Fatman Scoop, the New York rapper who had a worldwide hit with “Be Faithful” and featured on singles by Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, and Skrillex, has died at the age of 53.
The artist born Isaac Freeman III was transported to a hospital after suffering a medical emergency while onstage during an August 30 concert in Hamden, Connecticut. On Saturday morning, Freeman’s tour manager Bryan “DJ Pure Cold” Michael announced on social media that the rapper had died. No cause of death was provided.
“I am honestly lost for words,” Michael wrote. “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.”
Freeman’s touring agency MN2S added in a statement, “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.
Fatman Scoop, who also served as a hype man and radio and television personality, first rose to prominence with his 1999 single “Be Faithful,” which featured the Crooklyn Clan and used the same Chic sample as Faith Evans’ “Love Like This.” The track was a club favorite in Freeman’s native New York for years before — after clearing samples hurdles — becoming a worldwide smash upon its rerelease in 2003.
The rapper also appeared on Missy Elliott’s 2005 hit “Lose Control” alongside Ciara. The track reached at Number Three on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s video would go on to win the Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video, and the track earned a nomination for Best Rap Song.
Elliott tweeted Saturday following news of Freeman’s death, “Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time. Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”
Freeman would next feature on Mariah Carey’s 2005 single “It’s Like That” with Jermaine Dupri, another Top 20 single. Over the decades that followed, Freeman guested on singles by Skrillex (“Recess”), David Guetta (“Love Is Back”), Ciara (“Level Up” remix), Slaughterhouse, Smino and Doechii, and most recently Tech N9ne, appearing on that rapper’s “No Popcorn” last month.
A$AP Rocky also recently revealed that his song “Hood Happy,” on his upcoming album Don’t Be Dumb, would feature Fatman Scoop with Morrissey, Busta Rhymes, Flavor Flav, and Slick Rick.