Fatman Scoop Dies at 53 After Collapsing During Connecticut Concert

TamikaWest, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Isaac Freeman III, better known as Fatman Scoop, died Friday night after collapsing on stage during a free concert in Hamden, Connecticut. He was 53.

The iconic rapper, famed for his booming voice and 1990s club anthem "Be Faithful," was performing at Hamden Town Center Park as part of the Hamden Arts Commission's Free Summer Concert Series. During his set, he suffered a medical emergency, according to Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett.

Video footage posted on social media captured the shirtless artist energetically engaging the crowd moments before he collapsed behind the DJ booth’s platform, out of the audience’s view. Attendees could be seen performing chest compressions as other performers led the crowd in prayer.

I REALLY hope he comes out of this ok. Prayers up for Fatman Scoop. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾pic.twitter.com/rR9PxNkiaR

— Chaddie The Baddie Turner (@TheMrChadTurner) August 31, 2024

Authorities responded to the scene at 8:33 p.m., and Fatman Scoop was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Details on the exact nature of the medical emergency have not been released.

Fatman Scoop's tour manager, Birch Michael, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, writing, "It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop. You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you, Scoop. Thank you so much for everything you gave to me. Rest in peace."

The event had been rescheduled from August due to inclement weather, and Fatman Scoop had been the headlining act for the "Green & Gold Party." The park, located six miles north of New Haven, had been packed with fans eager to see the New York-born artist, whose career spans decades.

RIP Fatman Scoop. I gotta spin this today. https://t.co/EjdchvCAas pic.twitter.com/ts0E4OxT2R

— Bishop (@innagtrey) August 31, 2024

Fatman Scoop rose to fame with "Be Faithful," a track that has earned him millions of views and remains a staple in clubs worldwide. He also featured on Missy Elliott's "Lose Control," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2005, and collaborated with artists like Mariah Carey, Timberland and Magoo, Nick Cannon and Skrillex.

Just hours before his untimely passing, Fatman Scoop had premiered the official music video for his new song "Let It Go," a collaboration with rapper Dyce Paso.

Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett expressed her condolences in a statement, saying, "Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers."