Rapper Fatman Scoop Dead at 53 After Collapsing Onstage Mid-Concert

Fatman Scoop died on Friday, Aug. 30, after collapsing onstage while performing at a concert in Hamden, Conn. He was 53.

The rapper born Isaac Freeman III suffered a “medical emergency” during the show, according to Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett . He was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital following his collapse, she said in a Friday post on Facebook .

Video footage obtained by TMZ showed the “Be Faithful” rapper walking around on the stage as he urged concertgoers to “make some noise.” He issued the order one final time before falling suddenly to the ground.

Freeman’s family and Garrett both confirmed the news of his death in Saturday, Aug. 31, posts on social media. Further details about the medical emergency that led to his onstage collapse and his exact cause of death were not immediately released to the public.

“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life,” the rapper’s family said in a statement shared on Instagram . The rapper “was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”

Freeman “was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club,” his family’s statement continued. “His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

Garrett shared the family’s statement on social media and offered “heartfelt condolences” to the late rapper’s family and friends. “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,” she wrote.

The mayor thanked the paramedics who “attempted to offer life-saving assistance” to Freeman and informed those at the concert that grief counselors would be available to those in need.

Missy Elliott , whose 2005 hit “Lose Control” featured a guest performance by Freeman, paid tribute to the rapper in a post on Instagram as news of his death spread on Saturday.

“Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during such a difficult time🙏🏾,” she wrote to caption a photo of Freeman. "Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to SO MANY songs that made people feel HAPPY & want to DANCE for over 2 decades everytime you hear them… His IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten..🕊️🙏🏾.”

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