NEW YORK -- Darren Robinson, 28, a 450-pound rap singer dubbed the Human Beat Box for his percussive belches and grunts, died Dec. 10 at his home here.
The cause of death was under investigation. Linda West, a manager for the Fat Boys, said Mr. Robinson had recently been found to have lymph edema, a fluid buildup, and also was fighting the flu.
Paramedics, called to Mr. Robinson's home at 3 a.m. were unable to revive the rapper. The medical examiner had not determined the cause of death.
Mr. Robinson, Mark "Prince Markie Dee" Morales and Damon "Kool Rockski" Wimbley -- total weight topping 800 pounds -- were called Disco 3 when they won a rap contest in Brooklyn in 1984.
That led to a record deal and a European tour, during which they racked up hotel room-service bills that were so high their angry promoter started to call them "fat boys."
About 10 days ago, the Fat Boys agreed to do a reunion album, said another manager of the group, Charles Stettler. Mr. Robinson was working on the album in his home studio at the time of death, Stettler said. Mr. Robinson had completed his voice tracks, and Morales and Wimbley will finish the project and dedicate it to him, Stettler said.
Survivors include a son, his parents, a brother and two sisters.
