The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said the Grammy-winning DJ died from natural causes.
The cause of death for rapper FatMan Scoop has been revealed, nearly a month after he
collapsed on stage during a concert in Connecticut.
The hip-hop artist, whose real name is Isaac Freeman III, died from natural causes, the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to The Epoch Times Sept. 25.
The 56-year-old suffered from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a heart condition that stems from long-term high blood pressure that
leads to atherosclerosis, or increased plaque buildup and hardening of artery walls.
The Grammy-winning DJ collapsed while performing at the Town Center Park in Hamden Aug. 30, before being taken to the hospital.
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett
said on Facebook that Freeman had a medical emergency on stage, with concertgoers posting video to social media of paramedics attempting to aid the artist and administering chest compressions.
The rapper’s family took
to Instagram at the time to confirm his death, remembering Freeman as a “radiant soul” and a “beacon of light on the stage and in life.”
“His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten,” it read.
In the weeks following his death, the town of Hamden where Freeman performed his final concert held a candlelight vigil.
Earlier this month, the Apollo Theater, alongside the Freeman family, also
held a celebration of life and requested, in lieu of flowers or gifts, to donate to the “MusiCares” charity in his honor.
The nonprofit organization
offers programs, services, and wellness initiatives to support those within the music community.
The New York native grew up in Harlem and broke out in the music scene with his 1999 hit single “Be Faithful,” before rising to international fame with a 2003 re-release in Europe.
As a result, Freeman topped the singles charts in the UK and Ireland, and made several television appearances along the way.
He was also known for his collaboration in hits like “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott, which won a Grammy for short-form music video in 2006, and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.”
Freeman was honored by several members of the rap and hip-hop community, with Elliott praising his “VOICE and energy.”
“Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time,” Elliot
wrote via X. “[Scoop] contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will NEVER be forgotten.”
Freeman was a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend who leaves behind two children.
