Prince Markie Dee.Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images
The Fat Boys' Prince Markie Dee has died. He was 52.
“Forever in my Heart. Prince Markie Dee was more than a rapper; he was one of my very best and closest friends,” Gregory wrote.
“My heart breaks today because I lost a brother,” he added. “I’ll always love you Mark and I’ll cherish everything you taught me. Tomorrow is your birthday, swing my way big bro.”
In addition to Dee (né Mark Anthony Morales), The Fat Boys was made up of Darren Robinson, aka the Human Beatbox, and Damon Wimbley, aka Kool Rock Ski. Robinson died in 1995.
The trio first got together as The Disco 3 before launching a career as The Fat Boys in 1983, according toRolling Stone. The group won a contest at Radio City Music Hall that year and would go on to become some of the most prominent rappers in the 1980s and ’90s.
CHICAGO - JUNE 1987: Kool Rock Ski, Buffy and Prince Markie Dee from The Fat Boys.Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
Dee went on to launch a solo career, and produced music for stars likeMary J. Blige,Jennifer Lopez, andMariah Careywith his Soul Conventions production company, according toUSA Today.
Dee’s death prompted several tributes on social media from other musicians on Thursday.
“They were figuratively (no weight jokes) the biggest act in hip hop at some point in time,“Questlovesaid in part of alengthy tribute on Instagram, later adding of group, “they were so dope we just took them for granted.”
Prince Markie Dee.Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
“This hurts to see the mass exodus of people that helped shape my/our lives like this. Rest In Peace to Mark Morales, the Puerto Rican Prince, the Fat Boy,” he added.
“So sad 2 hear of the legendary@PrinceMarkieDeeof the Fat Boys' passing,“Eminemwrote on Twitter. “One of my childhood idols & favorite mc’s of all time. Left us way 2 soon. He will truly be missed.”
“rest in peace to the great Prince Markie Dee of the legendary FAT BOYS,” El-P added in atweet.
source: people.com
