American rapper Fatman Scoop, who achieved global success with his song “Be Faithful” and featured on singles by Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey and Skrillex, has died at the age of 53.
Artist Isaac Freeman III was taken to the hospital after suffering a medical emergency while on stage during a concert on Aug. 30 in Hamden, Connecticut. On Saturday morning, Freeman’s tour manager, Brian “DJ Pure Cold” Michael, announced on social media that the rapper had died. No cause of death was given.
“I am truly lost for words,” Michael wrote. “You have taken me all over the world and had me perform alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on the planet, and the things you have taught me have truly shaped me into the man I am today.”
“Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, and his work was loved by countless fans around the world,” Freeman’s tour agency MN2S added 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.”
Fatman Scoop, who has also worked as a publicist and radio and TV personality, first came to prominence with his 1999 single “Be Faithful,” which featured the Crooklyn Clan and used the same Chic sample as Faith Evans' “Love Like This.” The song was a club favorite in Freeman's native New York for years before—after overcoming the sampling hurdles—becoming a worldwide hit when it was re-released in 2003.
The rapper also appeared on Missy Elliott's 2005 hit song “Lose Control” alongside Ciara. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's video won a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, and the song received a nomination for Best Rap Song.
“Prayers to the Fatman Scoop family for strength during this difficult time,” Elliott tweeted Saturday after news of Freeman’s death. “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.”
Freeman then appeared on Mariah Carey's 2005 single “It's Like That” with Jermaine Dupri, another Top 20 hit. Over the decades since, Freeman has guested on songs by Skrillex (“Recess”), David Guetta (“Love Is Back”), Ciara (“Level Up” remix), Slaughterhouse, Smino, Duce and, most recently, Take N' 9Ne, appearing on the rapper's song “No Popcorn” this month.
A$AP Rocky also recently revealed his song “Hood Happy” is on his upcoming album. Don't be stupidwill feature Fatman Scoop with Morrissey, Busta Rhymes, Flavor Flav and Slick Rick.
