My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy – Albert “Prodigy” Johnson

I had the good fortune of meeting Prodigy at a book signing in Stamford, CT.  And not just meeting him, he and I had some one-on-one face time before the event.  When his publicist called and offered the signing, my community business manager didn’t know who Prodigy was, so she asked me should we do it.  “Hell Yeah!” was my response.  So I received an advanced copy, read it and was amazed at this man’s wonderful life.  Born into musical royalty, his family had access to the entertainment industry since the 1940’s.  Broadway, jazz, the cotton club, Diana Ross, etc. that business was ordinary to a young Albert Johnson.  His grandmother, a star and good friends with Lena Horne, insisted he received a private and good education.

So when we talked, that was my main focus.  “Yo man, what was it like to having those cats in and out your house and being able to go over their houses like it was nothing?”  Prodigy stayed humble, which I admired, stating that it help inspire him to get his.

He was fresh out of prison and destined to be a mentor to his fans and young folks that wanted to be like him.  He said he went in like a kid and came out a man.  And being locked up, he didn’t receive the adequate care he needed health-wise.

Most autobiographies are self-aggrandizing and this one can seem that way, but it’s real and no stories seem embellished to satisfy his ego.  He kept it raw and accurate, giving you a full picture of who he was.

Much respect to Albert “Prodigy” Johnson, good book, good brother, good skillz; good life.