Rapper Fatman Scoop has died after collapsing on stage during a concert in Connecticut, according to family and local officials.
Rapper Fatman Scoop has died after collapsing on stage during a concert in Connecticut, according to family and local officials.
The New York-born artist, whose real name is Isaac Freeman III, suffered a medical emergency while performing on stage at the “Green & Gold Party” concert in Hamden, Connecticut, on Aug. 30,
according to Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett.
Video
posted on social media from the concert moments after the 53-year-old Freeman collapsed showed other performers leading a prayer on his behalf while an emergency medical responder can be seen carrying out chest compressions.
Garrett said that Freeman had been taken to the hospital, while family members later confirmed his death.
“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” they wrote in a
post on social media on Saturday morning. “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”
Freeman’s cause of death remains unclear.
His talent agency, MN2S, paid tribute to Freeman, calling him “our dear friend and client.”
“Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe,” the agency
wrote in a social media post.
Birch Michael, a producer and DJ who’s known as Pure Cold, also paid tribute to the rapper.
“You taught me how to be the Man I am today,” he
wrote in a post on social media. “Thank you so much for everything you gave to me.”
Freeman is perhaps best known for his contributions to the 2005 singles “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott, which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award, and “It’s Like That” by Mariah Carey, which reached number 16 on the same chart.
Earlier in his career, his 1999 hit single “Be Faithful” became a major success, topping the UK Singles Chart and making notable entries on the Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs charts.
Freeman was scheduled to perform at Reminisce Festival in the UK on Sept. 7. The festival posted a tribute to Freeman on social media.
“Scoop was scheduled to perform at this year’s Reminisce Festival, and his absence will be profoundly felt by everyone,” reads the
post. “He was not 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.”
