Hip Hop Be Bop

Prince Markie Dee (Mark Morales), Kool Rock-Ski (Damon Wimbley) and Buff Love aka The Human Beat Box (Darren Robinson), collectively known as the Disco 3, were discovered after entering a talent show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 1983. ‘The Tin Pan Apple After Dark Dance & Rap Contest’ was sponsored by Coca-Cola and hosted on the night by WBLS’s, Mr Magic.

The Disco 3 won the competition, gaining a recording contract in the process. The promoter and owner of Tin Pan Apple, Charles Stettler, took on the role of manager for the group and in 1983 they released their debut single, ‘Reality’, produced by legendary jazz fusion artist James Mason.

For the group’s second release, ‘Fat Boys’, Charles introduced the group to Kurtis Blow, who handled the production while his good friend, William Waring helped with the lyrics. The promotional release featured the track ‘International Love’ which wasn’t included on the standard release. Copies also included a lyric sheet.