Prince Markie Dee of the legendary 80s rap group The Fat Boys has died. He was 52. According to TMZ, the rapper, born Mark Morales, died suddenly yesterday (February 18th) — just one day before what would have been his 53rd birthday. A cause of death has not been revealed.
The rapper joined The Fat Boys in the 1980s in Brooklyn, NY. The group was responsible for helping bring beatboxing to the mainstream. After the group broke up, Markie Dee continued his career in music by writing and producing for other artists like Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child, Frank Ocean and more. He also co-wrote and produced one of Mary J. Blige's early hits, “Real Love.”
He also had a solo career, signing to Columbia Records and released a debut album “Free” in 1992, which featured hs single “Typical Reasons (Swing My Way).”
In addition to his music career, Markie Dee also starred in two movies along with the Fat Boys, including “Krush Groove” and “Disorderlies.”
Markie Dee later had a career in radio as well. Markie Dee's groupmate, Darren “Buff Love” Robinson died in 1995 of a heart attack. Damon “Kool Rock-Ski” Wimbley is now the only surviving member.