Books Written by Rapper Prodigy

Albert “Prodigy” Johnson of Mobb Deep wasn’t just a legend in Rap/Hip-Hop, he was also an accomplished author. Everyone who knew Prodigy knew he was a gifted writer and his books capture the same gritty storytelling and raw honesty that made his music timeless. From autobiography to fiction to a prison cookbook, Prodigy gave fans new ways to experience his world. How many books has Prodigy written? 5. (so far at the time of this post). Here’s a look at the books written by Prodigy:

1. My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy (2011)

Co-written with Laura Checkoway
Publisher: Touchstone
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Page Length: 320 pages
ISBN: 9781439103180 

Prodigy’s debut book is a raw and unfiltered autobiography co-written with journalist Laura Checkoway, that takes readers from his childhood in Queensbridge, New York through the rise of Mobb Deep and being one of the most respected voices in Hip-Hop, his struggles with sickle cell anemia, his time in the streets, and the challenges of the music industry. The book doesn’t shy away from controversy, as Prodigy speaks candidly about rivalries, relationships, and his personal demons, making it a raw, unapologetic story of survival.

What’s Inside Prodigy’s My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy book?:

• Prodigy’s childhood in Queensbridge, early exposure to Hip/Hop, and how he formed Mobb Deep with Havoc

• Behind-the-scenes stories from classic albums like The Infamous and Hell on Earth

• His lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia

• Candid takes on friends, rivals, and the hip-hop industry

• Run-ins with the law and reflections on prison time

2. H.N.I.C. (2013)

Publisher: Infamous Books (an imprint of Akashic Books)
Release Date: July 16, 2013
Page Length: 128 pages
ISBN: 9781617752322 

Prodigy stepped into fiction with his second book H.N.I.C., delivering a street-lit novel that mirrors the energy and realism of his music. The novel’s title is borrowed from his Mobb Deep’s 2000 solo album and tells a gritty tale inspired by real street experiences. The book follows a young hustler named Pappy as he navigates the codes of the streets, ambition, and betrayal. Prodigy crafts a tale filled with crime, loyalty, betrayal, and the endless hustle for power. The book proved that his talents extended beyond autobiography.

What’s Inside Prodigy’s H.N.I.C. book?

• A gritty fiction novel inspired by Queensbridge street life and culture

• The story of Pappy, a young hustler navigating loyalty, money, and survival

• Themes of ambition, betrayal, and the dangerous codes of the streets

• Writing that mirrors the dark and cinematic feel of Mobb Deep’s music

3. Ritual (2015)

Co-written with Steven Savile
Publisher: Infamous Books (an imprints of Akashic Books)
Release Date: October 1, 2015
Page Length: 288 pages
ISBN: 9781617753428

Co-written with Steven Savile, Ritual marks another turn in Prodigy’s writing toward speculative fiction and thriller territory. The novel is a departure from autobiography or straight memoir, Prodigy reaches into apocalypse, conspiracy, and myth. The story unfolds in New York City as the lights go out, strange phenomena emerge (birds dropping from the sky, people acting with hidden motives), and an ancient ritual appears to have been set in motion. He uses this dramatic premise to explore themes of power, survival, human nature in crisis, and the collision between ancient belief and modern life. 

What’s Inside Prodigy’s Ritual book?:

• A near-future thriller where a blackout reveals darker forces at work

• Characters drawn into a conspiracy tied to ancient rituals and knowledge 

• Tension between modern life (technology, NYC infrastructure) and older, more mystical or spiritual fears

4. Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook (2016)

Co-written with Kathy Iandoli, with an introduction by Eddie Huang
Publisher: Infamous Books (an imprints of Akashic Books)
Release Date: October 11, 2016
Page Length: 118 pages
ISBN: 9780997146233

Co-written with journalist Kathy Iandoli, Commissary Kitchen blends recipes Prodigy learned while serving time with stories from his prison experience. More than just a cookbook, it’s a creative and sometimes humorous commentary on survival behind bars. Prodigy shares how inmates turn limited commissary ingredients into full meals, But beyond the food, the book sheds light on prison culture, adaptation, and the human need for comfort even in the harshest of places. It’s both practical and deeply personal.

What’s Inside Prodigy’s Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook?:

• Step-by-step prison-style recipes created with limited prison commissary ingredients

• Instructions on how inmates turn ramen, tuna, and chips into full meals

• Personal reflections on prison life and survival strategies

• Commentary on the injustices of the prison system

• A mix of humor, resilience, and raw truth

5. The State vs. Albert “Prodigy” Johnson (2018)

Co-written with Kathy Iandoli
Publisher: Infamous Books (an imprints of Akashic Books)
Release Date: December 1, 2018
Page Length: 320 pages
ISBN: 9780997146202

Prodigy’s last book co-written with Kathy Iandoli. This memoir zeroes in on Prodigy’s three-and-a-half-year prison sentence, detailing the events leading up to his incarceration and the personal transformation he underwent while behind bars. The book provides a first-hand look at the justice system and the struggles of navigating life on the inside while maintaining his identity as an artist. Prodigy reflects on the legal system’s flaws, personal accountability, and the mental battles that came with imprisonment. Brutally honest and thought-provoking, it stands as one of his most powerful works.

What’s Inside Prodigy's The State vs. Albert “Prodigy” Johnson book?:

• Prodigy’s legal troubles and trial

• Day-to-day realities of prison

• Reflections on injustice and the U.S. legal system

• How incarceration affected his career and mindset

• Lessons learned and transformation during his bid

Through his books, Prodigy proved that his storytelling went far beyond the mic. It doesn’t matter if he was recounting his own life, imagining gritty fiction, or finding creativity in confinement, he always wrote with authenticity. His works remain essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the man behind the music. Just as Mobb Deep gave voice to the streets of Queensbridge, Prodigy’s books give voice to the struggles, lessons, and realities of his life. His pen both in rhyme or prose remain powerful, reminding fans that Prodigy was more than just an MC: he was a storyteller, teacher, and author whose words continue to resonate.

Want to read more Hip-Hop books like any of these titles? Check our full collection at HipHopBooks.com for the greatest books in Rap/Hip-Hop.

A book every Rap/Hip-Hop fan should have in their library is the Rap Dictionary.

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