PRINCE MARKIE DEE, 1968-2021

Prince Markie Dee, a member of the rap trio The Fat Boys who later became a successful producer/songwriter and radio DJ, died Thursday in Miami. He was 52.

No cause was given.

The Fat Boys were one of rap’s most commercially successful groups in the 1980s; their 1987 album Crushin’ went platinum and three of their other albums were certified gold. The Boys’ collaboration with The Beach Boys on “Wipeout” was their biggest pop hit, peaking at #12. They also appeared in three films.

Mark Morales (Prince Markie Dee), Darren Robinson (the Human Beat Box) and Damon Wimbley (Kool Rock Ski) went by Disco 3 until they won a talent show at Radio City Music Hall in 1983. The contest promoter suggested they change their name to The Fat Boys and rap about their weight and food. Kurtis Blow helped them develop their sound.

The trio broke up in the 1990s, after which Prince Markie Dee released two solo albums and worked as a songwriter and producer for Uptown Records. He had a hand in writing and producing Mary J. Blige’s 1992 hit “Real Love,” also collaborating on her album What’s the 411?

Most recently, Prince Markie Dee had been active as a DJ on radio, with a show on Sirius XM and at Miami stations WIMB and WEDR.

TOP 20: TAYLOR TIME
A record that's breaking records (4/25a)
VMAs BEAMING BACK
TO THE BIG APPLE
Getting back to where they once belonged (4/24a)
THE COUNT: ALL THE DESERT'S A STAGE
Jon Wayne is rolling over in his grave. (4/24a)
 A CHORUS OF PRAISE: IVORS 2024 NOMS
Action across the pond (4/24a)
GONE COUNTRY: HOUSE LIPMAN INVESTS IN WESTERN WEAR
The full Monte (4/24a)
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
 Email

 First Name

 Last Name

 Company

 Country
CAPTCHA code
Captcha: (type the characters above)