The Fat Boys’ Prince Markie Dee a.k.a. Mark Anthony Morales has reportedly passed away at the age of 52. Details are currently scarce but a reliable source has informed SOHH the New York native died from congestive heart failure.
Rapper Prince Markie Dee Of The Fat Boys Dies At 52
According to reports, the hip-hop veteran now leaves a legacy of classic tunes dating back to the 1980’s and 1990’s. Dee even played an unforgettable role in mid-80’s flick The Disorderlies.
Hip-Hop has suffered another mighty blow as Prince Markie Dee of The Fat Boys has died suddenly. He was 52 years old. Born Mark Anthony Morales, Prince Markie Dee came to prominence as 1/3 of the Fat Boys, which was one of the first rap group’s to go pop. With humble Brooklyn roots, the group, comprised of Darren Robinson (The Human Beat Box), Damon Wimbley (Kool Rock Ski), and Morales, came up as understudies of Kurtis Blow and blew up with the likes of LL Cool J, Run DMC, Whodini and others. (AHH)
Prince Markie Dee’s last Instagram post went onto his Instagram page back on February 8.
“The Fat Boys / Garbage Pail kids Mashup #80s”
“OH WOW!!! ?????” -Big Daddy Kane
Social Media Remembers Prince Markie Dee
The Internet has already reacted to the shocking news. Various people and organizations have come forward to remember Dee’s legacy.
“Wowwwwwww it has been brought to our attention that the legend Prince Markie Dee from the Fat Boys has passed away ? May you forever Rest In Peace ??? (Do not know the specifics) We need to make this museum happen so we can preserve stories like Prince for years to come ?” -Universal Hip Hop Museum
“The Rock The Bells family is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mark “Prince Markie Dee” Morales earlier today. That voice and his presence can never be replaced. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. ???” -Rock The Bells
“Rest In Power @PrinceMarkieDee ?” -Skillz
“rest in peace to the great Prince Markie Dee of the legendary FAT BOYS. ?” -el-p
Back in early January 2013, Markie Dee linked up with hip-hop personality Sway Calloway and talked about losing weight. Dee also dished on his days with the Fat Boys.
The Boys Legacy
The Fat Boys are most known for their classic 80’s anthems. Along with Markie Dee, the group consisted of rap veterans Darren “The Human Beatbox” Robinson and Damon “Kool Rocks” Wimbley.
From the Bronx, New York City, New York, USA, the Fat Boys were originally known as the Disco 3, before deciding to trade in the appellation in exchange for something more gimmicky. The bulk of their material dealt with just that, emphasising their size, and did little to avert the widely held perception of them as a novelty act. The trio consisted of Darren ‘The Human Beatbox/Buff Love’ Robinson (1968, New York, USA, d. 10 December 1995), Mark ‘Prince Markie Dee’ Morales, and Damon ‘Kool Rockski’ Wimbley. They were discovered by Charlie Stetler (later manager of MTV’s Dr. Dre and Ed Lover), whose interest was aroused by Robinson’s amazing talent for rhythmic improvisation, effectively using his face as an instrument. (Oldies)
The Fat Boys Lose Darren Robinson
In December 1995, the Fat Boys lost group member Darren Robinson. DR died just a couple years before what would have been his 30th birthday.
Darren Robinson, a 450-pound rap star with the trio the Fat Boys, died while working on a comeback album. He was 28. Robinson, who died at home Sunday, was known as the “human beat box″ because of his extraordinary percussive grunts. The cause of death was under investigation. But Linda West, a manager for the Fat Boys, said Robinson had recently been diagnosed with lymph edema, a fluid buildup, and was also fighting the flu. (AP News)