Rapper Fatman Scoop, who had the 1999 hit “Be Faithful” and worked with artists such as Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, has died at the age of 53.
Fatman Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, died after falling on stage during a concert Friday night in Connecticut. Mayor Lauren Jarrett confirmed in a Facebook post that he was performing at Hamden Town Center Park when he suffered a “medical emergency on stage.”
The hip-hop artist's talent agency MN2S confirmed his death. diverse Saturday and the cause of death has not been revealed.
“Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, and his work was loved by countless fans around the world,” said Sharon Elkabas, CEO of MN2S, in a statement. “His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music.”
Al-Kabas said he spoke to Fatman Scoop “just a few days ago, and he was in very good spirits. It's hard to believe he's no longer with us.”
Fatman Scoop's family also posted a statement on the rapper's official Instagram page on Saturday, writing: “Last night, the world lost a bright soul, a beacon of light on stage and in life.”
“He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, strength and unwavering courage,” his family 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 his generosity to all will be greatly missed but never forgotten.”
Fatman Scoop gained widespread fame after the release of the single “Be Faithful”, co-produced by Crooklyn Clan. A re-release of the song in 2003 topped the UK and Irish singles charts.
The rapper is best known for his contributions to hit songs, including Mariah Carey's “It's Like That” in 2005 and Missy Elliott's “Lose Control” the same year. Elliott's song won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, and also received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song.
“My prayers go out to the Fatman Scoop family for strength during this difficult time,” Elliott wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account. “Fatman Scoop’s voice and energy contributed to so many songs that made people feel happy and want to dance for over two decades. Your impact is immense and will never be forgotten.”
Fatman Scoop has also been featured on songs by Timbaland (“Drop”), Skrillex (“Recess”), Ciara (“Level Up” Remix), and more. He most recently collaborated with rapper Tech N9ne on the song “No Popcorn,” which was released in July of this year.
