Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy dies at 42

Prodigy has died at the age of 42. Photo/AP

Rapper Prodigy, a member of the New York hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, has died. He was 42.

The rapper's publicist said in a statement that Prodigy was hospitalised a few days ago in Las Vegas "for complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis".

Prodigy has battled sickle cell since birth and was in Las Vegas for a performance.

The exact cause of death was not clear, the representative said.

"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," the statement read.

"We would like to thank everyone for respecting the family's privacy at this time."

High profile fans were quick to pay tribute on Twitter.

Damn. RiP to the great one Prodigy. Rap game lost a legend the world lost a G. 🙏🏽 to and for his fam. Love. MOBB

— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) June 20, 2017

rest in power prodigy

— thebe kgositsile (@earlxsweat) June 20, 2017

Prodigy was one of the people who raised me lyrically so I'll basically be sad all day..

— Nickle (@Royceda59) June 20, 2017

Prodigy was born Albert Johnson in New York. He found success in the '90s with fellow rapper Havoc in Mobb Deep. The duo's hits included Quiet Storm with Lil Kim, Shook Ones (Part II) and Hey Luv (Anything).

Prodigy released a cookbook of prison recipes last year, based on his time in jail.

The book, "commissary kitchen: my infamous prison cookbook," was released on Infamous, Prodigy's own imprint at Brooklyn-based Akashic Books.

They last performed in New Zealand in April, 2015.

- AP