Darren Robinson

Who was Darren Robinson?

Darren Robinson, also known as Buffy, The Human Beat Box, and DJ Doctor Nice, was a member of the 1980s rap group The Fat Boys. He, along with Doug E. Fresh and others, were pioneers of beatboxing, a form of vocal percussion used in many rap groups throughout the '80s and '90s.

Buffy and the group were featured in the 1985 movie Krush Groove, appearing under the name Disco Three at the start before acquiring the name The Fat Boys near the end. They went on to win the talent contest after being ridiculed on previous occasions. The movie, based on the early days of record label Def Jam also featured Blair Underwood as Russell Simmons, and record producer Rick Rubin along with Run DMC, Sheila E., Beastie Boys and Kurtis Blow, and a young LL Cool J.

As the Fat Boys' fame declined Robinson found himself embroiled in scandal in 1990 when he was accused of filming a roadie having sex with a 14-year-old girl in August 1990 at a suburban Philadelphia party. Robinson was fined $10,000.

Although perfect for the group's image, Darren's weight eventually contributed to his death. He had recently been diagnosed with lymphedema, or fluid buildup.