U.S. rapper Fatman Scoop has passed away at the age of 53 after collapsing during a concert in Connecticut on Friday, his representative informed the BBC. The incident occurred when he was halfway through his performance at Town Center Park in Hamden.
Mayor Lauren Garrett shared on Facebook that the rapper was rushed to a local hospital by ambulance after the collapse. However, his booking agency, MN2S, later confirmed his death in a statement to the BBC, saying that the New York native’s “legacy will live on through his timeless music.”
“Scoop was a cherished figure in the music industry, adored by countless fans worldwide,” said a spokesperson from the agency. “His iconic voice, infectious energy, and vibrant personality left an indelible mark on the industry.”
In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Fatman Scoop’s family described him as “a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.” They added, “Fatman Scoop was not just a world-class performer, but also a father, brother, uncle, and friend.”
The family further expressed, “He brought laughter into our lives, serving as a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”
Born Isaac Freeman III, Fatman Scoop played a significant role in New York City’s hip hop scene during the 1990s. He contributed to many popular tracks, including the Grammy-winning “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott and “It’s Like That” by Mariah Carey.
One of Scoop’s most notable achievements was his sleeper hit “Be Faithful,” originally released in 1999. The song achieved international success in 2003, topping the charts in the UK and Ireland.
In 2004, Fatman Scoop was featured in the UK TV series Chancers on Channel 4, where he mentored aspiring UK artists striving for success in the U.S. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA in 2015, where he was the third contestant to be evicted.
DJ Pure Cold, Scoop’s tour manager, expressed his grief on Instagram, saying he was “lost for words” after hearing the news of his friend’s passing. “You took me all over the world, performing on some of the biggest stages. The lessons you taught me have shaped the man I am today,” he wrote.
Fatman Scoop was scheduled to perform at the UK’s Reminisce Festival on September 7. In a post on Instagram, the festival organizers called his death “devastating,” adding, “He wasn’t just one of our most popular performers; he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family. His energy, talent, and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express.”