Fatman Scoop, Beloved Rapper and Hype Man, Dies at 56: 'The Undisputed Voice of the Club'

Mar. 15, 2025

Fatman Scoop performs at Metrofest in London on Aug. 8, 2021.Photo:Joseph Okpako/WireImage

Joseph Okpako/WireImage

The musician’s booking agency, MN2S, confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE, sharing that they are “heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and client,” whose real name is Isaac Freeman III.

Fatman Scoop performs at The O2 in London on March 11, 2020.Ollie Millington/Redferns

Ollie Millington/Redferns

The booking agency also paid tribute to Freeman’s “vibrant spirit, boundless enthusiasm, and passion for music,” noting that he “will be deeply missed.”

As previously reported, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett in Connecticut confirmed on social media thatFreeman was taken to the hospitalon Aug. 30 after he collapsed onstage during a concert at Town Center Park.

TMZreported at the time that police were called to the venue for a medical emergency at 8:33 p.m. local time. The Hamden Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for further information on Saturday, Aug. 31. Per TMZ footage, multiple people tended to Freeman while appearing to move him from the stage.

The entertainer was perhaps best known for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” as well as his multiple high-profile feature appearances on tracks such asMissy Elliott’s “Lose Control” andMariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.” “Lose Control” notably peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for the best rap song Grammy, earning the award for best short form music video.

Missy Elliott paid tributeto Fatman Scoop on social media on Saturday, writing: “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..🕊️🙏🏾.”

Fatman Scoop performs in Perth, Australia, on Nov. 11, 2023.Matt Jelonek/Getty

Matt Jelonek/Getty

On Saturday, a message shared to Fatman Scoop’s Instagram page, titled “A message from the Freeman family,” also confirmed his death.

“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life,” the family statement read. “FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage.”

“FatMan Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club. 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 not forgotten,” the statement continued. “As we mourn the loss of FatMan Scoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched. FatMan Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside is our hearts and our memories forever.”

Additional tributes poured in on Saturday, withQuestlovethanking the entertainer on Instagram for “being an embodiment of what hip-hop was truly about.”

Questlove wrote, “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.”

source: people.com