RAPPER PRINCE MARKIE DEE (FAT BOYS) DIED

​Mark Anthony Morales (February 19, 1968 – February 18, 2021), better known by the stage name Prince Markie Dee born in Brooklyn, New York. Morales once dated and was engaged to rapper Pepa sometime during the mid-1980s. Morales died in Miami, Florida one day before his 53rd birthday. Morales reportedly died of congestive heart failure, as reported by All Hip Hop after suffering “distressing” health issues.
Morales established 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 the group to rename themselves to Fat Boys, in reference to their weight
Morales was an American rapper, songwriter, producer, and radio personality. Morales was a member of the Fat Boys, a pioneering rap group that gained fame during the 1980s. Morales was the vice-president of Uncle Louie Music Group. 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 which 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). 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. They released one more album, Mack Daddy (1991), before disbanding soon afterward. After the Fat Boys, Morales went on to a successful solo career. He signed with Columbia Records and released a solo album, Free (1992). It included a #1 hit single, "Typical Reasons (Swing My Way)".
After joining with Cory Rooney to form a production company, Soul Convention, Morales wrote and produced tracks for such artists as Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Craig Mack, and Marc Anthony. He notably did this for Blige's first album, What's the 411? (1992), as well as her hit song from that album, "Real Love".