Fatman Scoop has died after collapsing during a concert in Connecticut on Friday night (Aug. 30). He was 53.
The New York rapper, whose real name is Isaac Freeman III, was performing at Town Center Park in Hamden, Conn., where he appeared to have suffered a medical emergency, according to TMZ. Fan-captured video on X (formerly Twitter) showed the legendary hip-hop hype man and radio personality collapsing mid-performance. After medical personnel performed chest compressions on Freeman behind the DJ booth, the artist was then transferred to a local hospital.
Freeman’s passing was confirmed Saturday morning (Aug. 31) in a post from his family on Instagram. A specific cause of death was not provided.
“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic Fatman Scoop,” the heartfelt message begins. “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”
The post continued, “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.”
Freeman’s tour manager Bryan “DJ Pure Cold” Michael also shared the sad news on social media.
“I am honestly lost for words,” Michael wrote on Instagram. “You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet, the things you taught me have truely made me the man I am today.”
Freeman gained prominence with his 1999 club favorite “Be Faithful,” featuring the Crooklyn Clan. He also appeared on Missy Elliott’s 2005 hit “Lose Control,” alongside Ciara. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and its video earned a Grammy Award in 2006 for best short form music video. The track also earned a Grammy nomination for best rap song.
Elliott took to social media Saturday morning to remember her past collaborator.
“Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time,” Missy wrote on X. “Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”
Freeman’s other musical accomplishments include a feature on Mariah Carey’s 2005 song “It’s Like That,” which reached No. 16 on the Hot 100. Over the years, he would appear on tracks by Skrillex (“Recess”), David Guetta (“Love Is Back”) and Ciara (“Level Up” remix), among many others.
