Fatman Scoop Dead After On-Stage Collapse
The iconic rapper and hype man was just 53.
Fatman Scoop @ RNB Fridays Live, Marvel Stadium (Jaz Meadows)
Isaac Freeman III, professionally known as Fatman Scoop, the American rapper, DJ and hype man known for his energetic and boisterous style, has passed away at age 53 after collapsing at a show in Connecticut’s Hamden Town Central Park yesterday.
Scoop’s music, characterized by its high-energy beats and catchy hooks, has found a loving audience in Australia. Fatman Scoop’s tracks, such as the iconic Be Faithful, have become staples in Australian clubs and festivals, returning numerous times, including for Big Day Out and R&B Fridays.
His cause of death is not clear, with the Mayor of Hamden confirming that he had a “medical emergency”. TMZ reported yesterday that paramedics attempted to revive the rapper on the scene, but the news was broken by his tour manager in a later post.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III. You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop. Thank you so much for everything you gave to me.”
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His family have also released a statement, saying: “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life. Fatman Scoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and friend.
“He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage. Fatman Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
“As we mourn the loss of Fatman Scoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched. Fatman Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness and it will reside in our hearts and memories forever.”
Over the years, Scoop has collaborated with numerous artists, including Mariah Carey, David Guetta, Skrillex and Missy Elliott, on whose 2006 hit Lose Control, the pair collaborated with Ciara, reaching the top ten in Australia.
Elliott took to Twitter, saying that “Fatman Scoop’s VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”
Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time🙏🏾 Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten..🕊️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/e4R9Z3inKd
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 31, 2024
Scoop will forever be remembered for his iconic solo single Be Faithful in 1999. Its shout-style fun and nonsensical lyrics, such as “Got a hundred dollar bill, get your hands up” and “All the chicken heads, be quiet,” and its interpolation of tracks including Faith Evans’ Love Like This and Naughty By Nature’s Hip Hop Hooray, struck an immediate chord in clubs across the globe.
The song received the biggest reception outside of his home country, going #1 in the UK and #5 here in Australia. In 2018, then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison controversially used the song in a social media post, resulting in Scoop inviting him backstage to ‘discuss politics’ at the R&B Fridays festival in a gracious and conciliatory post that gained Scoop even more respect from Australian fans.
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