Hip-hop artist Fatman Scoop has died at the age of 53 after collapsing during a performance in Connecticut. His family and officials confirmed the news, although the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.
The incident occurred at Hamden Town Center Park on Friday evening, where concertgoers and paramedics provided assistance before he was transported to a hospital, as noted by town chief of staff Sean Grace. Mayor Lauren Garrett shared on Facebook that Scoop experienced a medical emergency during the show.
His family expressed their grief in an Instagram post, stating that “the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon on stage and in life.” They described him not only as a music icon but also as a cherished family member who brought laughter and unwavering support to their lives.
Born Isaac Freeman III and hailing from Harlem, New York, Fatman Scoop gained fame with his hit “Be Faithful” in 1999. The song initially had modest success in the U.S. but saw a significant boost after its 2003 re-release, reaching No. 1 on the charts in the U.K. and Ireland.
In 2004, he participated in the U.K. television series “Chancers,” which aimed to mentor artists aspiring to break into the U.S. music scene. He also appeared on “Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA,” which aired in 2015.
Scoop collaborated with numerous artists during his career, including Missy Elliott and Ciara on the 2005 summer hit “Lose Control,” which earned a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video. He also contributed to Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” and worked with Timbaland, David Guetta, and Skrillex, among others.
Missy Elliott paid tribute to Scoop on social media, acknowledging his significant impact on music over the past two decades. His booking agency, MN2S, described him as an artist full of enthusiasm and passion, highlighting the mark he left on the industry.
Sharron Elkabas, his representative from MN2S, remarked on how he had been in good spirits during their recent conversation, making his passing all the more shocking.