NEW YORK — Fatman Scoop, the renowned hip-hop artist famous for his hit “Be Faithful” that dominated European charts in the early 2000s, has died at the age of 53 after collapsing on stage during a performance in Connecticut. The exact cause of his death has not yet been determined.
The incident occurred on Friday evening at Hamden Town Center Park, as confirmed by town chief of staff Sean Grace. Mayor Lauren Garrett stated on Facebook that Scoop experienced a medical emergency, prompting concertgoers and paramedics to assist him before he was transported to a hospital.
In an emotional Instagram post, his family expressed their grief, stating that “the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon on stage and in life.”
Fatman Scoop, known for his gravelly voice and party anthem style, became a fixture in club music at the turn of the millennium. While the world recognized him as the “voice of the club,” his family remembered him as a source of laughter, support, and unwavering strength. They emphasized that his music inspired joy and positivity, leaving behind a legacy of love and brightness.
Originally named Isaac Freeman III and hailing from Harlem, New York City, Fatman Scoop first gained attention with his 1999 single “Be Faithful.” Although it began as a modest hit in the U.S., a 2003 re-release propelled it to number one in the U.K. and Ireland.
In 2004, Scoop appeared on the U.K. show “Chancers,” mentoring aspiring musicians, and later became a contestant on “Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA” in 2015.
He collaborated with Missy Elliott on the hit “Lose Control,” which featured Ciara and won a Grammy for best short-form music video in 2006. That same year, he was also featured in Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” and collaborated with various artists, including Timbaland and Skrillex. In 2018, he reunited with Elliott and Ciara for a remix of “Level Up.”
Missy Elliott took to social media to honor Scoop, praising his voice and energy while expressing gratitude for his contributions to music over the decades. She stated, “Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”
His booking agency, MN2S, described him as an artist with limitless enthusiasm, illustrating how his unique voice and personality left a significant mark on the music industry. A representative from you the agency remarked on the shock of his passing, recalling their recent conversation where he was in high spirits.