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The Fat Boys

From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article The Fat Boys, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025
The Fat Boys
Company typeMusical group
IndustryMusic
Founded1983
Headquarters
Brooklyn, New York
,
United States
ProductsHip hop music, albums, singles

The Fat Boys were a pioneering American hip-hop trio originating from Brooklyn, New York, in the early 1980s. Originally called the Disco 3, the ensemble included Mark "Prince Markie Dee" Morales, Damon "Kool Rock-Ski" Wimbley, and Darren "Buff Love" Robinson.

As early adopters of beatboxing in their tracks, The Fat Boys stood alongside groups like Run-DMC, Whodini, and Kurtis Blow as some of the first rap artists to produce full-length albums. Their humor-infused, self-mocking approach resulted in seven studio albums, with four earning Gold certification from the RIAA.

Kurtis Blow produced their initial two albums. Among their notable hits are "Jail House Rap," "Can You Feel It?," "Fat Boys," "Stick 'Em," "Don't You Dog Me," "All You Can Eat," "The Fat Boys Are Back," and "Pump It Up."

Their 1987 release, Crushin'—which went Platinum—featured the successful single "Wipeout!", created in collaboration with rock group the Beach Boys. The subsequent album, Coming Back Hard Again (1988), achieved Gold status and included the track "The Twist (Yo, Twist)", featuring rock and roll icon Chubby Checker. This album also contained "Are You Ready for Freddy", the theme song for A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, starring Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger.

Broadening their influence beyond music, The Fat Boys appeared in three feature films during the 1980s: Krush Groove (1985), Knights of the City (1986), and Disorderlies (1987).

Members

  • Mark Morales, known professionally as Prince Markie Dee (February 19, 1968 – February 18, 2021)
  • Damon Wimbley, professionally Kool Rock-Ski (born November 9, 1966)
  • Darren Robinson, also called The Human Beat Box and Buff Love (June 10, 1967 – December 10, 1995)

Origins

In 1983, Swiss promoter Charles Stettler—owner of Tin Pan Apple label—organized a hip-hop talent competition backed by Coca-Cola, securing support through radio station WBLS. Over three months, contests took place throughout New York City's boroughs. The final round occurred on May 23, 1983, at Radio City Music Hall, where the group then known as The Disco 3 won with their track "Stick' Em," earning a recording deal.

European Tour

After releasing their debut single "Reality" in 1983—produced by James Mason from Roy Ayers' band—Stettler became their manager. He guided them on a European bus tour characterized by grueling schedules and frequent late-night fast-food meals that contributed to the members’ weight gain. This development influenced their decision to adopt a new name. The rebranding celebration took place at New York's Roseland Ballroom.

Collaboration with Kurtis Blow

Charlie Stettler introduced the group to rapper and producer Kurtis Blow, who played a key role in shaping their distinctive style. For album production, Kurtis Blow enlisted drum machine experts Larry Smith and Davy "DMX" Reeves from Run-D.M.C., regarded as leading producers at that time. Their initial project together was the single "Stick' Em."

The group's self-titled debut album released in 1984, Fat Boys, is widely acknowledged as one of hip-hop’s earliest full-length records to prominently feature beatboxing by Darren "The Human Beat Box" Robinson.

Feature films

Documentary

Video compilations

  • 1986 – Brrr, Watch 'Em! (MCA Home Video)
  • 1988 – 3×3 (PolyGram Music Video)


External links

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