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Prince Markie Dee
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Key Information
Mark Anthony Morales (February 19, 1968 – February 18, 2021), better known by the stage name Prince Markie Dee, was an American rapper. He was a member of the Fat Boys, a pioneering hip hop group that gained fame during the 1980s. Morales was the vice-president of Uncle Louie Music Group.[1]
Early life
[edit]Morales was born on February 19, 1968. He established the Disco 3 together with Darren Robinson and Damon Wimbley in the early 1980s. After winning a talent contest at the Radio City Music Hall in 1983, they signed a contract with the show's promoter. The promoter recommended that the group rename itself the Fat Boys, in reference to their weight.[2]
Career
[edit]The Fat Boys
[edit]Morales's accomplishments with the Fat Boys include seven full-length albums. Of these, three attained gold certification and one – Crushin' (1987) – reached platinum. Their hit song from that album that featured The Beach Boys, "Wipeout", peaked to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The trio also appeared in the comedy film Disorderlies that same year. They had earlier starred in the feature films Krush Groove (1985) and Knights of the City (1986).[2] The Fat Boys attempted to broaden their artistic scope by releasing On and On (1989), a rap opera album. Its lack of success hastened the demise of the group.[3] They released one more album, Mack Daddy (1991),[3] before disbanding soon afterwards.[2]
Later career
[edit]After the Fat Boys, Morales embarked on a solo career. He signed with Columbia Records and released a solo album, Free (1992).[4] It included a #1 hit single, "Typical Reasons (Swing My Way)".[5] After joining with Cory Rooney to form a production company, Soul Convention,[6] Morales wrote and produced tracks for such artists as Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Craig Mack and Marc Anthony.[7] He was a producer for Blige's first album, What's the 411? (1992), including her hit song from that album, "Real Love".[2]
From 2008 to 2010, Morales served as the afternoon drive radio host/DJ at 103.5 The Beat WMIB radio in Miami, Florida.[7][8] He subsequently worked at WEDR 99.1 FM. He last worked at the Rock the Bells Sirius XM station,[2] hosting his own show, The Prince Markie Dee Show.[8]
Personal life
[edit]Death
[edit]Morales died on February 18, 2021, in Miami the day before his 53rd birthday of congestive heart failure.[2]
Discography
[edit]Filmography
[edit]- Krush Groove (1985)[13]
- Knights of the City (1986)[13]
- Disorderlies (1987)[13]
References
[edit]- ^ Nataly, Nadya (October 31, 2011). "Uncle Louie explains how he's brought old school hip hop greats into the Twitter era". HipHopDX. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Caramanica, Jon; Levenson, Michael (February 19, 2021). "Prince Markie Dee, Founding Member of Rap Trio Fat Boys, Dies at 52". The New York Times. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Bynoe, Yvonne (2006). Encyclopedia of Rap and Hip-hop Culture. Greenwood Press. p. 128. ISBN 9780313330582.
- ^ Thiessenland, Brock (February 18, 2021). "The Fat Boys' Prince Markie Dee Dead at 52". Exclaim!. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ "The Fat Boys Prince Markie Dee Dead at 52". TMZ. February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ Nelson, Havelock (October 24, 1992). "Talents Assemble at Soul Convention". Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 43. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 31. ISSN 0006-2510.
- ^ a b Aswad, Jem (February 18, 2021). "The Fat Boys' Prince Markie Dee Dies at 52". Variety. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Legaspi, Althea (February 18, 2021). "The Fat Boys' Prince Markie Dee Dead at 52". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ Small, Michael; Abrahams, Andrew (April 18, 1988). "Salt 'n Pepa Shake It Up, Laying a Cold Rap on Men". People. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ a b "Prince Markie Dee – Album Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
- ^ "Prince Markie Dee – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Eighties Music. Virgin. p. 184. ISBN 9780753501597.
