Hip-Hop suffers another death as Prince Markie Dee of The Fat Boys has died at the age of 52.
Born Mark Anthony Morales, Prince Markie Dee hit the scene as a member of the Disco 3 who came to prominence after changing their name to The Fat Boys. One of the first rap group’s to become a pop sensation, they comprised of Darren Robinson (The Human Beat Box), Damon Wimbley (Kool Rock Ski), and Markie Dee. Guided by Kurtis Blow their star rose with the likes of LL Cool J, Run DMC, and Whodini.
The Fat Boys even move to the big screen when they made their cinematic debut in the Def Jam inspired hit "Krush Groove". Riding off of their music video success they starred in their own major motion picture in 1987 with "Disorderlies".
Prince Markie Dee was able to successfully transition into a successful producer and solo act after the breakup of the group, producing his solo album, "Free".
The release gave birth to a number 1 hit in “Typical Reasons (Swing My Way).”
As a song writer/producer, he wrote and produced tracks for Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Craig Mack and others.
In 2008 he made the move to radio serving as the afternoon drive radio host here at 103.5 The Beat. Where he remained till 2010.
A true pioneer of the Hip Hop, Prince Markie Dee is yet another legend that has tragically been taken from us all too soon.