A piece of East New York, Brooklyn, has recently been given a new name in honour of one of hip-hop’s most influential groups – The Fat Boys. On August 22, 2026, a section of Schenck Avenue, between New Lots Avenue and Hegeman Avenue, was officially unveiled as Fat Boys Avenue.
The Fat Boys including members Prince Markie Dee, Kool Rock-Ski and Buff Love, also known as the Human Beat Box all grew up in East New York during the early years of hip-hop. Before becoming famous, the three were local teenagers who spent time together in their Brooklyn neighbourhood, eventually forming a group originally known as the Disco 3. Their friendship and musical journey began on the very streets that are now being recognised in their name.
The group went on to become pioneers of hip-hop during the 1980s. Their combination of rap, humour and Buff Love’s extraordinary beatboxing helped them stand out from other artists of the time. They achieved major success with records such as The Fat Boys and Crushin’, and also appeared in films including Krush Groove and Disorderlies.
The street naming process began before the unveiling. Local Law 121 of 2025 formally approved the honorary designation of Schenck Avenue as Fat Boys Avenue. The law specifies that the honour applies to the section between New Lots Avenue and Hegeman Avenue.
The ceremony was particularly meaningful because only one member of the original group, Kool Rock-Ski, was alive to witness the honour. Buff Love died in 1995 at the age of 28, while Prince Markie Dee died in 2021 at the age of 52. Their legacy, however, remains deeply connected to the Brooklyn community where their story began.
The naming of Fat Boys Avenue is therefore more than simply changing a street sign. It represents the recognition of Brooklyn’s contribution to hip-hop and celebrates three young men from East New York who went from performing on local streets to becoming international hip-hop stars. By placing their name permanently on the streets where they grew up, the community is ensuring that future generations remember where the Fat Boys came from — and the important role they played in the history of hip-hop.
Salute the Fat Boys on their street naming and contribution to Hip-Hop.
