On Tuesday, June 20th, 2017 I heard the news that Queens bridge, legendary MC, and one half of rap group 'Mobb Deep' Prodigy had passed away as a result of complications from having Sickle Cell Anemia. Prior to that I believe he was doing shows in Las Vegas. R.I.P to one of the greats. Below are a few things that come to mind when I reflect on Prodigy.
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| RIP Albert Johnson! The HNIC! |
I remember back in 1995 when Mobb Deep came out with 'The Infamous' I was in H.S. at the time and was listening to ATCQ's "Midnight Marauders" My mans comes up to me and says "yo bro, we not listening to that shit no more, it's about this Mobb Deep shit now". LOL, yes that was a serious conversation had verbatim. While I would never just drop ATCQ for anything. I would without a doubt become a big fan of Mobb Deep, and their unique hardcore sound.
One of the things that stands out to me the most about Prodigy is that he wasn't a rapping ass rapper. What I mean by that is, he didn't hit you with a bunch of Multi's, heavy punchlines, and metaphors and crazy ass wordplay to get his point across. He was a storyteller who painted gritty street tales that made you feel like you were right next to him as it were happening. The phrase comes to mind "Less is more", and Prodigy magnified that. In essence he reminded me of Rakim in that approach. Not overtly hype just a down to earth matter of fact expression of words. Life as a man who has lived it, not talking down to you in the least bit.
There are more memories, reflections, that I can piece together. That would only happen after I revisit Prodigy's music. There are some albums and songs I haven't listened to in years to be honest.
