Prince Markie Dee, a member of the rap trio Fat Boys, has died aged 52.
News of his death was confirmed by SiriusXM show Rock the Bells, where he had been a host. The cause has not been disclosed.
“The Rock the Bells family is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mark ‘Prince Markie Dee’ Morales earlier today,” a statement said. “That voice and his presence can never be replaced. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.”
Dee’s longtime friend Louis Gregory 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.”
Born Mark Anthony Morales, the artist was part of one of hip hop’s best-known groups of the Eighties, alongside Damon “Kool Rock-Ski” Wimbley and the late Darren “Buff Love” Robinson, who died in 1995.
The Brooklyn-formed trio went platinum with their fourth album, 1987’s Crushin’, which also produced their biggest hit single, “Wipeout”, featuring backing vocals by the Beach Boys.
Dee left Fat Boys in the early Nineties and went on to release two solo albums, including 1992’s Free.
As a writer and producer, he worked with some of the biggest artists of the time, including Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige and Destiny’s Child.
Eminem led tributes, writing: “So sad 2 hear of the legendary @PrinceMarkieDee of the Fat Boys’ passing. One of my childhood idols & favourite mc’s of all time. Left us way 2 soon. He will truly be missed.”
Run the Jewels’ El-P tweeted: “Rest in peace to the great Prince Markie Dee of the legendary FAT BOYS.”
“They were so dope we just took them for granted,” Questlove wrote on Instagram. “They did dope routines and dancesteps, albums went gold & platinum. Did movies & tv & commercials. They explored territories for the first time that today just seems like *yawn* a Tuesday.”
