publicist confirmed the New York rap legend passed away after being hospitalised “following complications caused by a sickle cell anaemia crisis.”

He was in Las Vegas and performed last Saturday night with the Art Of Rap tour.

His publicist said in a statement to XXL Magazine: “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.