Fatman Scoop, the renowned rapper and hype man celebrated for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” has passed away at the age of 53. The artist, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, collapsed on stage during a concert at Hamden Town Center Park in Connecticut on Friday night. The incident, described as a “medical emergency on stage” by Mayor Lauren Garrett, led to his untimely death.
Fatman Scoop’s talent agency, MN2S, confirmed the news to Variety on Saturday, though the cause of death has not been disclosed. MN2S CEO Sharron Elkabas expressed deep sadness over the loss, highlighting Scoop’s significant impact on the music industry. “Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe,” Elkabas said. “His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music.” Elkabas noted that he had recently spoken with Scoop, describing him as being in high spirits and expressing disbelief over his passing.
In a statement posted on Scoop’s official Instagram page, his family mourned the loss, describing him as “a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.” They remembered him as a source of joy and positivity, with music that brought people together and made them dance. “His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten,” they wrote.
Fatman Scoop gained fame with the release of “Be Faithful,” a track produced by the Crooklyn Clan, which reached the top of the singles charts in the U.K. and Ireland upon its 2003 re-release. His collaborations extended to notable artists such as Mariah Carey, with whom he worked on the 2005 hit “It’s Like That,” and Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” which won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video.
Missy Elliott paid tribute to Scoop on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Prayers for Fatman Scoop’s family for strength during this difficult time. Fatman Scoop’s voice and energy have contributed to many songs that made people feel happy and want to dance for over two decades. Your impact is huge and will never be forgotten.”
In addition to his collaborations with Carey and Elliott, Fatman Scoop worked with artists like Timbaland, Skrillex, and Ciara. His most recent project was a collaboration with Tech N9ne on the single “No Popcorn,” released in July of this year.
