Fatman Scoop, Beloved Rapper, Dies at 53 After Collapsing During Performance.

Published on 31 August 2024, by Olivia Collins | NY, USA.

U.S. rapper Fatman Scoop has passed away at the age of 53 after collapsing during a concert in Connecticut, as confirmed by his representative to the BBC. The incident occurred on Friday while he was midway through his performance at Town Center Park in Hamden.

According to Mayor Lauren Garrett's Facebook post, the rapper was transported to a local hospital by ambulance. However, his booking agency, MN2S, later confirmed his death in a statement to the BBC, stating that his "legacy will endure through his timeless music."

"Scoop was a beloved figure in the music industry, adored by countless fans worldwide," said a spokesperson from the agency. "His iconic voice, infectious energy, and remarkable personality left a lasting impact on the industry."

In a social media tribute, his family described him as "a radiant soul, a beacon of light both on stage and in life." They added, "Fatman Scoop was not just a world-class performer; he was a father, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought laughter into our lives and was a constant source of support, strength, and courage."

Fatman Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, played a significant role in New York City’s hip hop scene during the 1990s. He contributed to several popular tracks, including the Grammy-winning "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott and "It's Like That" by Mariah Carey. He is also widely recognized for his sleeper hit "Be Faithful," which was initially released in 1999 but achieved international success in 2003, topping the charts in Ireland and the UK.

In 2004, the rapper appeared on the UK TV series Chancers on Channel 4, where he mentored aspiring UK artists aiming for success in the U.S. Fatman Scoop also participated in the 16th season of Celebrity Big Brother: UK vs USA in 2015, where he was the third contestant to be evicted.

His tour manager, DJ Pure Cold, expressed his grief in an Instagram post, saying he was "lost for words" upon hearing of his friend's death. "You took me around the world and had me perform alongside you on some of the biggest and best stages," he wrote. "The lessons you taught me have shaped the person I am today."

Fatman Scoop was scheduled to perform at the UK's Reminisce Festival on September 7. The festival called the news of his death "devastating" in an Instagram post, saying, "He was not just one of our most popular performers; he was a beloved member of the Reminisce family. His energy, talent, and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can convey."