US rapper Fatman Scoop has passed away, his manager announced on Saturday, following a medical emergency during a performance. The 53-year-old artist, known for hits like “Be Faithful” and “It Takes Scoop,” collapsed on stage at Hamden Town Center Park in Connecticut. He was rushed to the hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him, as reported by US media.
Medical personnel attempted CPR on Scoop while he was still on stage, according to footage obtained by TMZ, before he was taken away on a stretcher.
“With the heaviest of hearts, I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, professionally known as Fatman Scoop,” manager Birch Michael wrote on Facebook. “You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you, Scoop. Thank you for everything you gave me,” he added.
Tributes poured in, with hip-hop star Missy Elliott leading the condolences on X, praising Scoop’s “voice and energy” that contributed to music for over two decades, making people feel happy and dance. Radio host Shelley Wade shared a photo with Scoop, lamenting, “We are losing too many of our #HipHop legends too soon. Rest easy, Scoop.”
In 2018, Scoop was briefly involved in a political controversy in Australia when then-prime minister Scott Morrison shared a video featuring his song “Be Faithful.” Morrison, a conservative evangelical Christian, later deleted the clip after criticism over the song’s lyrics, stating, “It’s quite clear that that is not a song on my playlist.”
Scoop responded to the incident by tagging Morrison in an Instagram post, expressing his surprise at his song being played in Australian government offices. He defended his lyrics as harmless, saying, “It’s a fun PARTY SONG that has no NEGATIVITY or HARM in it!” and invited Morrison backstage at an Australian festival.