NEW YORK CITY – The vibrant hip-hop artist, Fatman Scoop, whose infectious hit "Be Faithful" soared to the top of European charts in the early 2000s and later lent his unparalleled voice and exuberant energy to megahits by luminaries like Missy Elliott and Ciara, passed away after a heart-wrenching collapse on stage during a Connecticut concert, confirmed officials and his grieving family. At the age of 53, the cause of his sudden departure remained shrouded in mystery.
The fateful evening unfolded at Hamden Town Center Park, where Fatman Scoop, in the midst of a captivating performance, suddenly collapsed on Friday. Sean Grace, the town's chief of staff, broke the news the following day, while Mayor Lauren Garrett shared on Facebook that the artist had suffered a dire medical emergency. Concert attendees and paramedics valiantly attempted to revive him, but he was ultimately rushed to a hospital, where he succumbed to his fate.
In a poignant Instagram post, his family lamented, "The world has lost a radiant beacon, both on stage and in life, whose brilliance shone brightly." Known for his gravelly vocals and dancefloor-igniting presence, Fatman Scoop, born Isaac Freeman III, was a staple in club playlists as the millennium dawned. While the world adored him as the "voice of the club," his family cherished him as "the laughter that filled our lives, an unwavering pillar of support, strength, and courage."
"His music had the power to lift spirits and embrace life with positivity," they continued. "His joy was contagious, and the generosity he extended to all will be sorely missed but forever etched in our hearts." They concluded, highlighting his enduring legacy of "love and light."
Breaking into the scene with "Be Faithful" in 1999, Fatman Scoop's career took flight in Europe with a 2003 re-release that catapulted him to No. 1 in the U.K. and Ireland. He went on to grace screens in the U.K.'s "Chancers," mentoring aspiring artists, and even participated in "Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA," showcasing his versatility beyond music.
Collaborations with Missy Elliott, notably on the 2005 summer anthem "Lose Control" featuring Ciara, further solidified his status, earning him a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video. He also lent his talents to Mariah Carey's "It's Like That" and tracks by Timbaland, David Guetta, among others, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Missy Elliott, in a heartfelt tribute, acknowledged Fatman Scoop's "VOICE and energy," noting his two-decade-long contribution to songs that brought joy to countless lives. "Your IMPACT is immense and will live on forever," she added.
His long-standing booking agency, MN2S, remembered him as an artist with "boundless enthusiasm," fueled by a passion for music that transcended boundaries. Sharron Elkabas, his representative at MN2S, shared her disbelief, recalling a conversation with him just days prior. "He was in the best of spirits; it's inconceivable that he's no longer with us," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
