Fatman Scoop, the charismatic rapper celebrated for his 1999 anthem “Be Faithful” and collaborations with icons like Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, has passed away at the age of 53. Known offstage as Isaac Freeman III, Fatman Scoop tragically collapsed during a live performance on Friday night in Connecticut, where he was entertaining a crowd at Hamden Town Center Park. The sudden medical emergency was confirmed by Mayor Lauren Garrett via a Facebook post.
MN2S, the talent agency representing Scoop, confirmed his passing to Variety, though the cause of death remains undisclosed. Sharron Elkabas, CEO of MN2S, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Scoop was a cherished figure in the music industry, his voice and vibrant energy resonating with fans worldwide.
His personality left an unforgettable imprint, and his legacy will endure through the music he created.” Elkabas recalled a recent conversation with Fatman Scoop, noting that the artist was in high spirits, making his sudden death even more shocking.
On Saturday, Fatman Scoop’s family shared their grief in a heartfelt statement on his official Instagram page. They described him as “a radiant soul” whose presence lit up both the stage and their lives. They emphasized his role as a source of joy and unwavering strength, highlighting how his music inspired positivity and brought people together in dance.
Fatman Scoop first soared to fame with “Be Faithful,” produced by the Crooklyn Clan, which dominated the charts in the U.K. and Ireland after its 2003 re-release. He became known for his powerful features on hits like Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” and Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” the latter earning a Grammy for best short form music video and a nomination for best rap song.
Missy Elliott paid tribute on social media, sending prayers to his family and acknowledging the indelible mark Scoop left on the music world, with his energy making people dance for over two decades. Fatman Scoop’s influence extended across genres, collaborating with artists like Timbaland, Skrillex, Ciara, and Tech N9ne, with his final single, “No Popcorn,” released just this past July.