Fatman Scoop dies at 53 after rapper collapsed on stage during gig
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.
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“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.
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“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.
Video obtained by TMZ shows the frantic scenes.
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
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 during the 1990s, releasing hits like Be Faithful.
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.
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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.
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.”
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