Fatman Scoop, the renowned American rapper and hype man best known for his 2003 hit “Be Faithful,” has died at the age of 53.
The tragic incident occurred during a performance in Connecticut, where he was seen collapsing on stage.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement on his Instagram page, expressing their “profound sadness and very heavy hearts.” Fatman Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, had just removed his shirt and walked behind a DJ booth when he suddenly collapsed. Despite attempts to revive him through CPR, the rapper was later pronounced dead.
The mayor of Hamden, Lauren Garrett, shared details of the incident on Facebook, stating that Fatman Scoop experienced a medical emergency while performing at Hamden Town Center Park.
He was immediately transported to the hospital by ambulance, but unfortunately, he did not survive. Garrett urged the community to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
Fatman Scoop’s family described him as a “radiant soul” and a “beacon of light” both on and off the stage.
They stated that he was more than just a world-class performer; he was also a loving father, brother, uncle, and friend. His infectious joy and generosity will be deeply missed.
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Missy Elliott, who collaborated with Fatman Scoop on the 2005 hit “Lose Control,” praised his “voice and energy” for bringing happiness to countless people over the years.
His talent agency, MN2S, also paid homage to the rapper, highlighting his “iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality,” and assured that his legacy would endure through his timeless music.
Fatman Scoop was also known for his feature on Mariah Carey’s Grammy-nominated song “It’s Like That” and his collaborations with artists like Nick Cannon, Skrillex, and Timbaland.
In the UK, he was recognized for his appearance on Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother: UK vs USA in 2015, where he was a beloved contestant.
He was scheduled to perform at the Reminisce Festival in Saint Helens, UK, in September.
The festival organizers expressed their deep sorrow on Facebook, describing him as a “cherished member of the Reminisce family” whose energy and spirit would be missed beyond words.
