Current:Home > MyRapper Fatman Scoop dies at 53 after collapsing on stage -Thrive Success Strategies
Rapper Fatman Scoop dies at 53 after collapsing on stage
View
Date:2025-04-16 18:20:19
Isaac Freeman III, the award-winning rapper and hype man known professionally as Fatman Scoop, has died after suffering a medical emergency on stage. He was 53.
Freeman's death was confirmed on Saturday in a statement shared on his verified Instagram page.
"It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic Fatman Scoop," the statement from Freeman's family said. "Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life."
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Freeman for more information.
On Friday, a video shared by TMZ showed Freeman appearing to suffer a medical emergency and collapsing on stage while performing during a concert at Town Center Park in Hamden, Connecticut.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett confirmed that Freeman "had a medical emergency on stage" and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. "Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers," she wrote. On Saturday, Garrett offered "heartfelt condolences to the family and friends" of the rapper.
"I am grateful to the audience members and to our paramedics that attempted to offer life-saving assistance," Garrett said. "For anyone who is having difficulty processing and mourning Isaac's loss particularly after witnessing the tragedy unfold at Town Center Park, we will be hosting grief counseling with our social worker."
Freeman worked with artists like Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott during his career and was featured on songs such as Elliott's "Lose Control," which won the Grammy for best short form music video. The rapper is also known for tracks like his own "Be Faithful" from 1999.
Flavor Flavand the lost art of the hype man: Where are hip-hop's supporting actors?
Rapper Blxst, who released his latest album "I'll Always Come Find You" in July, recently spoke with USA TODAY about employing Fatman Scoop on his song "Too Many Friday Nights."
"I just needed a nostalgic moment," he said.
Tributes pour in from Questlove, Timbaland, more
Tributes for Freeman poured in Saturday on social media, with DJ Andrew Hypes sharing on X that the rapper was "one of THE most influential artists/voices to ever do it."
Freeman had been slated to appear at the Reminisce Festival in September. In a post on its Facebook page, the festival said it was "heartbroken" by the news of his death.
Missy Elliottis ditching sweets to prepare to tour, says her dog is 'like my best friend'
"Scoop was scheduled to perform at this year's Reminisce Festival, and his absence will be profoundly felt by everyone," the festival said. "He was not just one of our most popular performers, he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family. His energy, talent and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express."
The statement by Freeman's family remembered him as "not just a world class performer" but a "father, brother, uncle and a friend."
"Fatman Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club," the statement added. "His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten."
Questlove honored Freeman in a comment on the Instagram post, writing, "Thank you Scoop!"
"I want to thank FATMAN SCOOP for being an embodiment of what hip hop was truly about," Questlove wrote in his own Instagram post. "To just forget about your troubles and live in the moment and allow joy in. So sad to see you go my brother. You will be missed but you will NEVER be forgotten."
Other musical artists like Timbaland and Blasterjaxx chimed in with condolences on the post to Freeman's Instagram account.
Contributing: Naledi Ushe
veryGood! (2144)
Related
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- House is heading toward nuclear war over Ukraine funding, one top House GOP leader says
- Neuralink transplant patient can control computer mouse 'by just thinking,' Elon Musk says
- In wake of mass shooting, here is how Maine’s governor wants to tackle gun control and mental health
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- After his wife died, he joined nurses to push for new staffing rules in hospitals.
- Gabby Petito's parents reach deal with parents of Brian Laundrie in civil lawsuit
- Normani (finally) announces long-awaited debut solo album 'Dopamine'
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Alabama seeks to perform second execution using nitrogen hypoxia
Ranking
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
- Sex ed classes in some states may soon watch a fetal development video from an anti-abortion group
- In 'To Kill a Tiger,' a father stands by his assaulted daughter. Oscar, stand by them.
- This woman is living with terminal cancer. She's documenting her story on TikTok.
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Inquiry into Pablo Neruda's 1973 death reopened by Chile appeals court
- Yale wants you to submit your test scores. University of Michigan takes opposite tack.
- 'I'll send a plane': Garth Brooks invites Travis Kelce to sing 'Low Places' at his new bar
Recommendation
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Kim Jong Un apparently liked Vladimir Putin's Russian-made limousine so much that Putin gave him one
The BrüMate Era Is The New Designated It-Girl Tumbler, & It Actually Lives Up to The Hype
Mayorkas meets with Guatemalan leader Arévalo following House impeachment over immigration
Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
Haley says embryos 'are babies,' siding with Alabama court ruling that could limit IVF
Proposed Louisiana bill would eliminate parole opportunity for most convicted in the future
The BrüMate Era Is The New Designated It-Girl Tumbler, & It Actually Lives Up to The Hype