Rapper FatMan Scoop Collapses Onstage, Dies at 53

August 31 (UPI) — Renowned rapper FatMan Scoop, known for his powerful vocal range and collaborations with top musicians, has passed away after collapsing during a concert in Connecticut.

Isaac Freeman III, aged 53, was confirmed deceased by his family through an Instagram post on Saturday. Originally from New York, FatMan Scoop’s death marks a significant loss in the music industry.

“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” the post on his Instagram page read. “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”

On Friday night, he was performing at the Green and Gold Party summer concert in Hamden, about six miles from New Haven, when he experienced a medical emergency on stage.

Emergency crews were dispatched at 8:26 p.m., and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance, as confirmed by the town’s mayor on Facebook.

“On behalf of the Town of Hamden, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Isaac Freeman, known as Fatman Scoop,” the mayor wrote. “He was a wonderful performer with a wide following as evidenced by the thousands of fans that came to see what would be his last performance at Hamden Town Center Park. I am grateful to the audience members and to our paramedics that attempted to offer life-saving assistance.”

The event, originally scheduled for last month, had been postponed due to bad weather.

“FatMan Scoop 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,” his family shared. “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 never forgotten.”

In 1999, his single “Be Faithful” charted on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts, even hitting No. 1 on the singles charts in Britain and Ireland.

He also competed in Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA in 2015 and performed on the Grammy Award-winning single “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott and Ciara, as well as “It’s Like That” by Mariah Carey. His collaborations extended to artists like Ciara, LL Cool J, the Fugees, Timbaland & Magoo, and Skrillex.

Missy Elliott took to social media to pay tribute: “Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten,” she wrote.

Ciara also honored him on social media: “Rest Easy at @FatmanScoop! You were truly one of the best voices in hip-hop! I’m so glad I got to experience your greatness! We will all miss you greatly.”

Fatman Scoop adopted his stage name from a childhood nickname given to him by his Uncle Jack because of his love for ice cream.

“I spoke to him just a few days ago, and he was in such good spirits,” said Sharron Elkabas, Freeman’s representative at MN2S, in a statement. “It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us.”

Source: UPI