The untimely death of rap icon Albert "Prodigy" Johnson of the 1990s group Mobb Deep sent shockwaves through the music industry last week. Prodigy died last Tuesday, June 20 after being hospitalized for complications due to sickle cell anemia. He will be laid to rest Thursday, June 29 in NYC.

At only 42-years-old, Prodigy's influence on the rap game was highly revered. Fans and rappers alike sent out touching tributes to one of the industry's genius in wake of his tragic passing. During the BET's Awards, last Sunday, rappers Lil Kim and Mobb Deep's Havoc paid tribute to their beloved friend.

"This week, hip-hop suffered a painful loss, with the sudden passing of our brother, Prodigy," Lil' Kim said tearfully. "His pen painted vivid pictures of street life. He made what was ugly sound beautiful."

"For over 20 years, he and I went through it all and seen it all," Havoc reminisced. "I'm going to miss my dude. This loss is painful. But the lyrical legacy he left us will impact the culture forever. Rest in peace, Prodigy. My brother."

This Thursday, a special funeral service for Prodigy in New York City at Frank E. Campbell will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. The funeral will be open to the public where family, friends, and fans hoping to send their final goodbyes can do so as they celebrate the life of one of hip-hop's most talented lyricists.

Photo: Funeral Flyer

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