US Rapper Fatman Scoop Dies After Collapsing Onstage
US rapper Fatman Scoop, best known for his booming voice and infectious energy, has died at the age of 53.
The rapper, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, collapsed on stage during a concert in Hamden, Connecticut, on Friday night. He was rushed to the hospital but later died, his family confirmed.
“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” his family wrote in a statement on Instagram. “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”
Music artists send their condolences
Scoop was a prominent figure in the hip-hop scene, especially known for his 2003 hit "Be Faithful," which became a club anthem worldwide. Over his career, he collaborated with major artists like Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, and Ciara.
Missy Elliott, who worked with Scoop on the Grammy-winning track "Lose Control," paid tribute, saying, “Your voice and energy have contributed to many songs that made people happy and want to dance for over two decades. Your impact is huge and will never be forgotten.”
The sudden loss of Fatman Scoop has left a void in the music industry, with many remembering him not just for his talent but also for his larger-than-life personality. His booking agency, MN2S, praised him as a “beloved figure in the music world” whose “iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry.”
Birch Michael, also known as DJ Pure Cold, who was close to Scoop, expressed his grief on social media, stating, “You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet. The things you taught me have truly made me the man I am today.”
The impact of Fatman Scoop’s passing is felt not only by his peers but also by the many fans who were inspired by his music. The Reminisce Festival in the UK, where he was scheduled to perform in September, called the news “devastating,” describing him as a “cherished member of the Reminisce family.”
As tributes continue to pour in from all corners of the music world, Fatman Scoop’s legacy as a voice that made people dance, laugh, and embrace life with positivity will undoubtedly live on.
“He was not just a world-class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle, and friend,” his family wrote. “He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”
