Rapper who worked with Missy Elliott dies at 53 after concert collapse

Fatman Scoop, the renowned American rapper and hype man famed for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” has passed away at the age of 53 due to a medical emergency that occurred on stage.

The incident took place during a performance on Friday, August 30, in Hamden Town Center Park, Connecticut. Freeman collapsed unexpectedly while performing and was quickly rushed to the hospital.

Witnesses at the concert reported that Freeman appeared to be in distress before he suddenly fell behind the DJ decks. First responders were quick to arrive on the scene, administering CPR to the artist. The specific cause of his death has not yet been revealed.

Tour manager Birch Michael announced his death the following day, August 31. In an emotional Instagram post, he expressed gratitude for the experiences shared with Scoop, acknowledging how much he had learned from him throughout their time together on tour.

MN2S, the booking agency representing Fatman Scoop, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement to The Independent. They expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and client, Fatman Scoop, at the age of 53.” They added that he was a cherished figure in the music industry, beloved by fans worldwide.

Fatman Scoop was celebrated for his iconic voice and infectious energy, which had a lasting impact on the music scene. His legacy will undoubtedly continue through the timeless quality of his music.

Sharron Elkabas, a representative for the rapper, shared that she had spoken with him just a few days prior and described him as being in high spirits. She expressed disbelief over his sudden passing, stating, “It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us.” She went on to highlight the profound impact Scoop had on those around him.

The statement included feelings of loss from his family and the MN2S community, emphasizing that his vibrant spirit and passion for music would always be remembered. They extended their thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and fans during this challenging time.

A statement from his family shared on his Instagram highlighted his “radiant soul,” referring to him as a “beacon of light” both on stage and in his personal life. They spoke of him as a source of laughter, strength, and unwavering support.

Throughout his career, Freeman was known for collaborations with numerous high-profile artists, including Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Missy Elliott. His signature raspy voice contributed to tracks such as Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” and Missy Elliott’s award-winning single “Lose Control.”

Freeman, who was born in New York, adopted the stage name Fatman Scoop as a nod to a childhood nickname given by his uncle, referencing his love for ice cream.

His rise to fame was marked by the 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” which featured the Crooklyn Clan. The song’s catchy hook made a significant imprint on hip hop and club culture, continuing to resonate today. The 2001 re-release saw samples from other artists like Jay-Z and Faith Evans, further boosting its popularity.

Freeman continued to create music until his untimely death, releasing a new music video for his latest collaboration with Dyce Paso, titled “Let It Go,” just hours before his collapse.

In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Missy Elliott conveyed her condolences to Freeman’s family, stating that his voice and energy brought joy and a desire to dance to countless fans over two decades.

Artists like Quest Love and producer Timbaland joined in honoring the legacy of Fatman Scoop, with heartfelt messages acknowledging his contributions to music. Crystal Waters described him as one of the most wonderful people she had ever known, expressing sorrow over his loss.