US rapper and hype man Fatman Scoop, born Isaac Freeman III, has passed away at the age of 53. His family confirmed the news with deep sorrow on his Instagram page. The tragic incident occurred during a performance in Connecticut, where he was seen collapsing on stage after removing his shirt and walking behind a DJ booth.
Despite immediate attempts to administer CPR, Fatman Scoop could not be revived. The mayor of Hamden, Lauren Garrett, had earlier posted about the medical emergency, asking for thoughts and prayers for the rapper.
Fatman Scoop was widely known for his 2003 hit “Be Faithful,” which became a global anthem, and his vibrant energy on stage. His family described him as a radiant soul and a beacon of light, both on stage and in life.
They highlighted his role not just as a world-class performer but also as a father, brother, uncle, and friend. His music, they said, brought joy and positivity to countless lives, and his infectious laughter and generosity will be deeply missed.
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry, with fellow artists and collaborators expressing their grief. Birch Michael, known as Pure Cold, credited Scoop with teaching him how to be the man he is today and expressed his deep gratitude.
Missy Elliott, who worked with Fatman Scoop on her 2005 hit “Lose Control,” praised his voice and energy, noting his significant impact on the music world over the past two decades. She emphasized that his contributions to music and the joy he brought to people would never be forgotten.
Fatman Scoop’s talent agency, MN2S, also paid tribute to him, remembering him as a beloved figure whose iconic voice and personality left a lasting mark on the industry.
Sharron Elkabas, one of the agency’s founders, expressed disbelief at his sudden passing, recalling a recent conversation where Scoop was in high spirits.
His legacy, they assured, would live on through his timeless music and the joy he spread to fans around the globe.
In addition to his work in the music industry, Fatman Scoop was 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.
He was also familiar to UK audiences from his appearance on Channel 5’s “Celebrity Big Brother: UK vs USA” in 2015. Scoop was a cherished member of the Reminisce Festival in Saint Helens, where he was scheduled to perform in September.
The festival organizers mourned his loss, stating that his energy, talent, and infectious spirit would be deeply missed.
