Prince Markie Dee, born Mark Anthony Morales, known from the pioneering and iconic rap group The Fat Boys and a hit songwriter and producer for Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and others, has died. He was only 52. No cause of death has been given.

The news was announced by Morales’ manager, Louie “Uncle Louie” Gregory.

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.

Louie “Uncle Louie” Gregory

Markie Dee produced and penned songs for icons such as Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige and more.

Celebrities like Fat Joe, Questlove and Eminem took to social media to pay tribute to Markie Dee.

I would be walking and all of a sudden I would hear music ricochet off the walls, it would go ‘huh huh huh ha huh Hu Hu ha Fat Fat Fat boys, Fat Fat Fat boys,’ this was the first song they would play at the block party to summon you to appear. Today’s news is sad the last member of the Fat Boys’ Prince Markie D morales has passed on he was a great guy a Legend and pioneer God bless my fellow Boriqua brother till we meet again.

Fat Joe

I mean yeah now we all take for granted that traditional music really isn’t needed to cold rock a party. But to see THESE cats rock it back then???!

Questlove

So sad 2 hear of the legendary @PrinceMarkieDee of the Fat Boys’ passing. One of my childhood idols & favorite mc’s of all time. Left us way 2 soon. He will truly be missed.

Eminem