Rapper Prodigy, best known as one half of Mobb Deep, has died at 42.
Music stars — including Diddy, Faith Evans and Lil Jon — are reacting to the news on social media.
“Oh my God…..! I’m speechless,” tweeted Ice T. “I was just with him. Devastated.”
Estelle shared: “Part of the soundtrack to my inspiration… RIP Prodigy.”
The rapper performed Saturday in Las Vegas and was then hospitalized for “complications caused by a sickle cell anaemia crisis,” according to his publicist.
The condition causes red blood cells to die early and can cause blockage of blood flow.
“As most of his fans know, Prodigy battled the disease since birth,” the statement from his publicist added. “The exact causes of death have yet to be determined. We would like to thank everyone for respecting the family’s privacy at this time.”
Born Albert Johnson, Prodigy formed Mobb Deep in New York City with musical partner Havoc and released Juvenile Hall in 1993.
A father of two, he was released from prison in 2011 after serving three years on weapons charges.
“Rap game lost a legend the world lost a G,” tweeted Lil Wayne.
Wiz Khalifa wrote: “God bless his family and all his fans. Mobb forever.”