Fatman Scoop, the beloved rapper and hype man hailed by his loved ones as the “undisputed voice of the club,” died at the age of 53 following a medical emergency during a concert in Connecticut on Friday, August 30.
The musician’s booking agency, MN2S, confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE, sharing that they are “heartbroken to announce the death of our dear friend and client,” whose real name is Isaac Freeman III.
“Scoop was a beloved figure in the world of music, whose work was loved by countless fans around the world,” the statement read. “His legendary 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 was a valued member of the MN2S family for 15 years, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us.”
Fatman Scoop performs at the O2 in London on March 11, 2020.
Ollie Millington/Redferns
Rapper Fatman Scoop received emergency medical help, collapsed on stage and was taken to the hospital
The booking agency also paid tribute to Freeman’s “vibrant spirit, boundless enthusiasm and passion for music”, noting that he will be “greatly missed”.
Sharron Elkabas, the rapper’s rep, wrote in an additional statement shared by MN2S, “I spoke with him just a few days ago, and he was in such good spirits. It’s hard to believe he’s no longer with us.”
As previously reported, Hamden, Connecticut Mayor Lauren Garrett confirmed on social media that Freeman was taken to the hospital on August 30 after collapsing on stage during a concert in Town Center Park.
TMZ reported at the time that police were called to the scene for a medical emergency at 8:33 p.m. local time. The Hamden Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for further information on Saturday, August 31. According to TMZ footage, multiple people tended to Freeman as he appeared to be moved off the stage.
Elkabas said The Hollywood Reporter that Freeman is survived by a son, a daughter and a brother.
The entertainer was perhaps best known for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” as well as multiple high-profile appearances on songs such as Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.” “Lose Control” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Song, earning it a Best Short Music Video award.
Missy Elliott paid tribute to Fatman Scoop on social media on Saturday, writing: “Prayers for the Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time🙏🏾 Fatman Scoop’s VOICE and energy contributed to MANY songs that made people feel HAPPY and want to dance to them more than 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE and will NEVER be forgotten..🕊️🙏🏾.”
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Fatman Scoop performs in Perth, Australia on November 11, 2023.
Matt Jelonek/Getty
On Saturday, a message shared on Fatman Scoop’s Instagram page, titled “Freeman Family Message,” also confirmed his death.
“Last night, the world lost a shining soul, a beacon of light on stage and in life,” the family said in a statement. “FatManScoop was not only a world-class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage.”
“FatMan Scoop was known the world over 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 deeply missed but not forgotten,” he continues. in the statement. “While we mourn the loss of FatMan Scoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched FatMan Scoop’s legacy will live on forever.”
Additional accolades poured in on Saturday, with Questlove thanking the entertainer on Instagram for “being the embodiment of what hip-hop truly was.”
Questlove wrote: “Simply forget about your troubles and live in the moment and allow the joy. So sad to see you go my brother. You will be missed but you will NEVER be forgotten.”
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