Entertainment
Eminem leads tributes after The Fat Boys rapper Prince Markie Dee dies aged 52 a day before his birthday
Eminem has paid a moving tribute to Fat Boys star Prince Markie Dee after he died at the age of 52.
The rapper’s manager Louie ‘Uncle Louie’ Gregory confirmed the news on social media as he revealed the songwriter had died a before his birthday.
Taking to Twitter to pay a moving tribute, his manager penned: ‘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,’ added.
Tributes have poured in online for the radio personality, with fellow rapper Eminem leading the way.
‘So sad 2 hear of the legendary @PrinceMarkieDee of the Fat Boys’ passing,’ he wrote. ‘One of my childhood idols & favorite mc’s of all time. Left us way 2 soon. He will truly be missed.’ (sic)
American bassist Christian McBride also paid a lengthy tribute to the producer.
He tweeted: ‘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.’
The Fat Boys rose to fame in the 1980s and were originally called Disco 3.
They were one of the first rap groups to release full-length albums, along with Run-D.M.C and Kurtis Blow.
The group released seven studio albums, four of which went gold.
The Fat Boys also went to feature in feature films Krush Groove and Disorderlies.
After leaving the band, Prince Markie, whose real name is Mark Anthony Morales, went on to be a successful producer and song writer.
He wrote songs for the likes of Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and Mary J. Blige.
He also became a popular radio DJ in Miami.
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