Saturday, August 31, 2024

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.

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.

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."

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Thursday, August 29, 2024

Carl Weathers Honored Posthumously with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Photo Credit: Luigi Novi, via Wikimedia Commons
Carl Weathers, the actor, former NFL linebacker and singer best known for his roles as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” films and Dillon in “Predator,” was honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today.

Weathers, who passed away on Feb. 2 at the age of 76 from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, became the second recipient of the Sports Entertainment Walk of Fame star, following Michael Strahan’s recognition in 2023.
The ceremony, sponsored by the Las Vegas Raiders, took place on Hollywood Boulevard with entertainment correspondent Sibley Scoles serving as emcee. The event drew an audience that included Raiders alumni Grant Irons, Jim Plunkett, and Phil Villapiano, reflecting Weathers’ connections to both Hollywood and professional sports.

Speakers included Raiders owner Mark Davis, actor LeVar Burton, and Bryce Dallas Howard. Howard, who directed several episodes of “The Mandalorian,” in which Weathers both starred and directed, praised Weathers for his leadership on set.
"He was a feat of expertise and human excellence," Howard said. "Everybody learned from him because he was a natural leader. Wherever he went, people would light up and stand tall."

Weathers’ career spanned four decades, beginning on the football field as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and later in the Canadian Football League. After earning a drama degree, he transitioned to acting and made his mark as Apollo Creed in 1976’s “Rocky,” a role that would define his career. He continued to land action roles throughout the 1980s, starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and leading the action-packed “Action Jackson.”

Though known for his tough-guy roles, Weathers also displayed a gift for comedy. He appeared as Chubbs Peterson in Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” (1996) and played a self-parodying version of himself in the cult series “Arrested Development.” More recently, he brought gravitas to his role as Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian,” earning an Emmy nomination for his work.

Beyond his on-screen achievements, Weathers explored his passion for music, releasing the single “That’s Love Calling” in 1981. The song, showcasing his vocal talents, added another layer to his diverse artistic pursuits.

Burton, a longtime friend, remembered Weathers as a man of authenticity and compassion. “Carl was a humanitarian, and I think the best tribute I can pay to him is that he was, in fact, the embodiment of a good man,” Burton said. “In Carl’s presence, you knew he was focused 100 percent on you.”

Reflecting on their time spent at a Los Angeles spa, Burton shared how Weathers embraced every moment with honesty. “Carl had no problem being his authentic self in every single moment,” Burton said. “I think his ability to be authentic was probably his greatest gift, and greatest talent.”

Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, highlighted the significance of Weathers’ contributions to both entertainment and sports. “Carl left an indelible mark on the worlds of sports and entertainment, and it is our honor to immortalize his legacy on our iconic sidewalk,” she said, adding that Weathers had been actively involved in preparing to receive the star before his passing.
Weathers is survived by his two sons. His journey from the football field to the silver screen, marked by iconic roles and a commitment to his craft, has solidified his place as a beloved figure in American culture. With his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Carl Weathers' legacy continues to shine brightly, inspiring new generations through his enduring work in sports, film and music.

Watch the entire ceremony below. 

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Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Liotta's Last Ride: Snoop Dogg's '1992' Hits Theaters Labor Day Weekend

Snoop Dogg is making his mark on the film world as the executive producer of "1992," a gritty crime thriller hitting theaters this Labor Day weekend.

Set against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the film features a star-studded cast, including the late Ray Liotta in one of his final performances.

"1992" tells the story of Mercer (Tyrese Gibson), a man freshly released from prison who is desperately trying to rebuild his life and reconnect with his son. Their path crosses with a ruthless crime ring led by Lowell (Liotta), setting the stage for a tense conflict amid the chaos and social unrest of the LA riots.

Reflecting on the film's significance, Snoop Dogg said, "'1992' was a life-changing time for me, from 'Deep Cover' to 'The Chronic.' But as things in my life were coming together, everything in L.A. was falling apart. '1992' is a heist movie that really captures all of that."

The rapper was drawn to the project not only for its powerful story but also for the opportunity to work with director Ariel Vromen and star Tyrese Gibson. "Ariel made an outstanding film that depicts this moment in time. From my first encounter with Tyrese in 'Baby Boy' to the performance in '1992,' I had to be a part of this," Snoop explained. "And it's only fitting that the film come out under Death Row Pictures, as Death Row is synonymous with LA culture in the '90s, ya dig?"

The cast and crew also paid tribute to the legendary Ray Liotta, who passed away in 2022. Gibson, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, described Liotta’s intense dedication to his craft.

"He was mean as hell," Gibson said. "But he was, in my mind, very Method, very focused."

Dylan Arnold, who plays one of Liotta’s sons, spoke about the actor's quiet power on set. "I wouldn’t approach him. I wouldn’t approach the king. I just let him do his thing."

Scott Eastwood, portraying Liotta’s other son, added, "He brought an intensity that really makes you uneasy."

With its exploration of crime, personal struggle, and social upheaval, "1992" aims to offer a compelling portrayal of a pivotal era in LA's history. The film's release on Aug. 30 provides an opportunity to experience the complex narrative crafted by Ariel Vromen and the impactful performances of its cast.

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