Mark Anthony Morales, known as Prince Markie Dee, has passed away aged 52.
Markie Dee was known from the 1980s hip-hop trio the Fat Boys.
The star’s manager and friend Louis Gregory confirmed the news Thursday, he wrote that the rapper is “forever in my heart.”
“Prince Markie Dee was more than a rapper; he was one of my very best and closest friends,” Gregory tweeted, along with a picture of Morales. “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/XcIsHixOoc
— Louis “Uncle Louie” Gregory (@UncleLouie) February 18, 2021
The rapper was supposed to celebrate his birthday on 19th February. He was a prominent member of the Fat Boys, a group that emerged in New York. The group was known for beatboxing and other music tactics. The group also included Damon Wimbley and Darren Robinson. Legends such as Biz Markie and Doug E. Fresh also worked for the Fat Boys.