Brooklyn, New York – In observance of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, Brooklyn hip-hop duo Smif-N-Wessun (Tek and Steele) will donate $1,993 to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA), honoring the memory of two people whose lives were cut short by complications related to sickle cell disease: Tiana Williams, who passed away in 2022, and Prodigy of Mobb Deep, who passed away in 2017.
The donation is drawn from proceeds of Smif-N-Wessun’s artist wine bottles, sold throughout their recent City Winery Tour. Wine sales generated $1,780 – but the duo chose to donate more than they earned, rounding the gift up to $1,993 in tribute. The figure is intentional: 1993 marks both the year Tiana Williams was born, and the year Mobb Deep released their debut album, Juvenile Hell.
Tiana Williams held a profound place in Tek’s life – she was his bestie, and the daughter of his partner Alana S. Prodigy (born Albert Johnson), one half of the Queensbridge duo Mobb Deep alongside Havoc, battled sickle cell disease since birth and passed away in 2017 at age 42 due to complications from the illness. Both losses reflect the ongoing toll sickle cell disease continues to take on families and on the Hip-Hop community.
The choice to donate the wine proceeds specifically also carries personal meaning for Steele, who has been open about his sobriety from alcohol. Rather than retain earnings from bottles bearing their name, the duo felt it was fitting to redirect those funds toward a cause tied to loss, resilience, and healing.
“I’m proud to support SCDAA by making this donation in memory of my bestie and friend. Seeing the WARRIOR strength in them when going through a sickle cell crisis brought a new awareness and respect for all battling and living with the disease. The gift of giving back is a joy, and so is keeping memories alive for those lost and forgotten.” – Tek
“The ability to give back is quintessential to the growth of any community or culture. We have been blessed to have longevity due to the love and support of the people and it’s only right to reciprocate those efforts, particularly for a purpose that can truly benefit others.” – General Steele
Smif-N-Wessun’s donation supports SCDAA’s ongoing mission to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease through advocacy, education, research support, and direct services. Fans and supporters wishing to contribute to honor of Tiana and Prodigy can donate directly at https://bit.ly/Smif-n-Wessun.
About Smif-N-Wessun
Smif-N-Wessun – Tek and Steele are a Brooklyn-based Hip-Hop duo and members of the Boot Camp Clik, recognized as pioneers of 1990s East Coast Hip-Hop and celebrated for their enduring influence on the genre.
About the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA)
Sickle cell disease is a rare inherited blood disease causing red blood cells to take a sickle shape, which leads to blockages that prevent blood from reaching parts of the body. As a result, people with sickle cell complications can experience anemia, jaundice, gallstones, stroke, chronic pain, organ damage and premature death. No universal cure exists.
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc. advocates for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empowers community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure. The association and more than 55 member organizations support sickle cell research, public and professional health education and patient and community services. www.sicklecelldisease.org
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