This past June 20, the world lost one of its most talented and influential voices of all time when Albert Johnson, better known as Prodigy, lost his life-long fight with sickle-cell anemia. And as we all learn how to cope with such a huge loss, artists like DJ Concept are dealing with P’s passing the only way they know how: by providing art that pays tribute to the rapper’s incredible legacy. For the Long Island, NY deejay/producer, this meant taking to his turntables and record collection to put together this brand-new mix, the fittingly titled “RIP Prodigy”. It’s a non-stop, 23-minute live mix that Concept recorded shortly after learning of the Queensbridge artist’s passing. It pays homage to the legendary emcee by showcasing many of the original samples that he rapped over, either as a solo artist or as one half of Mobb Deep. “It’s my homage to Prodigy and his soundscape, which was very influential to my sound as a producer,” Concept explains. “Banging joints like ‘The Realest,’ ‘Keep It Thoro,’ ‘HNIC’… I remember thinking, ‘This is the sound I wish I could make.’” “RIP Prodigy” kicks off with a chills-inducing a cappella recording of Prodigy rapping his opening bars of “Shook Ones Part II”. Then, you’re treated to more audio from P that pops up in between a slew of soul and funk originals that’ll leave you revisiting his and Mobb Deep’s catalogue all over again. #InfamousForever
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