Prodigy at Glance
| Prodigy Rapper Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Birthplace | New York, USA |
| Profession | Rapper, Songwriter |
| Genres | Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap |
| Famous For | Member of Mobb Deep |
| Years Active | 1991 – 2017 |
Prodigy Rapper Net Worth
At the time of his passing in 2017, The Prodigy net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. He earned most of his wealth through his music career with Mobb Deep and as a solo artist. His hit albums, including The Infamous, brought in millions through sales, tours, and royalties.
Besides music, Prodigy also made money from his book My Infamous Life and other business ventures. Despite facing legal issues and personal struggles, he built a strong financial legacy. His music continues to generate income, ensuring his influence in hip-hop remains strong even after his passing.
Early Life
Albert Johnson, also known as Prodigy, was born on November 2, 1974, in Hempstead, New York. He grew up in Queens and came from a musical family with Ethiopian and Jamaican roots. His grandfather, Budd Johnson, was a renowned jazz saxophonist, and his mother was part of the girl group The Crystals.
Prodigy battled sickle cell anemia throughout his life, a condition that deeply influenced his music and outlook. Despite these challenges, he became a legendary figure in hip-hop as one-half of the duo Mobb Deep alongside Havoc. Their raw, gritty lyrics and dark production defined East Coast hip-hop in the 1990s, with classic albums like The Infamous and Hell on Earth.
His powerful storytelling and unfiltered lyricism made him one of the most respected voices in the genre. Prodigy’s influence on hip-hop remains undeniable, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of hardcore rap.
Personal Life
Prodigy married Kiki Johnson in 2007. They had two children together. His life was filled with struggles, but he remained focused on his passion for music. In 2007, he was sentenced to prison for gun possession, which was a difficult period in his life. Despite this setback, he continued to work on his craft and stayed committed to his art.
Outside of music, Prodigy was also a writer. He wrote a book about his life, where he shared his experiences, challenges, and conflicts in the hip-hop industry. His book gave fans an inside look at his journey, from his rise in music to his struggles in his life.
Throughout his life, Prodigy faced many obstacles, but he always found a way to express himself through music and writing. His story is one of talent, hardship, and perseverance. His contributions to hip-hop and storytelling continue to be remembered and respected.
Career
Prodigy was a famous rapper and also a part of the most famous hip-hop duo of all time known as Mobb Deep. He started this duo with his childhood friend Havoc. They became popular in the 1990s for their dark, real-life stories about street life. Their music was raw and emotional. In their music, they show the struggles of their life in New York City.
Mobb Deep released many successful albums, including The Infamous and Hell on Earth. These albums had hits like Shook Ones Pt II. And that song became one of the greatest hip-hop songs ever. Their music was known for its hard beats and deep lyrics.
Prodigy’s writing style was so powerful. He often rapped about his pain, survival, and real-life experiences. He helped shape East Coast hip-hop and gained respect from fans and other rappers.
Even after Mobb Deep slowed down with time, Prodigy continued his music journey by making solo albums. He worked on solo projects and stayed active in hip-hop. His words and music still inspire new artists today.
Music Albums
Solo Songs
| Keep It Thoro |
| Mac 10 Handle |
| Return of the Mac |
| The Rotten Apple |
| Genesis |
| You Can Never Feel My Pain |
| Real Power Is People |
| Gangsta Love |
| ABC |
| Spell My Name |
With Mobb Deep
| Shook Ones Pt. II |
| Survival of the Fittest |
| Quiet Storm |
| Temperature’s Rising |
| Hell on Earth (Front Lines) |
| Drink Away the Pain (Situations) |
| Eye for an Eye (Your Beef Is Mines) |
| Outta Control (Remix) feat. 50 Cent |
| Win or Lose |
| Got It Twisted |
Discover How Mobb Deep Shaped Hip-Hop Culture
Prodigy Jail
Prodigy had faced legal trouble in October 2006. When police stopped his car for an illegal U-turn. During the search, they found an unlicensed .22 caliber pistol in his vehicle. He was arrested along with his producer The Alchemist. In October 2007, Prodigy pleaded guilty to avoiding a 15-year prison sentence for past gun charges. Instead, he was given a three-year prison sentence.
Prodigy served his time at Mid-State Correctional Facility in New York. Despite being sentenced to three-and-a-half years. He was released early on March 7, 2011, for his good behavior. During his prison, he stayed active by writing music and working on his autobiography My Infamous Life, which was published shortly after his release.
| Date of Arrest | October 2006 |
| Charge | Illegal gun possession |
| Plea | Guilty (October 2007) |
| Sentence | 3.5 years in prison |
| Release Date | March 7, 2011 (early release for good behavior) |
Prodigy Illness
Prodigy was born with sickle cell anemia, a serious blood disease that causes extreme pain and fatigue. This condition made his life very difficult, as he often suffered from painful attacks that could last for days. Sometimes, the pain was so bad that he had to be hospitalized.
Despite his struggles, he never let the disease stop him from making music. He spoke openly about his pain and used his lyrics to express what he was going through. In his songs, he described the suffering and challenges of living with sickle cell anemia, helping others understand the reality of the disease.
Prodigy believed that his illness made him stronger. He learned how to push through the pain and keep going. Even when he was not feeling well, he continued to write, record, and perform. His resilience and dedication to his craft remain an inspiration to many.
Death
On June 20, 2017, Prodigy passed away at the age of 42. He was in a hospital in Las Vegas, where he had been receiving treatment for complications related to sickle cell anemia, the disease he had battled since birth.
Doctors say that he was hospitalized after a performance due to a sickle cell crisis. That caused him severe pain and health issues. While he was in the hospital, he tragically choked on food, leading to his unexpected death. His passing was a shock to the hip-hop community, as he had been actively performing and creating music.
Fans, fellow artists, and friends were very sad about that loss, remembering him not only for his music but also for his strength and perseverance. His contributions to hip-hop, especially through Mobb Deep, left a lasting impact. Even after his death, his music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans worldwide.
Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J tweeted also tweeted on Prodigy death.
Conclusion
Prodigy’s life was a story of talent, struggle, and resilience. Despite facing many challenges, including his battle with sickle cell anemia and personal hardships, he remained dedicated to his music and craft. As one-half of Mobb Deep, he helped shape East Coast hip-hop with raw storytelling and unforgettable lyrics.Beyond music, he was also a writer who shared his life experiences, giving fans a deeper understanding of his journey. His ability to turn pain into powerful art made him one of the most respected voices in rap.Though he is no longer here, his influence lives on through his music, books, and the impact he had on hip-hop culture. Prodigy’s legacy is one of perseverance and authenticity, proving that true artists leave a mark that lasts forever.
FAQs
What was Prodigy’s net worth when he passed away?
Prodigy’s net worth at the time of his death in 2017 was around $10 million, mostly from his work with Mobb Deep, solo projects, and other ventures.
How did Prodigy help Mobb Deep become successful?
As one-half of Mobb Deep, Prodigy played a key role in their success, especially with their iconic album The Infamous, which included hits like “Shook Ones Pt. II.”
Did Prodigy face any legal issues?
Yes, he was arrested in 2006 for illegal gun possession and served a prison sentence from 2007 to 2011.
How did Prodigy’s health affect his life and career?
Prodigy lived with sickle cell anemia, which caused him pain throughout his life. Despite this, he kept making music and even wrote his autobiography during his time in prison.
