Remembering Prince Markie Dee

Prince Markie Dee, founding member of The Fat Boys and prominent radio host, has died in Miami at the age of 52. The cause of his death is still unknown; however, it has been reported that the rapper had a history of previous heart issues. 

Mark Anthony Morales, better known by his stage name, Prince Markie Dee, was born on February 19, 1968 in Brooklyn, New York. Morales was quick to make a name for himself in the world of music and formed a group called Disco 3 with fellow rappers Darren Robinson and Damon Wimbley. The trio went on to win a talent show at Radio City Music Hall in 1983 and later rebranded as The Fat Boys

The Fat Boys are best known for using beatboxing in their songs. Due to their influence, beatboxers like Biz Markle and Doug E. Fresh were able to break into the rap scene. During his time in the group, Morales was able to create seven full-length albums, three of which attained gold certification and one – Crushin’ (1987) – which became their first and only platinum record as a group. 

The group debuted at a time when Hip-Hop was on its way to becoming popular and accepted in mainstream media and American pop culture. The Fat Boys’ “lighthearted rhymes, accessible dance routines and winning comedic approach made them effective ambassadors on hits including “Jailhouse Rap,” “Stick ’Em,” and “Can You Feel It.

After a successful career as a trio, the group eventually disbanded for the first time in 1991. Two years later in 1993, Morales formed his own group called Prince Markie Dee & the Soul Convention. The group’s most popular single, “Swing My Way”, is still played and cherished today. 

Morales wasn’t just a talented rapper and musician. He was also a talented producer and worked with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Craig Mack, and Marc Anthony. He was also a talented lyricist. He’s also been credited for creating Blige’s hit track “Real Love.” Outside of rapping, producing, and writing lyrics, Morales spent his later years as a radio host of WEDR 99 Jamz in Miami, Florida. 

Speaking on the legendary rapper and producer’s death, former manager of The Fat Boys, Louis Gregory, tweeted, “Prince Markie Dee was more than a rapper. He was one of my very best and closest friends. My heart breaks today because I lost a brother.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Morales family during this tough time. 

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