2023 has been a year of several unfortunate celebrity deaths. While this year has been graceful so far, it’s not without exceptions. Fatman Scoop, the dynamic voice behind the 1999 club anthem ‘Be Faithful,’ has sadly passed away at the age of 53.
Known offstage as Isaac Freeman III, the rapper was beloved by fans and fellow artists alike for his infectious energy and unforgettable performances. Here’s what happened.
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The Unexpected Tragedy Of Fatman Scoop
On Friday night, Fatman Scoop was doing what he did best – bringing the house down at a concert in Connecticut. Unfortunately, the night took a tragic turn when he suffered a medical emergency on stage at Hamden Town Center Park.
Fatman Scoop’s death was confirmed by his talent agency, MN2S, on Saturday. Sharron Elkabas, CEO of MN2S, spoke on behalf of the agency and the countless fans who adored the rapper. “Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe,” the official statement said, though it did not specify the reason of death.
“His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music,” it added.
Elkabas also expressed his grief, stating that he spoke to Fatman Scoop “just a few days ago, and he was in such good spirits. It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us.“
The rapper’s family also took to social media to express their grief and honor the man behind the music. In an emotional post on his official Instagram page, they described him as “a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”
They continued, “He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
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Fatman Scoop Has Left A Lasting Legacy Behind
Fatman Scoop’s career took off with the release of ‘Be Faithful,’ a track that’s still a guaranteed party-starter more than two decades later. The song, featuring the Crooklyn Clan, became an instant hit and topped the charts in the U.K. and Ireland when it was re-released in 2003.
His powerful voice led to a string of hits, including Mariah Carey’s ‘It’s Like That‘ and Missy Elliott’s ‘Lose Control.’ The latter one also won a Grammy for best short form music video and earned a nomination for best rap song.
Many musicians took to social media to acknowledge Fatman Scoop’s death. “Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time,” Missy Elliott wrote on X. “Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”
From Timbaland’s ‘Drop‘ to Skrillex’s ‘Recess‘ and Ciara’s ‘Level Up‘ Remix. Scoop’s voice was the secret ingredient that turned good tracks into great ones. He also recently collaborated with rapper Tech N9ne on the single ‘No Popcorn,’ which dropped in July of this year.
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