- ^ a b c "Mark Morales". American Film Institute. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
External links
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Prince Markie Dee
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Early life
Mark Anthony Morales was born on February 19, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Puerto Rican descent.[1][5] He grew up in the East New York neighborhood, immersed in a culturally rich environment that exposed him to diverse musical influences.[6] Morales attended George Gershwin Junior High School (JHS 166), where in the early 1980s he met Darren "Buff Love" Robinson and Damon "Kool Rock-Ski" Wimbley, with whom he formed the rap group Disco 3.[6]Career
With the Fat Boys
Prince Markie Dee, born Mark Morales, was a founding member of the Fat Boys alongside Damon Wimbley (Kool Rock-Ski) and Darren Robinson (Buff Love), serving as the group's primary songwriter and rapper during their active years from 1984 to 1991.[7] The trio's discography includes eight studio albums released under labels such as Sutra, Polydor, and Capitol, with four achieving RIAA Gold certification and one reaching Platinum, reflecting their commercial success in pioneering mainstream hip-hop.[7] These releases featured Markie Dee's distinctive lyrical contributions, blending humor, beatboxing, and social commentary. The Fat Boys' studio albums, to which Markie Dee contributed vocals and writing, are as follows:| Album Title | Release Year | Label | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat Boys | 1984 | Sutra | Gold |
| The Fat Boys Are Back | 1985 | Sutra | Gold |
| Big & Beautiful | 1986 | Sutra | - |
| Crushin' | 1987 | Polydor | Platinum |
| Coming Back Hard Again | 1988 | Tin Pan Apple | Gold |
| On and On | 1989 | Capitol | - |
| All Heat | 1990 | Capitol | - |
| Mack Daddy | 1991 | Capitol | - |
Solo career
After the Fat Boys disbanded in the early 1990s, Prince Markie Dee signed with Columbia Records and launched his solo career with the album Free in 1992, billed as Prince Markie Dee & the Soul Convention.[13] The release marked a departure from the group's comedic hip-hop style toward R&B-infused tracks emphasizing smooth production and romantic themes. The album peaked at number 47 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[14] The lead single, "Typical Reasons (Swing My Way)," became his biggest solo hit, topping the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart for one week in May 1993 while reaching number 29 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 64 on the Hot 100.[14][15] Follow-up singles included "Trippin' Out," which peaked at number 25 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and "Something Special," showcasing his evolving focus on melodic hooks and relationship narratives.[16] In 1995, Markie Dee moved to Motown Records for his second album, Love Daddy, which adopted an even more soulful tone with lush arrangements and guest features.[17] The project peaked at number 91 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, reflecting moderated commercial success.[18] Key singles were "All My Love All the Time" featuring Joe Thomas, which reached number 62 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and "Crunch Time" featuring Hasan the Love Child, highlighting his blend of rap verses and R&B choruses.[17] Subsequent solo releases were sparse through the late 1990s and 2000s, as Markie Dee pivoted toward R&B production and songwriting, contributing to tracks for other artists amid challenges like declining sales relative to his Fat Boys peak.[19] His solo work consistently explored mature themes of love and introspection, prioritizing emotional depth over the humor of his group era.[14]Production and songwriting
Prince Markie Dee, in collaboration with Cory Rooney under their production company Soul Convention, made significant contributions to 1990s R&B and hip-hop as a songwriter and producer for several prominent artists. One of his breakthrough achievements was co-writing and co-producing Mary J. Blige's "Real Love" from her 1992 debut album What's the 411?, which peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. He also co-produced Blige's cover of "Sweet Thing," adapting the Rufus and Chaka Khan original with hip-hop-infused drum programming and keyboards to fit the emerging hip-hop soul sound. Additionally, Markie Dee co-produced "Reminisce" from the same album, blending nostalgic R&B melodies with rhythmic beats that helped define Blige's early style. Markie Dee's production work extended to remixes and tracks that bridged genres, often emphasizing catchy hooks and remixes to enhance commercial appeal. He co-produced and remixed several songs on Blige's What's the 411?, including versions of "You Remind Me," contributing to the album's multi-platinum success (certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA). His collaborations included producing tracks for Jennifer Lopez, notably co-writing her 2002 hit "I'm Gonna Be Alright" from This Is Me... Then, which reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.[20] Other notable credits encompass remixes for Mariah Carey, such as the Soul Convention remix of "Anytime You Need a Friend" (1995), and production on Craig Mack's 1997 album Operation: Get Down, including tracks that showcased his hip-hop production expertise. Markie Dee's style characteristically fused hip-hop beats with smooth R&B melodies, creating accessible remixes and hooks that popularized the hip-hop soul genre and amassed over 75 production and writing credits across various artists. He worked on remixes for Destiny's Child, including elements of their debut single "No, No, No" (1997), and produced songs for Shabba Ranks like "Let's Get It On" (1994) as well as Lisa Stansfield's "Don't Cry for Me" (1997). His contributions to Blige's debut earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1993, and he helped shape multiple platinum-selling projects that influenced the R&B-hip-hop crossover in the 1990s.Other pursuits
Radio hosting
