Iconic rapper Fatman Scoop passes away after on-Stage collapse

Rapper and hype man Fatman Scoop died Friday night in Connecticut. He was 53. The artist collapsed during a performance at Town Center Park in Hamden. NBC News reported the incident occurred at the Green and Gold Party concert. Video footage shows Scoop energizing the crowd moments before the incident. The shirtless performer was seen exciting the audience shortly before collapsing.

His family confirmed his death via Instagram on Saturday. “It is with profound sadness that we share news of FatMan Scoop’s passing,” the post read. Born Isaac Freeman III, Scoop rose to fame in the late 1990s. His breakthrough came with the 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” featuring The Crooklyn Clan. Scoop’s booming voice became his trademark in the hip-hop and dance music scenes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fatman Scoop (@fatmanscoop)

He collaborated with artists like Missy Elliott on “Lose Control” in 2005. Another notable feature was on Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” the same year. Scoop released several solo works, including “Party Breaks, Vol. 1” in 2003. Beyond music, he worked as a presenter on New York radio station WQHT. Scoop also created a podcast called “Man and Wife TV” with his wife Shanda Freeman. In 2015, he made a brief appearance on British reality television.

The concert was rescheduled from last month due to weather concerns. Hamden is located about six miles from New Haven, Connecticut. Scoop’s impact on hip-hop music spanned over two decades. His energetic performances and unique style made him a staple in the industry.