Fatman Scoop, the rapper known for the 90s hit “Be Faithful” and his collaborations with Missy Elliot, Mariah Carey and Timbaland, has died, his family announced in a statement. He was 53.
“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” a statement posted to his official Instagram account said.
The rapper suffered a medical emergency Friday while performing in Hamden, Connecticut, and was taken to the hospital, the mayor of the town said earlier in a statement on Facebook.
“On behalf of the Town of Hamden, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Isaac Freeman, known as Fatman Scoop,” Mayor Lauren Garrett said Saturday. “He was a wonderful performer with a wide following as evidenced by the thousands of fans that came to see what would be his last performance at Hamden Town Center Park.”
The New York-born artist, whose real name is Isaac Freeman III, was headlining the “Green & Gold Party” in Hamden at the time.
In this Nov. 10, 2023, file photo, Fatman Scoop hosts Fridayz Live ’23 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
Naomi Rahim/WireImage via Getty Images, FILE
His family took to Instagram to confirm the news on Saturday: “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.” The statement added that he “was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend.”
The rapper was known for his 1999 club jam “Be Faithful,” which sampled Faith Evans’ “Love Like This,” and his guest performances on “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott and “It’s Like That” by Mariah Carey.
In 2005, Fatman Scoop, along with Elliott and Ciara, won the Grammy for best music video for “Lose Control.” The song was also nominated for best rap song. He won a Soul Train Music Award for the track.
Known for his booming voice and hype-man personality, the rapper also collaborated with Lil Jon, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston and Pitbull, among other artists.
He was also a contestant on “Celebrity Big Brother” in the United Kingdom.
“Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time,” Elliott said in a statement posted to X on Saturday. “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.”
He is survived by two children.
Rapper Fatman Scoop, known for his energetic performances and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry, has passed away at the age of 53. The news of his death has shocked and saddened fans around the world, who remember him for his infectious personality and larger-than-life presence on stage.
Fatman Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, rose to fame in the early 2000s with his hit single “Be Faithful,” which became a club anthem and catapulted him to international stardom. The song, which featured a catchy sample from Faith Evans’ “Love Like This,” showcased Fatman Scoop’s signature booming voice and hyped-up delivery, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2004.
Throughout his career, Fatman Scoop collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, and Busta Rhymes. His collaborations with Missy Elliott on songs like “Lose Control” and “Ching-a-Ling” showcased his ability to bring energy and excitement to any track, while his work with Mariah Carey on the remix of “It’s Like That” helped solidify his reputation as a go-to hype man in the industry.
In addition to his music career, Fatman Scoop was also known for his work as a radio personality and TV host. He hosted a popular radio show in New York City and appeared on various reality TV shows, showcasing his larger-than-life personality and quick wit.
Fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Fatman Scoop. Many have praised him for his contributions to the music industry and his ability to bring joy and excitement to audiences around the world.
Fatman Scoop’s passing is a tragic loss for the music world, but his legacy will live on through his music and the impact he had on those who had the pleasure of working with him. He will be remembered as a talented artist, a charismatic performer, and a beloved figure in the hip-hop community. Rest in peace, Fatman Scoop.
