US rapper Fatman Scoop, born Isaac Freeman III, has tragically passed away at the age of 53 after collapsing on stage during a concert in Hamden, Connecticut.
The incident occurred while he was performing at the Town Center Park. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to a local hospital, his death was later confirmed by his booking agency, MN2S.
Fatman Scoop, renowned for his powerful voice and dynamic presence, had a significant impact on the music world.
Known for hits like “Be Faithful,” which gained international acclaim in 2003, and collaborations with Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, he was a defining figure in New York City’s hip hop scene during the 1990s.
His work, including Grammy-winning tracks like “Lose Control,” resonated with fans worldwide.
The news of his death was also announced by Hamden’s Mayor, Lauren Garrett, who offered heartfelt condolences to his family and fans.
She praised the efforts of the audience and paramedics who tried to help Scoop during his medical emergency.
A tribute posted on Scoop’s official Instagram described him as a “radiant soul” and “beacon of light,” highlighting his roles beyond music as a father, brother, and friend.
Scoop was scheduled to perform at the UK’s Reminisce Festival on September 7. The festival expressed deep sadness over his passing, remembering him as a cherished performer with an infectious spirit.
His tour manager, DJ Pure Cold, also expressed profound grief, reflecting on the global experiences and lessons shared with his late friend.
“You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet,” he wrote.
Adding, “The things you taught me have truly made me the man I am today.”
Fatman Scoop’s legacy will endure through his music and the indelible mark he left on the industry and his fans.
Fatman Scoop’s Music Career
Fatman Scoop made a major impact in 1999 with his breakout single “Be Faithful,” which climbed the Billboard Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs charts.
Throughout his career, he collaborated with a range of artists including Lil Jon, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Pitbull, and Skrillex.
His powerful voice and energetic presence played a key role in the success of Missy Elliott’s 2005 hit “Lose Control,” featuring Ciara, and also contributed to Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” the same year.
In 2006, Fatman Scoop’s work on “Lose Control” earned him a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video.
Celebrities Who Paid Tribute To Fatman Scoop
Missy Elliott: “Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during such a difficult time [prayer emoji] Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to SO MANY songs that made people feel HAPPY & want to DANCE for over 2 decades everytime you hear them… His IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”
Ciara: “Rest Easy at @FatmanScoop! You were truly one of the best voices in hip-hop! “
Jim Jones: “To my 5th Ave border brother u will b forever missed, the game lost a true legend from Harlem but the heavens above just received a great angel, watch over Harlem bro I’m a do the rest till we meet again my friend FATMANSCOOP.”
Timbaland: “Man I’m at a loss for words [crying emojis] ‘Drop’ was the song I started with on tour. Rest easy.”
Questlove: “I want to thank Fatman Scoop for being an embodiment of what hip hop was truly about. To just forget about your troubles and live in the moment and allow joy in.”
Ludacris: “Scoop was one of those people that reminded you what the word LOVE Truly means. It’s an ACTION, and with his ACTIONS he exuded the PUREST form of Passion For HIP HOP. Every human being that he came Into contact with felt that LOVE & that PASSION. THIS is the Type Of LEGACY WE should ALL continue from here on until ETERNITY.”