Hamden, Connecticut. US rapper Fatman Scoop, known for his powerful voice and energetic performances, has passed away at the age of 53 after collapsing on stage during a concert on Friday. The rapper, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, was performing at Town Center Park in Hamden when the incident occurred.
According to Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett, who shared the news on Facebook, Fatman Scoop was rushed to a local hospital by ambulance but tragically did not survive. His booking agency, MN2S, confirmed his death in a statement to the BBC, noting that his “legacy will live on through his timeless music.”
“Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was cherished by countless fans across the globe,” an MN2S spokesperson said. “His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry.”
Fatman Scoop’s family also paid tribute to the rapper on social media, describing him as “a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.” They added, “He was not just a world-class performer; he was a father, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought laughter to our lives, was a constant source of support, and showed unwavering strength and courage.”
Fatman Scoop was a prominent figure in New York City’s hip hop scene during the 1990s and gained international fame with hits such as “Be Faithful,” which topped the charts in the UK and Ireland in 2003. He also collaborated on the Grammy-winning track “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott and “It’s Like That” by Mariah Carey.
Beyond music, Scoop made appearances on television, including the UK TV series Chancers in 2004 and as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA in 2015, where he was the third housemate to be evicted.
His tour manager, DJ Pure Cold, expressed his grief in an Instagram post, saying he was “lost for words” at the news of his friend’s death. “You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet,” DJ Pure Cold wrote. “The things you taught me have truly made me the man I am today.”
Fatman Scoop was scheduled to perform at the UK’s Reminisce Festival on September 7. The festival organizers described the news of his passing as “devastating,” adding, “He was not just one of our most popular performers; he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family. His energy, talent, and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
