Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Fatman Scoop, the American rapper and hype man best known for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful”, has died aged 53 following an onstage medical emergency.
The Grammy-winning musician, real name Isaac Freeman III, collapsed during a performance on Friday in Hamden Town Center Park, Connecticut, before he was rushed to hospital.
According to reports from concertgoers, Freeman was seen struggling before he disappeared from view behind the DJ decks and collapsed. Medics quickly attended the scene and delivered CPR. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
His death was announced on Saturday by DJ and producer Birch Michael, who was Freeman’s tour manager.
“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,” Michael said in an Instagram post.
MN2S, the rapper’s booking agency, confirmed the news in a statement to The Independent, saying: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and client, Fatman Scoop, at the age of 53.
“Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe. His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music.”
Sharron Elkabas, the rapper’s representative said: “I spoke to him just a few days ago, and he was in such good spirits. It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us.
“Fatman Scoop had been a valued member of the MN2S family for 15 years, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this incredibly difficult time.
Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial
Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial
“Scoop’s vibrant spirit, boundless enthusiasm, and passion for music will always remain in our hearts. He will be deeply missed.”
A statement shared by his family on the rapper’s Instagram page spoke of his “radiant soul” and said he was a “beacon of light” both on and off stage. “He was the laughter in our lives, and a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage.”
They added that he was “known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club”.
Throughout his career, Freeman frequently collaborated with other artists, including Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston and Missy Elliott.
His raspy and instantly recognisable voice featured on Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” and Missy Elliott’s 2005 single “Lose Control”, which won Best Short Video at the 48th Grammy Awards.
Born in New York, Freeman got his stage name from his uncle Jack, who called him “Fatman Scoop” due to his love for ice cream as a child.
He found fame with his 1999 hit “Be Faithful”, featuring the Crooklyn Clan, with his catchy chorus “Single ladies, I can’t hear you / All the chickenheads, be quiet!” leaving a mark on hip hop culture and club culture for decades to come.
The song is still recognised as a club hit today, with the re-released 2001 version with samples from Jay-Z, Faith Evans and Black Sheep giving the song another boost in popularity.
His 2001 track “Drop” with Timbaland, soundtracked the opening of the 2004 breakdance drama You Got Served.
The musician was also a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA, which was housed in the UK and aired in 2015. He was the third housemate to be evicted.
Until his death, Freeman regularly released his own remixes of popular songs, and on the morning of his collapse, he released the official music video for his final collaboration with Dyce Payso, with their new song “Let It Go”.
The music industry has been paying tribute to the hip hop star.
Missy Elliott sent “strength and prayers” to his family.
She continued: “Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT will be NEVER be forgotten.”
Questlove posted a photo of Scoop on Instagram, thanking him “for being an embodiment of what hip hop was truly about, to just forget about your troubles and live in the moment and allow joy in.”
Meanwhile, producer Timbaland shared a string of white dove emojis, and in another comment, a string of teary-eyed emojis.
”Your voice is forever with us making us all have a good time,” rapper Lil Jon wrote.
“Scoop was one of those people that reminded you what the word love truly means,” Ludacris wrote in an Instagram post of his own. “It’s an action, and with his actions he exuded the purest form of passion for hip hop.”
He added, “Every human being that he came into contact with felt that love and that passion. This is the type of legacy we should all continue from here on until eternity.”
