Rapper Fatman Scoop dead at 53

NEW YORK (PIX11) — Isaac Freeman III, better known as the rapper Fatman Scoop, was pronounced dead at 53-years-old on Saturday, according to his label MN2S .

“Fatman Scoop had been a valued member of the MN2S family for 15 years, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us,” the Facebook post read.

His death was initially announced on social media by his tour manager Birch Michael, also known as Pure Cold.

“I am honestly lost for words…the things you taught me have truly made me the man I am today,” Pure Cold wrote in an Instagram post .

Organizers for the event Reminisce Festival in the United Kingdom also posted regarding the hip-hop legend’s passing. Fatman Scoop was scheduled to perform at the festival on Sep. 7.

“…he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family. His energy, talent and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express,” festival organizers posted on social media .

The New York-native collapsed while performing at a free concert in Hamden, Connecticut on Friday night. He suffered a medical emergency mid-performance and was immediately rushed to the hospital, Mayor Lauren Garrett said in a Facebook post .

Hamden’s mayor later shared a message from the Freeman family that read in part, “his music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to will be deeply missed…”

Fatman Scoop was best known for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” as well as his appearance on Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.”

“Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades,” Missy Elliot wrote in a tribute post .

His cause of death is still unknown.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here .

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