Rapper and hype-man Fatman Scoop has died after shockingly collapsing onstage at a show Friday night, producer Birch Michael announced. He was 53.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, Known professionally as Fatman Scoop,” Michael’s Facebook post read Saturday. “You taught me how to be the Man I am today.”
The DJ, who said he was feeling emotional at the time of writing the post, concluded, “I Love you Scoop, Thank you so much for everything you gave to me. Rest In Peace x.”
DJ I Am Tony Neal also posted a tribute to Scoop on Instagram Saturday, writing, “Unbelievable, #SleepWell Scoop. I was hoping you would pull through. ????????????????”
He noted that it had been a “rough month” for the New York native and added, “Your voice entertained millions, and your legacy will continue. Family, I’m gonna miss you, @fatmanscoop.”
Neal noted Scoop’s date of death as Friday, Aug. 30. Page Six has reached out to the late rap star’s rep for confirmation and comment on his passing.
Scoop, known for his guest spots on Missy Elliot’s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “I Like That,” was performing at the Town Center Park in Hamden, Conn., when he suffered a medical emergency.
In video circulating online, he appeared energetic at first but then walked toward the back of the DJ booth as he said, “Hamden make some noise!”
Shortly after, video obtained by TMZ showed paramedics rushing to his aid backstage.
“Big man needs to relax … they ain’t got no fans on this stage,” a person could be heard saying on the mic at the time.
As first responders performed CPR and chest compressions, performers onstage and the audience then broke out in prayer, per footage shared on Facebook.
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Scoop was then taken out on a stretcher and rushed to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett said in a statement via Facebook Friday, “Tonight, while performing at Hamden Town Center Park, Isaac Freeman, aka Fatman Scoop, had a medical emergency on stage.
“He is being transported by ambulance to the hospital. We will provide updates when they are available. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Scoop’s official cause of death has not yet been revealed.
