RAPPER and hip-hop legend Fatman Scoop has died after tragically collapsing on stage on Friday night.
His self-identified tour manager Birch Michael, also known as Pure Cold, first confirmed the death of Scoop, whose real name is Isaac Freeman, on Saturday morning.
8
Rap legend Fatman Scoop has died at the age of 53 Credit: Getty
8
On Friday, the rapper was seen collapsing on stage during a performance in ConnecticutCredit: WTNH
8
The death of the hip-hop legend was confirmed on SaturdayCredit: Getty
8
Fatman Scoop is seen performing in November 2023 in Melbourne, AustraliaCredit: Getty
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, professionally known as Fatman Scoop,” read a statement posted on Instagram.
“You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop, thank you so much for everything you have given me.”
In the caption of the post, DJ and producer Pure Cold continued his tribute to Freeman.
“Honestly, I’m speechless…” he said.
Read more about celebrity deaths
“You’ve taken me all over the world and had me perform alongside you on some of the biggest and grandest stages on this planet, the things you’ve taught me have truly made me the man I am today.”
Freeman’s family confirmed the rapper’s passing later Saturday morning in a post shared on his official Instagram page.
“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” the family said in a statement.
“Last night the world lost a shining soul, a beacon of light on stage and in life. 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.”
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 contagious and the generosity he showed will be sorely missed by all of us, but will never be forgotten,” the statement continued.
“While we mourn the loss of FatManScoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched.
“FatMan Scoop’s legacy is full of love and light, it will live on in our hearts and memories forever.”
On Friday night, Freeman, 53, was seen performing a set at Town Center Park in Hamden, Connecticut.
Full statement from the FatMan Scoop family
“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop.
“Last night the world lost a shining soul, a beacon of light on stage and in life. FatManScoop was not only a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and friend.
“He was a laughing stock 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 never forgotten.
“While we mourn the loss of FatManScoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched.
“FatMan Scoop’s legacy is full of love and light, it will live on in our hearts and memories forever.”
Partway through the gig, chaos ensued when a shirtless Freeman was seen walking behind the DJ booth and falling.
Video obtained by TMZ shows the frantic scenes.
“I said Hamden was making noise,” Freeman can be heard yelling as he walked toward the DJ booth.
After leaving the booth, Freeman continued to try to get the crowd going, taking a long pause after saying, “If you came to the party . . .”
You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop, thank you so much for everything you have given me.
Pure IceDJ, producer and tour manager for Freeman
He then appeared to lean forward over the cabin saying, “Make some noise.”
At that point, Freeman’s words trailed off and the video shows him falling to the ground.
A separate performer can be seen stopping the music and addressing the crowd as emergency responders rush to give the rapper CPR.
“Nothing’s going on – on stage. I just want to say this – Hamden, where are you all, make some noise for me baby,” the performer is heard saying.
Why the name “Fatman Scoop?”
Isaac Freeman, also known as Fatman Scoop, passed away on Saturday according to his tour manager.
The hip-hop icon was best known for his nickname, which often seemed odd to some fans.
However, he revealed in 2015 why he chose that name.
“My uncle Jack, God bless the dead, would always take me for ice cream,” Freeman told the 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 gave me the nickname Scoop and it stuck with me,” Freeman continued.
“Then, of course, I was a fat guy, so it was the Fatman Scoop. It was that simple.”
Meanwhile, fans in the crowd can ask and scream if Freeman is okay.
Lauren Garrett, Hamden’s mayor, later confirmed in a Facebook post that Freeman had been 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 was transported by ambulance to the hospital. We will provide updates as they become available. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
A HIP-HOP LEGEND
Freeman began his rap career in New York during the 1990s with hits such as Be Faithful, which reached number 1 in the UK in 2003.
He quickly rose to stardom after being featured in Missy Elliott’s Lose Control and Mariah Carey’s It’s Like That.
Earlier in August, Freeman also worked with rapper A$AP Rocky on his song “Hood Happy.”
The song will be included on his upcoming album Don’t Be Dumb and also features artists such as Morrissey, Busta Rhymes, Flavor Flav and Slick Rick.
8
Freeman’s family confirmed his death in a statement to InstagramCredit: Instagram/fatmanscoop
8
Fatman Scoop’s rap career took off in the 1990s, appearing on songs with artists such as Mariah Carey and Missy ElliotCredit: Getty
8
Since then he has toured all over the worldCredit: Getty
8
Tributes to the rap icon began pouring in on SaturdayCredit: Getty
Recently, Freeman collaborated with artist Dyce Pays on a song called Let It Go.
Just a few hours before his concert on Friday, the music video for the song was released.
A release party was scheduled for Saturday night.
Payso did not immediately respond to the US Sun’s request for comment.
In 2015, Freeman also appeared as a housemate in Celebrity Big Brother.
He lasted 20 days in the house, finishing in 11th place.
Tributes began pouring in for the rap legend on Saturday, with Canadian music label CapitalCityHipHop writing on X, “RIP Isaac Freeman III aka Fatman Scoop. Born August 6, 1971 and passed away August 30, 2024 at the age of 52. His death confirmed DJ Pure Cold on social media, as heartfelt messages poured in from fans and colleagues. His impact on hip-hop will remain forever.”
Reminisce Festival, the UK festival where Freeman was scheduled to perform in September, also shared a statement via Instagram about his alleged death.
“We at Reminisce are deeply saddened to receive the devastating news of the tragic death of the legendary Isaac Freeman III, known to all of us as Fatman Scoop,” reads the festival’s press release.
“This loss has left us all heartbroken.”
The festival confirmed Freeman was due to perform, saying his absence would be “deeply felt”.
“He was not only one of our most popular performers, he was also a valued member of the Reminisce family,” it continued.
“His energy, talent and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can describe.”
“Amazing, #SleepWell Scoop,” DJ Tony Wells wrote on Instagram.
“I was hoping you’d pull through. It’s been a rough month.”
“RIP FatMan Scoop,” added DJ Big Will on X.
“You will always be the anthem of every party we enter!
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education