US rapper Fatman Scoop has passed away at the age of 53 following a collapse during his performance at Town Center Park in Hamden, Connecticut, on Friday.
The rapper, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, was midway through his set when he collapsed. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital by ambulance, but his death was later confirmed by his booking agency, MN2S.
In a statement to the BBC, MN2S honoured the New York native, highlighting that his “legacy will live on through his timeless music.” An agency spokesperson praised Fatman Scoop for his iconic voice, energetic performances, and significant impact on the music industry.
Fatman Scoop’s family paid tribute to him on social media, describing him as “a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.” They stressed his roles beyond music, noting his importance as a father, brother, uncle, and friend. “He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage,” they said.
A prominent figure in New York City’s 1990s hip hop scene, Fatman Scoop is renowned for his collaborations on tracks such as Missy Elliott’s Grammy-winning “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.” His 1999 release “Be Faithful” achieved international success, topping charts in Ireland and the UK in 2003.
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Scoop also made appearances on UK television, including Channel 4’s Chancers in 2004, where he mentored aspiring artists, and he was a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA in 2015, where he was evicted as the third housemate.
DJ Pure Cold, Scoop’s tour manager, expressed his grief on Instagram, reflecting on their global performances together and the personal growth he attributed to Scoop.
Fatman Scoop was scheduled to perform at the UK’s Reminisce Festival on September 7. The festival expressed its profound sorrow, describing Scoop as “a cherished member of the Reminisce family” whose “energy, talent, and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express.”
