Rapper and Hype Man Dies at 53

Fatman Scoop, the cherished rapper and hype man, often hailed as the “undisputed voice of the club,” passed away at the age of 53. His sudden demise occurred during a concert in Connecticut on Friday, Aug. 30.

The news of his passing was confirmed by his booking agency, MN2S, in a statement to PEOPLE. The agency expressed their heartbreak over losing their dear friend and client, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III.

“Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, and his work was loved by countless fans across the globe,” MN2S stated. “His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made a lasting impact on the industry. His legacy will live on through his timeless music. Fatman Scoop had been a valued member of the MN2S family for 15 years, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us.”

The agency also paid tribute to Freeman’s “vibrant spirit, boundless enthusiasm, and passion for music,” noting that he “will be deeply missed.”

Sharron Elkabas, the rapper’s representative, shared an additional statement, saying, “I spoke to him just a few days ago, and he was in such good spirits. It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us.”

Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett in Connecticut confirmed on social media that Freeman was taken to the hospital on Aug. 30 after collapsing onstage during a concert at Town Center Park. TMZ reported that police were called to the venue for a medical emergency at 8:33 p.m. local time. Multiple people tended to Freeman while appearing to move him from the stage.

Elkabas told The Hollywood Reporter that Freeman is survived by his son, daughter, and brother.

Fatman Scoop was best known for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” and his high-profile feature appearances on tracks like Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.” “Lose Control” notably peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the best short form music video Grammy, along with a nomination for best rap song.

Missy Elliott paid tribute to Fatman Scoop on social media, writing: “Prayers for Fatman Scoop’s family for STRENGTH during this difficult time🙏🏾 Fatman Scoop’s VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will NEVER be forgotten..🕊️🙏🏾.”

On Saturday, a message from the Freeman family was shared on Fatman Scoop’s Instagram page, confirming his death.

“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life,” the family statement read. “FatManScoop was not just a world-class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”

“FatMan Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club. 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 not forgotten,” the statement continued. “As we mourn the loss of FatMan Scoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched. FatMan Scoop’s legacy of love and brightness will reside in our hearts and our memories forever.”

Additional tributes poured in, with Questlove thanking the entertainer on Instagram for “being an embodiment of what hip-hop was truly about.”

Questlove wrote, “To just forget about your troubles and live in the moment and allow joy in. So sad to see you go, my brother. You will be missed but you will NEVER be forgotten.”

Source: PEOPLE, The Hollywood Reporter