Rapper Fatman Scoop, the iconic New York City musician who rose to fame in the 1990s with his infectious club hit “Be Faithful,” has passed away at the age of 53. The tragic incident occurred when he collapsed in the middle of a performance during a free concert in Hamden, Connecticut, as reported by local authorities.
Isaac Freeman III, known to fans around the world as Fatman Scoop, was headlining the “Green & Gold Party” at Town Center Park in Hamden when he suddenly experienced a medical emergency. According to eyewitnesses and officials, the rapper was energetically engaging with the crowd, his shirt off, hyping them up with his signature enthusiasm. As he moved towards the DJ booth’s platform, Freeman collapsed, disappearing from the audience’s view.
The emergency occurred around 8:33 p.m., according to a report froma news channel Fatman Scoop had been scheduled to begin his performance at 7:15 p.m., but the concert took a tragic turn soon after he took the stage. Emergency responders were immediately called to the scene, and Freeman was swiftly stretchered off stage and transported to a local hospital. Town Center Park, the location of the concert, is situated just six miles north of New Haven, Connecticut.
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett confirmed that Fatman Scoop had indeed suffered a medical emergency during the performance. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she urged the community,
“Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers,”
as news of the incident began to spread.The heartbreaking news of Freeman’s death was confirmed the following morning on social media by DJ and producer Birch Michael, also known as Pure Cold, who identified himself as the rapper’s tour manager.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, professionally known as Fatman Scoop,”
Michael wrote in his emotional tribute. “I am honestly lost for words… you took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet. The things you taught me have truly made me the man I am today.”
Fatman Scoop’s concert in Connecticut had already been rescheduled from its original date due to inclement weather. His unexpected death comes as a shock to fans and fellow artists, particularly as he was still actively performing and creating new music. His passing was also acknowledged by Reminisce Festival in the UK, where he was slated to perform on September 7. In an Instagram post, the festival shared, “His absence will be profoundly felt by everyone. He was not just one of our most popular performers; he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family.”
Fatman Scoop leaves behind a rich legacy in the music industry. His song “Be Faithful,” which samples various classic hip-hop and R&B tracks, became a staple of 1990s club culture and earned millions of views and streams globally. He further solidified his reputation by featuring on Missy Elliott’s hit single “Lose Control,” which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2005. He also lent his distinctive voice to Mariah Carey’s Grammy-nominated track “It’s Like That” and collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Timbaland and Magoo, Nick Cannon, and Skrillex.
Even up until his final days, Fatman Scoop continued to make music and connect with fans. Just a day before his passing, he and fellow artist Dyce Paso premiered the official music video for their new song “Let It Go.” This release, which is now likely his last, captures the energy and passion that characterized his decades-long career.
Fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to express their grief and celebrate the life of an artist who brought so much joy to the world. Fatman Scoop’s music, characterized by his booming voice and dynamic presence, will continue to be a source of inspiration and celebration for years to come. As the music world mourns his loss, his legacy as a beloved performer and vibrant personality lives on.
