Tributes have poured in for US rapper Fatman Scoop, after his death was confirmed by authorities on Thursday. The artist, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, passed away in Hamden, Connecticut, after collapsing on stage during a performance. He was 53 years old. The cause of his death is not yet known, and local medical authorities are awaiting an autopsy report.
Fatman Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, best known for his 1999 hit single "Be Faithful." The song, which sampled Chic's "Good Times," became a club anthem and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 2003. Scoop also collaborated with several big names in the industry, including Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, and Skrillex. He was a charismatic performer known for his infectious energy and his booming voice.
Freeman's manager, Michael Birch, confirmed the rapper's death on social media. He did not provide any information about what caused Scoop's collapse or death. In a statement on Instagram, Birch said, "It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop... 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. Rest in peace." Freeman's family also posted a message on his official Instagram account confirming his death later on Saturday morning.
Numerous other musicians paid tribute to Freeman in the comments section of the post. Lil Jon wrote, "Rest well, brother," while Jordin Sparks commented, "My heart! Thank you for the joy, Scoop." Elliott, who featured the rapper on her 2005 song "Lose Control," penned a post memorializing her late collaborator on Instagram. "Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during such a difficult time," she wrote. "Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to SO MANY songs that made people feel HAPPY & want to DANCE for over 2 decades every time you hear them… His IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten."
Early Life and Career
Fatman Scoop was born in New York City in 1971. He began his music career in the 1990s as a DJ and hype man. He quickly gained a reputation for his energetic performances and his ability to get the crowd moving. In 1999, he released his debut single, "Be Faithful," which featured the Crooklyn Clan and sampled Chic, Faith Evans, Jay-Z, Queen Pen, the Beatnuts, Black Sheep, and Naughty by Nature. The song was featured in the movie "Save the Last Dance" and soundtracked the trailer for "The Best Man."
Rise to Stardom and Legacy
Freeman's star rose higher after he was featured with Ciara on Elliott's single "Lose Control," from her 2005 album, "The Cookbook." The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song. The video for "Lose Control" was also successful, winning a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video and two MTV Video Music Awards.
That same year, Freeman was featured on "It's Like That," the lead single from Carey's 2005 comeback album, "The Emancipation of Mimi." The song was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Throughout his career, Freeman collaborated with numerous other artists, including Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, David Guetta, Skrillex, Tech N9ne, Smino, and Doechii. He released three solo studio albums: 2003's "Fatman Scoop's Party Breaks: Volume 1," 2006's "In the Club," and 2015's "Party King." Freeman also appeared on a number of prominent TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs. USA in 2015 and the animated sitcom "The Boondocks."
Remembering Fatman Scoop
Fatman Scoop's sudden death has shocked and saddened the music world. He was a talented artist with a unique voice and an infectious energy that touched countless fans. His music will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come, and his legacy as a true entertainer will live on. The world has lost a radiant soul and a beacon of light on the stage and in life.
