RAPPER and Hip-Hop legend Fatman Scoop, 53, has reportedly died after tragically collapsing on stage Friday night.
His self-identified tour manager Birch Michael, also known as Pure Cold, first reported the death of Scoop, who’s real name is Isaac Freeman, on Saturday morning.
GettyRap legend Fatman Scoop has reportedly died at 53[/caption]
WTNHOn Friday, the rapper was seen collapsing on stage during a gig in Connecticut[/caption]
GettyThe Hip-Hop legend’s reported death was confirmed Saturday[/caption]
GettyFatman Scoop was seen performing in November 2023 in Melbourne, Australia[/caption]
“It is with the heaviest of hearts I announced the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop,” a statement posted to Instagram read.
“You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop, Thank you so much for everything you gave to me.”
In the caption of the post, DJ and producer Pure Cold continued his tribute to Freeman.
“I am honestly lost for words…” he said.
“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 truely made me the man I am today.”
Reminisce Festival, a UK festival where Freeman was scheduled to perform in September, also shared a statement on his reported death via Instagram.
“It is with the deepest sorrow that we at Reminisce have received the devastating news of the tragic passing of the legendary Isaac Freeman III, known to us all as Fatman Scoop,” the statement from the festival read.
“This loss has left us all heartbroken.”
The festival acknowledged that Freeman was scheduled to perform, saying his absence “will be profoundly felt.”
“He was not just one of our most popular performers, he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family,” it continued.
“His energy, talent and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express.”
Representatives for Michael and the Reminisce Festival did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
On Friday evening, Freeman, 53, was seen performing a set at the Town Center Park in Hamden, Connecticut.
Part way through the gig, chaos unfolded when a shirtless Freeman was seen walking behind the DJ booth and collapsing.
You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop, Thank you so much for everything you gave to me.
Pure Ice
Video obtained by TMZ shows the frantic scenes.
“I said Hamden make some noise,” Freeman can be heard shouting as he walked towards the DJ booth.
Once behind the booth, Freeman continued to attempt to hype up the crowd, taking a long pause after saying, “If you came to party…”
He then appeared to bend forward over the booth saying, “Make some noise.”
Isaac Freeman, also known as Fatman Scoop, died on Saturday according to his tour manager.
The hip-hop icon was most well known by his nickname, that often struck some fans as odd.
However, he revealed in 2015 why he chose the name.
“My uncle Jack, God bless the dead, would always take me to get ice cream,” Freeman told Mirror at the time.
“I loved ice cream! My parents would say, ‘Stop feeding that boy ice cream!’ But he said, ‘I don’t care, give him what he wants!’
“He nicknamed me Scoop and it stuck,” Freeman continued.
“Then of course I was a fat guy, so it was Fatman Scoop. It was that simple.”
At that point, Freeman’s words trailed off and in the video he can be seen dropping to the ground.
A separate performer can be seen stopping the music and addressing the crowd as emergency responders rush over to give the rapper CPR.
“Nothing going on – on the stage. I just want to say this – Hamden, where y’all at, make some noise for me heavy baby,” the performer can be heard saying.
Meanwhile in the crowd, fans can be asking and screaming if Freeman was okay.
Lauren Garrett, the mayor of Hamden, later confirmed in a Facebook post that Freeman was taken to a nearby hospital.
“Tonight, while performing at Hamden Town Center Park, Isaac Freeman, aka Fatman Scoop, had a medical emergency on stage,” Garrett said.
“He is being transported by ambulance to the hospital. We will provide updates when they are available. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
A HIP-HOP LEGEND
Freeman launched his rap career in New York during the 1990s with hits like Be Faithful, which reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom in 2003.
He quickly shot to stardom as he was featured on Missy Elliott’s Lose Control and Mariah Carey’s It’s Like That.
Earlier in August, Freeman also worked alongside rapper A$AP Rocky on his song “Hood Happy.”
The song will be included in his upcoming album Don’t Be Dumb, and also features artists like Morrissey, Busta Rhymes, Flavor Flav, and Slick Rick.
GettyFatman Scoop’s rap career took off in the 1990s, featuring on songs with artists like Mariah Carey and Missy Elliot[/caption]
GettyHe has since toured all across the world[/caption]
GettyTributes to the rap-icon began pouring in on Saturday[/caption]
Most recently, Freeman collaborated with artist Dyce Payso on a song called Let It Go.
Just hours before his Friday gig, the music video for the song was released.
A single release party had been scheduled for Saturday night.
Payso did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
In 2015, Freeman also appeared as a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother.
He lasted 20 days in the house, ending in 11th place.
Tributes began pouring in for the rap legend on Saturday with Canadian music outlet CapitalCityHipHop writing on X, “RIP to Isaac Freeman III, aka Fatman Scoop. Born August 6, 1971, and passed away August 30, 2024, at age 52. His death was confirmed by DJ Pure Cold on social media, as heartfelt messages pour in from fans and colleagues. His impact on hip-hop will live on forever.”
“Unbelievable, #SleepWell Scoop,” DJ Tony Wells wrote on Instagram.
“I was hoping you would pull through. It’s been a rough month.”
“RIP FatMan Scoop,” DJ Big Will added on X.
“You’ll always be the anthem to any party we step in!
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
