'BEACON OF LIGHT'
Fatman Scoop dies at 53 after iconic hip-hop star & rapper collapsed on stage during Connecticut gig
Shocking video shows the rapper collapse on stage
RAPPER and hip-hop legend Fatman Scoop has died after tragically collapsing on stage Friday night.
The family of Fatman Scoop, whose real name is Isaac Freeman, confirmed his death on Saturday in a heartbroken social media post.
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The family the touching tribute on his official Instagram page.
"It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop," the family's statement read.
"Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life. FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend.
"He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage."
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The family called the rapper the "undisputed voice of the club," saying his music made them "dance and embrace life with positivity."
"His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten," the statement continued.
"As we mourn the loss of FatManScoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched.
"FatMan Scoop's legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside in our hearts and memories forever."
Most read in The US Sun
His tour manager Birch Michael, also known as Pure Cold, first announced the death of Scoop on Saturday morning.
You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop, Thank you so much for everything you gave to me.
Pure Ice
"It is with the heaviest of hearts I announced the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop," a statement posted to Instagram .
"You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop, Thank you so much for everything you gave to me."
In the caption of the post, DJ and producer Pure Cold continued his tribute to Freeman.
"I am honestly lost for words…" he said.
"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 [truly] made me the man I am today."
Fatman Scoop's tragic death
Fatman Scoop, the rapper best known for his club-banging jam "Be Faithful," has died at 53.
The New York native, born Isaac Freeman III, rose to fame in the 90s after hit songs with artists like Missy Elliott.
But at a concert in Connecticut on August 30, the rapper collapsed and required CPR. He has since died.
"It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop," his family said on Instagram.
"Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life."
"FatMan Scoop was not just a world-class performer, he was a father, brother and uncle, and a friend.
"He was the laughter in our lives, a constant support of support, unwavering strength, and courage.
"FatMan Scoop was known to the world and 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.
"As we mourn the loss of FatMan Scoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched.
"FatMan Scoop's legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside in our hearts and memories forever."
A cause of death has not been announced.
SHOCKING COLLAPSE ON STAGE
On Friday evening, Freeman, 53, was seen performing a set at the Town Center Park in Hamden, Connecticut.
Partway through the gig, chaos unfolded when a shirtless Freeman was seen walking behind the DJ booth and collapsing.
Video obtained by TMZ shows the frantic scenes.
"I said Hamden make some noise," Freeman can be heard shouting as he walked towards the DJ booth.
Once behind the booth, Freeman continued to attempt to hype up the crowd, taking a long pause after saying, "If you came to party..."
He then appeared to bend forward over the booth saying, "Make some noise."
At that point, Freeman's words trailed off and he suddenly dropped to the ground.
A separate performer can be seen stopping the music and addressing the crowd as emergency responders rush over to give the rapper CPR.
"Nothing going on - on the stage. I just want to say this - Hamden, where y'all at, make some noise for me heavy baby," the performer can be heard saying.
Why the name "Fatman Scoop?"
Isaac Freeman, also known as Fatman Scoop, died on Saturday according to his tour manager.
The family of Fatman Scoop, who's real name is Isaac Freeman, confirmed his death on Saturday in a heartbroken social media post.
The hip-hop icon was most well known by his nickname, that often struck some fans as odd.
However, he revealed in 2015 why he chose the name.
"My uncle Jack, God bless the dead, would always take me to get ice cream," Freeman told Mirror at the time.
"I loved ice cream! My parents would say, 'Stop feeding that boy ice cream!' But he said, 'I don't care, give him what he wants!'
"He nicknamed me Scoop and it stuck," Freeman continued.
"Then of course I was a fat guy, so it was Fatman Scoop. It was that simple."
Fans in the crowd began screaming and shouting if Freeman was okay.
Lauren Garrett, the mayor of Hamden, later in a Facebook post that Freeman was taken to a nearby hospital.
"Tonight, while performing at Hamden Town Center Park, Isaac Freeman, aka Fatman Scoop, had a medical emergency on stage," Garrett said.
"He is being transported by ambulance to the hospital. We will provide updates when they are available. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers."
A HIP-HOP LEGEND
Freeman launched his rap career in New York during the 1990s with hits like Be Faithful, which reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom in 2003.
He quickly shot to stardom as he was featured on Missy Elliott's Lose Control and Mariah Carey's It's Like That.
More recently in August, Freeman alongside rapper A$AP Rocky on his song Hood Happy.
The song will be included in his upcoming album Don't Be Dumb, and also features artists like Morrissey, Busta Rhymes, Flavor Flav, and Slick Rick.
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Freeman also recently collaborated with artist Dyce Payso on a song called Let It Go.
Just hours before his Friday gig, the music video for the song was released.
A single release party for Saturday night.
Payso did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun's request for comment.
In 2015, Freeman as a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother.
He lasted 20 days in the house, ending in 11th place.
FANS PAY TRIBUTE
Tributes began pouring in for the rap legend on Saturday as devastated fans learned of Fatman Scoop's death.
"RIP to Isaac Freeman III, aka Fatman Scoop. Born August 6, 1971, and passed away August 30, 2024, at age 52. His death was confirmed by DJ Pure Cold on social media, as heartfelt messages pour in from fans and colleagues. His impact on hip-hop will live on forever," Canadian music outlet CapitalCityHipHop on X.
Reminisce Festival, a UK festival where Freeman was scheduled to perform in September, also shared a statement on his reported death .
"It is with the deepest sorrow that we at Reminisce have received the devastating news of the tragic passing of the legendary Isaac Freeman III, known to us all as Fatman Scoop," the statement from the festival read.
"This loss has left us all heartbroken."
The festival acknowledged that Freeman was scheduled to perform, saying his absence "will be profoundly felt."
"He was not just one of our most popular performers, he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family," it continued.
"His energy, talent and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express."
"Unbelievable, #SleepWell Scoop," DJ Tony Wells on Instagram.
"I was hoping you would pull through. It's been a rough month."
"RIP FatMan Scoop," DJ Big Will on X.
"You'll always be the anthem to any party we step in!"
Several others shared their condolences in the comment section of the post shared by Freeman's family, including Timbaland who commented several dove and praying hands emojis
"Thank you Scoop!" DJ Questlove wrote.
"He was one of the most wonderful people I've ever met," singer Crystal Waters said.
"He truly will be missed. Love and prayers out to his family."
"REST WELL BROTHER," rapper Lil Jon commented.
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"Completely lost for words," Comedians Luke and Sassy Scott said.
"Scoop was so generous with his time with us and made us feel so special when ever we were with him. The world has lost a truly amazing person. Rest in peace mate x."
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