Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Lil Jon, and others paid tribute to the late musician, stating, “His impact is huge.”
Fatman Scoop, a rapper best known for his collaborations with Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, has died at age 53.
The musician, born Isaac Freeman III, fainted on stage while playing in Hamden, Conn., on Friday night.
Lauren Garrett, Hamden’s mayor, stated that Freeman “had a medical emergency on stage” and was “transported by ambulance to the hospital” around 10 p.m. local time on Friday.
Michael Birch, Freeman’s manager, confirmed the rapper’s death early Saturday morning. “It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop,” Birch said on his Facebook page. “You showed me how to become the guy I am now. I love you, Scoop, and I am grateful for everything you have given me. Rest in peace.
Birch did not reveal the rapper’s cause of death.
Later Saturday morning, Freeman’s family confirmed his death via a message on his official Instagram account. “It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic Fatman Scoop,” the siblings wrote in a letter. “Last night, the world lost a beautiful soul, a beacon of light onstage and in life. FatmanScoop was more than simply a world-class performer; he was also a father, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought fun into our lives and was a continual source of support, unshakeable strength, and courage.”
Their statement went on to say, “Fatman Scoop was widely recognized as the club’s indisputable voice. His music inspired us to dance and enjoy life with positivity. His pleasure was contagious, and the compassion he showed to everyone will be greatly lost but never forgotten. We grieve FatmanScoop’s death, but we also celebrate his extraordinary life and the numerous lives he touched. Fatman Scoop left a legacy of love and joy. It will live in our hearts and memories indefinitely.”
Several other performers paid tribute to Freeman in the post’s comments section.
Lil Jon responded, “Rest well, brother,” while Jordin Sparks added, “My heart! “Thank you for the joy, Scoop.”
Elliott, who featured the rapper on her 2005 single “Lose Control,” wrote a tribute to her late partner on Instagram. “Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during such a difficult time,” she posted on Twitter. For almost two decades, Fatman Scoop’s voice and enthusiasm have made people happy and want to dance. His impact is enormous and will never be forgotten.”
Timbaland, who worked with Freeman on the 2001 track “Drop,” paid his own homage to the rapper. “Man, I’m lost for words,” he wrote. “‘Drop’ was the first song I performed on tour…” Rest easy.”
The Roots’ Questlove also paid tribute to the rapper, stating, “I want to thank FATMAN SCOOP for being an embodiment of what hip-hop was truly about.” Simply forget about your problems and live in the present now, allowing joy to enter. It’s really sad to see you depart, my brother. “You will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Born in New York in 1971, Freeman broke into the mainstream with the 1999 single “Be Faithful,” which featured the Crooklyn Clan and sampled Chic, Faith Evans, Jay-Z, Queen Pen, the Beatnuts, Black Sheep, and Naughty by Nature. The song appeared in the film Save the Last Dance and served as the soundtrack for The Best Man’s trailer.
Freeman’s reputation skyrocketed after he appeared alongside Ciara on Elliott’s hit “Lose Control,” from her 2005 album The Cookbook. The song reached at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song. The video for “Lose Control” was also popular, earning a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video and two MTV Video Music Awards.
That same year, Freeman was featured on “It’s Like That,” the lead single from Carey’s 2005 comeback album, The Emancipation of Mimi. The song has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Throughout his career, Freeman collaborated with numerous other artists, including Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, David Guetta, Skrillex, Tech N9ne, Smino, and Doechii. He released three solo studio albums: 2003’s Fatman Scoop’s Party Breaks: Volume 1, 2006’s In the Club, and 2015’s Party King. Freeman also appeared on a number of prominent TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs. USA in 2015 and the animated sitcom The Boondocks.
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