Darren Robinson

Darren Robinson, also known as 'The Human Beat Box', was born on June 10, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York. He was a prominent member of the hip-hop group The Fat Boys, known for his innovative beatboxing skills and charismatic stage presence. The group was instrumental in popularizing hip-hop music in the 1980s.

In 1983, Darren Robinson, along with Mark Morales (Prince Markie Dee) and Damon Wimbley (Kool Rock-Ski), formed the influential hip-hop group The Fat Boys. The group gained popularity for their humorous lyrics, entertaining stage acts, and Darren's unique beatboxing talents. They became one of the earliest rap acts to achieve mainstream success in the United States.

On October 1, 1984, The Fat Boys released their self-titled debut album, 'Fat Boys'. The album was groundbreaking in hip-hop and was produced by Kurtis Blow. It featured beatboxing prominently and included hit tracks like 'Jail House Rap'. Darren Robinson's beatbox solo performances on the album were particularly highlighted for their creativity and skill.

In 1985, Darren Robinson and The Fat Boys appeared in the seminal hip-hop film 'Krush Groove'. The movie was a fictionalized account of the early days of Def Jam Recordings and featured many prominent artists of the era. The Fat Boys' involvement in the film helped to cement their status in the hip-hop community and introduce them to a broader audience.

In 1987, Darren Robinson and The Fat Boys embarked on their first worldwide tour, bringing their lively performances and humorous brand of hip-hop to audiences around the globe. The tour helped to establish their international fanbase and showcased Darren's exceptional abilities as a beatbox artist on the world stage, influencing many future hip-hop and rap acts.

'The Fat Boys Are Back' was released on May 23, 1988. This album saw Darren Robinson and The Fat Boys continuing their trend of fun and entertaining hip-hop music. It included tracks like 'The Twist' featuring Chubby Checker and was certified Gold by the RIAA, further establishing the group's presence in the music industry during the late 1980s.

In 1991, Darren Robinson began working on launching a solo music career after the initial break-up of The Fat Boys. While the solo albums did not achieve the success of his previous work with The Fat Boys, Darren continued to be respected as a pioneer of beatboxing and hip-hop music, influencing a new generation of artists and performers.

In 1993, Darren Robinson contributed to the album 'On and On' which tried to leverage the old school hip-hop flavor of his earlier career with The Fat Boys. Although the album did not sell as well, it had cult appeal and showcased Darren's continued commitment to his craft and to the beatboxing community, maintaining his iconic status.

The Fat Boys tried to stage a comeback in 1995. Darren Robinson reunited with his bandmates to record new material and perform in various shows. Despite not achieving the previous heights of their early career, the reformation was cherished by fans who appreciated Darren's ongoing contributions to beatboxing and entertaining performances.

Darren Robinson passed away on December 10, 1998, at the age of 31, due to a heart attack. His untimely death was a significant loss to the hip-hop community. Known affectionately as 'Buff Love', Darren was remembered for his pioneering beatboxing talent, infectious personality, and contribution to the popularization of hip-hop culture in the 1980s.