Fatman Scoop, the iconic rapper and DJ from New York City, known for his 1990s club anthem “Be Faithful,” passed away after collapsing onstage during a concert in Connecticut, according to reports. He was 53 years old.
Isaac Freeman III, the artist’s real name, was performing at the “Green & Gold Party” in Hamden, Connecticut, when he experienced a sudden medical emergency. Witnesses say the rapper was energetically engaging the crowd at Town Center Park before he suddenly fell behind the DJ booth, out of sight of the audience.
Videos circulating on social media showed the moment of the collapse, with others quickly rushing to perform CPR behind a screen. In the footage, fellow performers on stage led the audience in prayer as efforts were made to assist Freeman. Emergency services were alerted around 8:33 p.m., shortly after the artist was scheduled to perform.
Fatman Scoop was then carried off the stage on a stretcher and rushed to a nearby hospital. The concert venue is located just six miles north of New Haven, Connecticut. Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett later confirmed the artist had suffered a medical crisis before being taken to the hospital. “Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers,” Garrett shared in a Facebook post.
The news of Freeman’s passing was confirmed on social media by Birch Michael, also known as Pure Cold, who identified himself as the rapper’s tour manager. “It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, professionally known as Fatman Scoop,” Michael wrote. “I am honestly lost for words … you took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet, the things you taught me have truly made me the man I am today.”
Freeman’s sudden death has left fans and friends in shock. He was originally slated to perform at the Hamden event the previous month, but the concert was postponed due to inclement weather and rescheduled for the August date.
Fatman Scoop’s death was also acknowledged by the organizers of Reminisce Festival in the UK, where the rapper was scheduled to perform on September 7. “His absence will be profoundly felt by everyone,” the festival posted on Instagram. “He was not just one of our most popular performers; he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family.”
Throughout his career, Fatman Scoop’s song “Be Faithful” became a global hit, racking up millions of views and plays. He also collaborated with notable artists, including a feature on Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” which reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2005. Additionally, he appeared on Mariah Carey’s Grammy-nominated track “It’s Like That” and worked with other major artists such as Timbaland, Magoo, Nick Cannon, and Skrillex.
Just a day before his death, Fatman Scoop and rapper Dyce Paso released the official music video for their new song, “Let It Go,” marking one of the last projects of his enduring and influential career.
