photo via @nysgoodfella
July 7, 2017 By Jason Cohen
Artists unveiled a mural yesterday of the late rapper Prodigy that has gone up on a wall located across from Queensbridge Houses.
Prodigy, born Albert Johnson and raised in Queensbridge Houses, died June 20, at age 42, from complications with sickle cell anemia.
Artists Jeff Henriquez and Eli Lazare painted the portrait. Lazare, known as Eli-Eos, created the mural of rapper Nas nearby — on the side of nonprofit Urban Upbound‘s building at 13th Street and 40th Avenue.
The pair felt it was important to honor the Queensbridge rapper who had a significant impact on hip hop.
“His deep and meaningful lyrics inspired and influenced many young rappers and followers,” the artists said in a statement.
Prodigy met Queensbridge Houses native and hip hop star Havoc in high school, and they quickly bonded, releasing their first album “Juvenile Hell” in 1993. However, success came with their sophomore album, “The Infamous.”
Although Prodigy did a few years in prison for possession of an illegal firearm, he is better known for songs like “Shook Ones,” “Quiet Storm” and “Survival of the fittest.”
The artists are planning a candlelight vigil for Prodigy at the site on July 13, according to a statement.
DNAinfo was first to report the story.
One Comment
RIP Prodigy.
42 is too young