Albert Johnson, better known by his stage name Prodigy, was an American rapper and record producer born on November 2, 1974, in Hempstead, New York. He was raised in LeFrak City, Queens, and came from a musical family.

His grandfather Budd Johnson was a saxophonist, and his mother, Fatima Frances Collins, was a member of The Crystals. He met his future music partner Havoc while attending the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, and together they formed the hip hop duo Mobb Deep.

His career took off with the release of Mobb Deep's debut album "Juvenile Hell" in 1993, but it was their second album "The Infamous" in 1995 that truly established them in the hip hop scene. The album was certified gold by the RIAA within the first two months of its release.

He also had a successful solo career, releasing five solo studio albums, including "H.N.I.C." in 2000 and "H.N.I.C. Part 2" in 2008. He collaborated with various artists and producers, including The Alchemist, and released a cookbook titled "Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook" in 2016.

Throughout his career, he faced several challenges, including criminal charges and a three-and-a-half-year prison term for illegal gun possession. Despite these obstacles, he continued to produce music and remained dedicated to his craft.

His contributions to hip hop were recognized with various awards and accolades, and he is remembered as a legend in the genre. He married Kiki Johnson in 2007, and they had two children together.

Tragically, Prodigy passed away on June 20, 2017, at the age of 42 due to complications from sickle-cell anemia while performing in Las Vegas.