Prodigy, one half of New York rap duo Mobb Deep, died Tuesday at age 42. The rapper helped create the sound of modern New York hip-hop with his gritty flow and detailed lyrics. Music fans across the world were heartbroken — including LeBron James, who took to his Instagram story Tuesday night to play some classic Mobb Deep songs in honor of Prodigy’s life and career.
LeBron James paid tribute to Prodigy by playing Mobb Deep during a haircut
The influential rapper died Tuesday at age 42.
“Mobb Deep vibe all night long!! #RIPProdigy,” James wrote, nodding along to “Hell on Earth (Front Lines)” while getting a haircut.
“Man I grew up on these boys! Help me get through tough days,” he posted, a sentiment that many have echoed after Prodigy’s death.
Hip-hop and basketball have a long, intertwined relationship — LeBron has even recorded a rap song before — so it makes sense that one of the all-time greats in the sport would pay tribute to one of rap’s finest.
It’s easy to forget that NBA superstars can be fans, too, and just like Prodigy fans everywhere, I’m sure LeBron wishes the rapper was still here.
