Fatman Scoop, the renowned hip-hop artist known for his hit “Be Faithful,” passed away at the age of 53 after collapsing on stage during a performance in Hamden, Connecticut. His family and officials confirmed the news, although the exact cause of his death has not been revealed.
The incident occurred Friday evening while he was performing at Hamden Town Center Park. Town chief of staff Sean Grace reported that concertgoers and paramedics attempted to assist him before he was transported to a hospital. Mayor Lauren Garrett later stated on Facebook that Scoop experienced a medical emergency.
In a heartfelt message on Instagram, his family described him as a “radiant soul” and a “beacon on stage and in life.” They expressed their sorrow, highlighting his impact on those around him, saying his music inspired positivity and joy.
Born Isaac Freeman III in Harlem, New York, Fatman Scoop gained fame in 1999 with “Be Faithful.” The song initially saw limited success in the U.S. but became a major hit in Europe after its 2003 re-release, topping charts in the U.K. and Ireland.
Scoop appeared on the U.K. TV show “Chancers” in 2004 and participated in “Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA” in 2015. He collaborated with notable artists such as Missy Elliott and Ciara on the summer hit “Lose Control,” which won a Grammy for best short-form music video in 2006. He was also featured on tracks with Mariah Carey, Timbaland, David Guetta, and Skrillex.
Elliott commemorated his legacy on social media, acknowledging his immense impact on the music industry. His long-time booking agency, MN2S, described him as an enthusiastic artist whose voice and personality left a lasting impression on the industry. A representative from MN2S expressed disbelief at his passing, noting that he had seemed in good spirits just days prior.