The artist’s family has confirmed on social media the death, which occurred in the State of Connecticut
Rapper FatMan Scoop, real name Isaac Freeman III, died Friday night at a free summer concert in the town of Hamden, Connecticut. The New York artist was known for the song Be Faithful, which became an anthem in American nightclubs in the late 1990s. Freeman was singing and encouraging the audience when he collapsed next to the DJ. He was 53 years old.
“The world lost one of its most radiant souls last night, a ray of light on stage and in life,” FatMan Scoop’s family wrote on Instagram Saturday morning. The statement confirms the incident occurred at the Green and Gold Party, held about 10 kilometers from New Haven. “FatMan Scoop was known for being the undisputed voice of nightclubs. His music made us dance and embrace life in a positive way,” the statement added.
The artist has been fired by other big names in the genre. Timbaland, Fat Joe, Ludacris, and Chuck D, one of the members of Public Enemy, among others, have left messages on social media in honor of the artist’s career. “Thank you so much, Scoop!” wrote Questlove, drummer for The Roots and a central part of Jimmy Fallon’s late-night talk show on NBC. “He represented what hip-hop is really about, forgetting your problems and living in the moment and allowing yourself to be happy,” Questlove said in a long farewell.
Missy Elliot said FatMan Scoop’s voice and energy helped create many of the songs that “have made people happy on dance floors over the past two decades.” “Your impact is huge and will never be forgotten,” said the artist known as Misdemeanor, who worked with Freeman on her hit “Lose Control,” which reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 2005. Mariah Carey also featured him on “It’s Like That,” a song that was nominated for a Grammy in 2006.
Videos from Connecticut partygoers captured some of that essence that rappers have remembered in eulogy form. FatMan was shirtless on stage encouraging the crowd moments before his death. “If you came to the party, make some noise,” Freeman shouted to the crowd. The event was to take place in July but had to be postponed due to weather issues.
After he collapsed at around 8:20 p.m. local time, some people in the crowd tried to help and revive Freeman as paramedics arrived on stage. “For everyone who is having a hard time processing what happened, especially those who witnessed this tragedy at Town Center Park, we will be offering emotional support services with social workers,” Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett said on Facebook. Garrett referenced the artist’s popularity, which drew thousands to the free event. FatMan was to perform at a festival in the United Kingdom on Sept. 7.