After the slowdown in his music career during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Prince Markie Dee transitioned into radio broadcasting, leveraging his extensive experience in hip-hop to become a prominent on-air personality known for his energetic delivery and deep knowledge of old-school rap.[21][1] He began hosting in Miami, serving as the afternoon drive-time DJ at WMIB (103.5 The Beat) from 2008 to 2010, where he engaged listeners with a mix of classic tracks and contemporary hits tailored to the city's vibrant hip-hop scene.[21][1] Following the station's format shift, he moved to WEDR (99 Jamz), continuing to host shows that highlighted emerging artists alongside foundational hip-hop sounds.[1][22] On a national level, Prince Markie Dee gained wider exposure through SiriusXM's Rock the Bells Radio (Channel 43), where he hosted The Prince Markie Dee Show throughout the 2010s, often co-hosted with Just Jheanelle.[23] The program featured curated playlists of classic hip-hop tracks interspersed with in-depth interviews, such as those with Jermaine Dupri, Chris Bosh, and CeeLo Green, allowing him to share anecdotes from his Fat Boys days while spotlighting new talent.[23] Through these roles, he played a key part in preserving and promoting hip-hop culture, frequently celebrating milestones like group anniversaries and mentoring up-and-coming artists by providing platform exposure and historical context to the genre's evolution.[23][1] His radio persona drew directly from his musical background, infusing broadcasts with the same charismatic flair that defined his earlier performances. He remained active in radio until health challenges limited his work in the late 2010s, with his final shows airing before 2021.[21]Film and television appearances
Prince Markie Dee first gained on-screen visibility as a member of the Fat Boys in the 1985 hip-hop film Krush Groove, where the group portrayed themselves in a breakout role that showcased their comedic rapping style amid cameos from other rap pioneers like Run-D.M.C. and Sheila E. The following year, the Fat Boys appeared in supporting roles as a street rap crew in Knights of the City, a drama about aspiring musicians in Miami, contributing musical performances that highlighted their energetic stage presence. The group's most prominent acting showcase came in 1987 with Disorderlies, a comedy produced by the Fat Boys themselves, in which Dee played the character Markie, one of three inept orderlies tasked with caring for a wealthy invalid; the film, directed by Michael Schultz, also featured the group's music on its soundtrack and emphasized their slapstick humor to appeal to mainstream audiences. On television, the Fat Boys guest-starred in the 1988 episode "The Silver Angel" of the syndicated crime series T and T, portraying themselves in a storyline involving a vigilante thief targeting a high-end store. Dee and the Fat Boys also featured in notable music videos during this period, including the 1986 charity single "King Holiday" by the King Dream Chorus and Holiday Crew, a Martin Luther King Jr. Day tribute that included performers like Run-D.M.C. and Whitney Houston, where they contributed rap verses in a festive, ensemble performance. Their own video for "All You Can Eat" from the 1986 album Big Party similarly captured their playful persona through food-themed antics and live concert footage. These film and television endeavors, particularly in the mid-1980s, played a key role in bridging hip-hop with mainstream cinema, helping to normalize rap acts in comedic and narrative contexts during the genre's early crossover era.[24]Personal life
Morales was of Puerto Rican descent and was raised in Brooklyn, New York.[25] In the mid-1980s, he was engaged to Sandra "Pepa" Denton of the hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa, though the couple later parted ways.[26] He had a son, Markee Morales, and a granddaughter.[27][28]Death and legacy
Mark Morales, known as Prince Markie Dee, died on February 18, 2021, in Miami from congestive heart failure. He was 52 years old.[1][4] Prince Markie Dee's legacy endures as a key figure in early hip-hop, helping to popularize the genre through the Fat Boys' humorous, beatbox style and crossover hits like "Wipeout." His songwriting and production work influenced R&B and pop artists including Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Lopez. Following his death, tributes poured in from the hip-hop community, with figures like Ice-T and Questlove highlighting his contributions to the culture.[29][30] The Fat Boys received posthumous recognition with inductions into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2023 and the National Hip-Hop Museum Hall of Fame in 2024.[31][32]Discography
Solo albums
Prince Markie Dee released his debut solo album, Free, on August 11, 1992, through Columbia Records. The project, credited to Prince Markie Dee and the Soul Convention, contains 13 tracks co-produced primarily by Dee and longtime collaborator Mark Rooney. Standout singles included "Typical Reasons (Swing My Way)," which topped the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, and "Trippin' Out," which reached number 25 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The album peaked at number 47 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[33] In 1995, Dee issued his follow-up, Love Daddy, via Motown Records. This 18-track effort shifted toward a smoother R&B sound, highlighting more introspective themes and mature lyricism compared to his debut. Notable features included singer Joe Thomas on tracks like "All My Love All the Time," with production handled largely by Dee and Mark Rooney alongside additional contributors. While it garnered praise for its emotional depth and polished arrangements, Love Daddy saw limited commercial traction, peaking at number 91 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[34][17] Dee did not release any additional solo studio albums after Love Daddy.With the Fat Boys
Prince Markie Dee, born Mark Morales, was a founding member of the Fat Boys alongside Damon Wimbley (Kool Rock-Ski) and Darren Robinson (Buff Love), serving as the group's primary songwriter and rapper during their active years from 1984 to 1991.[7] The trio's discography includes seven studio albums released under labels such as Sutra, Polydor, and Capitol, with four achieving RIAA Gold certification and one reaching Platinum, reflecting their commercial success in pioneering mainstream hip-hop.[7] These releases featured Markie Dee's distinctive lyrical contributions, blending humor, beatboxing, and social commentary. The Fat Boys' studio albums, to which Markie Dee contributed vocals and writing, are as follows:| Album Title | Release Year | Label | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat Boys | 1984 | Sutra | Gold |
| The Fat Boys Are Back | 1985 | Sutra | Gold |
| Big & Beautiful | 1986 | Sutra | - |
| Crushin' | 1987 | Polydor | Platinum |
| Coming Back Hard Again | 1988 | Tin Pan Apple | Gold |
| On and On | 1989 | Capitol | - |
| Mack Daddy | 1991 | Capitol | - |
Filmography
- ''Krush Groove'' (1985) – Prince Markie Dee[36]
- ''Knights of the City'' (1986) – Himself (as Fat Boys member)[37]
- ''Disorderlies'' (1987) – Markie[38]
- ''Raven: Return of the Black Dragons'' (1992) – Pineapple Pete (TV movie)[39]