Senate Resolution No. 1158
BY: Senator PARKER
MOURNING the untimely death of Prince Markie Dee,
American rap legend, songwriter, producer, actor,
and radio personality
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Prince Markie Dee, noting the
significance of his inspired life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Prince Markie Dee, a founding member of the pioneering
hip-hop trio the Fat Boys, died on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at the
age of 52; and
WHEREAS, Born Mark Anthony Morales on February 19, 1968, in
Brooklyn, New York, he teamed up with Darren Robinson (the Human
Beatbox) and Damon Wimbley (Kool Rock Ski) and performed under the name
The Disco 3 before later becoming the Fat Boys; and
WHEREAS, The group launched their career in 1983, when they won a
talent contest at Radio City Music Hall; by the end of the decade, the
group had become one of rap's premier pop culture ambassadors with the
simultaneous release of their platinum-selling fourth album "Crushin'"
and their breakout comedy film "Disorderlies" in the summer of 1987; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary trio popularized beatboxing and their
goofy sense of humor and affable demeanors made them essential to
bringing rap music to the mainstream; and
WHEREAS, Their first two albums, 1984's self-titled debut and 1985's
"The Fat Boys Are Back," were produced by rap legend Kurtis Blow and
included hits, such as "Can You Feel It?," "Jail House Rap," and "The
Fat Boys Are Back"; and
WHEREAS, It was their "Crushin'" cover of "Wipeout" with the Beach
Boys that gave them their biggest hit, reaching Number 12 on the
Billboard Hot 100; their cover version of "The Twist" with Chubby
Checker from "Coming Back Hard Again" hit Number 16 on the Hot 100
chart; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his renowned career as a member of the Fat
Boys, Prince Markie Dee was the vice-president of Uncle Louie Music
Group; and
WHEREAS, Following the Fat Boys' breakup, Prince Markie Dee launched
a solo career and wrote and produced songs for Mariah Carey, Jennifer
Lopez and Mary J. Blige, with the latter recording Morales' "Real Love"
to become her first Top Ten hit; furthermore, his 1992 album "Free"
garnered a Number One hit with "Typical Reasons (Swing My Way)"; and
WHEREAS, Prince Markie Dee moved into radio later in his career,
serving as a drive-time host WMIB in Miami, and had his own show, "The
Prince Markie Dee Show" on SiriusXM's Rock the Bells station; and
WHEREAS, Prince Markie Dee was nothing less than a giant; his
dedication to his music leaves an indelible legacy of inspiration which
will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting
memory to his family, friends and countless fans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Prince Markie Dee, American rap legend,
songwriter, producer, actor, and radio personality, and to express its
deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Prince Markie Dee.
