Prince Markie Dee: A Look Back at His Legacy
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Mark Anthony Morales, better known as Prince Markie Dee, was a member of the hit group The Fat Boys. He went on to have huge success as a producer, actor and radio host- and his loss is still felt today.
Here’s everything you need to know about his life and career.
Prince Markie Dee
Prince Markie Dee hit the big time with his pals Darren Robinson (Buff the Human Beatbox) and Damon Wimbley (Kool Rock Ski) as The Fat Boys.
The rap group officially formed back in 1982 under the name of Disco 3. They quickly changed their name as they started to get more popular, and were happy to poke fun at their weight.
Their self-titled debut album was released in 1984, and it quickly reached number six in the US R&B/Hip Hop charts, and number forty eight in the Billboard 200 chart.
Their other albums include Crushin’, which eventually went platinum.
They also appeared in films such as Krush Groove and Knights of the City, but the band were starting to struggle with their health at this point.
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Damon Wimbley said:
“Our manager at the time would actually tell us that we were putting on too much weight…
He would tell us to calm down on the weight gaining. But there was so much stuff happening and so many things going on at the same time that we didn’t see ourselves as being fat.
We just saw ourselves as rap stars who were performing and having fun.”
The group went their separate ways in 1991 after being plagued by health issues.
Career
After his time in The Fat Boys, Prince Markie Dee went on to form his own solo career under Columbia Records. He also wrote songs for Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Lopez, and worked as a producer on a few of their albums.
The rapper made a LOT of cash when his song Typical Reasons topped the charts, which contributed to his net worth of $1.5 million.
Prince Markie Dee was also the Vice President of Uncle Louie Music Group.
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From 2008 to 2010, Mark was the afternoon drive host for The Beat WMIB radio in Florida. He last worked at the Rock the Bells Sirius XM station, hosting his own show, The Prince Markie Dee Show, but it wasn’t set to last.
Passing
His health was beginning to deteriorate, and Prince Markie Dee (Mark Morales) eventually passed away in February last year, one day after his birthday. He was 52 years old.
The songwriter-producer reportedly died of congestive heart failure, as reported by All Hip Hop.
Former manager Louis Gregory confirmed the sad news on Twitter and wrote:
“Forever in my Heart. 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. I’ll always love you Mark and I’ll cherish everything you taught me. Tomorrow is your birthday, swing my way big bro.”
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It didn’t take long for the tributes to pour in for Prince Markie Dee- and fellow rapper Eminem was one of the first to give his recognition.
He tweeted:
“So sad 2 hear of the legendary @PrinceMarkieDee of the Fat Boys’ passing.
One of my childhood idols & favorite mc’s of all time. Left us way 2 soon. He will truly be missed.”
American bassist Christian McBride also paid tribute to Prince Markie.
“The Fat Boys were not only fun(ny), but they really were artistic geniuses. All they needed was a mic to rock the house.
Although the Human Beat Box was often the center of attention, Markie Dee and Kool Rock-Ski brought the attitude.
May Mark ‘Prince Markie Dee’ Morales RIP.”
