U.S. rapper Fatman Scoop has passed away at the age of 53, his manager announced on Saturday. The artist, known for his iconic tracks “Be Faithful” and “It Takes Scoop,” suffered a medical emergency while performing on stage.
Fatman Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, collapsed during a performance at Hamden Town Center Park in Connecticut. He was rushed to the hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he could not be revived, according to U.S. media reports.
Video footage obtained by celebrity news outlet TMZ shows medical staff attempting to administer CPR while Scoop was still on stage. He was then taken away on a stretcher.
“With the heaviest of hearts, I share the news of Isaac Freeman III’s passing, known to the world as Fatman Scoop,” wrote his manager, Birch Michael, on Facebook. “You taught me how to be the person I am today. I love you, Scoop. Thank you for everything you’ve given me,” he added.
Tributes poured in from across the music industry, with hip-hop star Missy Elliott leading the way. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Scoop’s voice and energy brought joy to so many songs, making people want to dance for over two decades. His impact is immense and will never be forgotten.”
Radio host Shelley Wade also paid her respects, sharing a photo of herself with Scoop and writing, “We’re losing too many of our #HipHop legends too soon. Rest easy, Scoop.”
In 2018, Fatman Scoop found himself at the center of a political controversy in Australia when then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison posted a video featuring the rapper’s hit “Be Faithful.” After facing criticism for the song’s lyrics, Morrison, a conservative evangelical Christian, removed the clip, stating, “That is clearly not a song on my playlist.”
Scoop responded to the situation on Instagram, expressing his surprise and gratitude: “I am humbled to have my voice resonating in the highest offices of the Australian Government!” He defended the song as a “fun PARTY SONG with no negativity or harm,” and even invited Morrison backstage to one of his festival appearances in Australia.