Prince Markie Dee, Fat Boys member, producer and Rock The Bells radio host, has died. Details have not been provided as to a cause of death. The star was 52 years old.
Prince Markie Dee (born Mark Morales) was a founding member of famed rap trio The Fat Boys, who became a multiplatinum success in the mid-1980s with hits like "Stick 'Em" and "Can You Feel It." After the group's breakup, Dee resurfaced as a successful writer/producer for Uptown Records, working with such artists as Father MC and, most notably, Mary J. Blige. Dee co-wrote Blige's 1992 hit "Real Love" and worked extensively on her debut album What's the 411?
In 1993, he formed his own band, Prince Markie Dee & The Soul Convention, and released his debut album, Free. The album combined soul and Hip-Hop elements and featured the R&B hit "Swing My Way."
In subsequent years, Prince Markie Dee worked with a string of major pop stars including Jennifer Lopez and Destiny's Child. He began work as a radio DJ and became a prominent part of the Rock The Bells family as radio host.
Our condolences to the family of Mark Morales.