Legendary hip-hop figureΒ Prince Markie Dee has reportedly died at the age of 52. Though the details surrounding the tragedy have not been revealed,Β AllHipHopΒ reports the Brooklyn-native died βsuddenly.β
Prince Markie DeeβbornΒ Mark Anthony Moralesβrose to prominence in the 1980s as a member of The Fat Boys hip-hop trio, which includedΒ Damon βKool Rock-Skiβ Wimbley and Darren βBuff Loveβ Robinson. The latter artist, also known as the Human Beat Box, died from a heart attack inΒ 1995 at age 28.
The Fat Boys released their self-titled debut album in 1984 and its follow-up,Β The Fat Boys Are Back, less than a year later. The first two efforts were produced by the iconic Kurtis Blow. Prince Markie Dee would release four more albums under The Fat Boys moniker and appeared in several feature films, includingΒ Krush Groove (1985) and Disorderlies (1987).
Prince Markie Dee and Kool Rock-Ski discussed the trioβs legacy during a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone.
βAs far as our peers are concerned, I think we get a lot of love and recognition,β Prince Markie Dee said. βAs far as the media though, I think we totally get ignored. β¦ I think people look at Run-D.M.C. and Whodini as Hip-Hop artists and they look at us as comedians.β
Prince Markie Dee left The Fat Boys in the early 1990s to pursue a solo career.Β
The rapper/producer released his debut solo effort Free in 1992 and his sophomore project Love Daddy in 1995. He also produced and wrote for big-name artists likeΒ Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige,Β and Marc Anthony. In 2008, he became a radio host at MiamiβsΒ 103.5 The Beat, and eventually landed hostingΒ gigs at WEDR 99.1 FM andΒ LL COOL Jβs Rock The Bells SirusXM radio channel.
You can read some of the tribute messages for Prince Markie Dee below.