The Fat Boys
The Fat Boys
originally known as The Disco 3, were an American hip-hop music trio from Brooklyn, New York City, that emerged in the early 1980s.
Former Members
Mark Morales a.k.a. “Prince Markie Dee” (born February 19, 1968)
Damon Wimbley a.k.a. “Kool Rock-Ski” (born November 4, 1966)
Darren Robinson a.k.a. “Buff Love” a.k.a. “The Human Beat Box” (June 10, 1967 ? December 10, 1995)
Thaddeus Matthews a.k.a. “Funk Master Thad” a.k.a. “Funky T” (born April 1, 1957)
History
Buff Love, the Human Beatbox, was a pioneer in beatboxing (using his mouth to portray the typical hip hop percussion “scratch ‘n mix” sounds). Buff Love and another contemporary Doug E. Fresh popularized beatboxing, inspiring other artists to innovate, including Biz Markie and later, others such as Rahzel. Attempting to capitalize on the appearance-oriented name of the Fat Boys, another hip hop group dubbed themselves The Skinny Boys, and yet another The Fat Girls. Their popularity was mild in comparison, however.
Their 1985 self-titled debut “The Fat Boys,” is considered by many and most to be an early rap classic, with artists like Boogie Down Productions and Redman, among others, making references to the album. For their 1987 album, Crushin’, the Fat Boys made a cover version of The Surfaris’ hit, “Wipe Out”, with The Beach Boys singing back-up vocals. The single made it to #12 on the Billboard chart, and #10 on the corresponding R&B listing. The Fat Boys also recorded a version of “The Twist” with Chubby Checker who covered it in 1960. Matthews soon left the group over a dispute involving some BBQ chicken and a pitcher of lemonade.
Capitalizing on their good humored personalities, the trio starred in the 1985 Run-D.M.C. feature film Krush Groove and in the feature film Disorderlies (1987), which featured Ralph Bellamy as a millionaire invalid who receives bumbling care by his good-natured orderlies (played by the Fat Boys). They were later approached to record the theme song for A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988), called “Are You Ready for Freddy,” which featured Robert Englund performing as Freddy Krueger.
The group’s popularity ballooned by the ’90s, and Prince Markie Dee left the group to pursue solo interests. In 1991, the remaining two members, Kool Rock Ski and Buff Love carried on as a duo and released Mack Daddy (1991), but shortly thereafter disbanded (until 2008). The Original Fat Boys are fondly regarded as a seminal part of early rap music recording history. In December 10, 1995, Buff Love died of a heart attack in Rosedale, Queens, New York. He was 28 years old and reportedly weighed 450 lbs. Prince Markie Dee is currently managed by Uncle Louie Management and is a radio host for WMIB 103.5 FM ‘The Beat’ in Miami, Florida on its afternoon drive-time show. Kool Rock-ski is managed by Uncle Louie Management and resides in New York.
The surviving members of the Fat Boys launched OriginalFatBoys.com their first official homepage on November 5, 2008. The Original Fat Boys are both managed by Uncle Louie Management and Uncle Louie Music Group, Louis L. Gregory, where they are embarking on a comeback.
According to their official website, the Fat Boys have recently recorded their first track in nearly two decades and have plans of doing a reality TV show in search of a new member.
In the CW’s Everybody Hates Chris, The episode “Everybody Hates Fake ID’s” from the fourth season revolves around Chris and Greg’s attempts to enter a Fat Boys concert in 1987.
In March 2009 Kool Rock-ski announced the launch of his official website the Official Kool Rock website. His first solo project, an EP is slated for release on April 14, 2009.
In October 2009 Prince Markie Dee called out The legendary Iron Sheik to a fight Prince Markie Dee vs. Iron Sheik
