Music world is mourning at the passing away of Hip Hop legend

Prodigy, who rose to fame as a member of the New York hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, has passed away at the age of 42.

Prodigy's publicist said in a statement that he 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.

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).

Celebrities and musicians have been quick to show their love and appreciation to the hip hop legend:

• This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.