Hamden, Connecticut – Iconic rapper and hype man Fatman Scoop, known for his collaborations with Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, tragically passed away following a medical emergency during a concert on Friday evening. He was 56 years old.
The unfortunate incident occurred at Hamden Town Center Park, where the rapper, born Isaac Freeman, collapsed onstage. The news of his death was confirmed by his publicist, Chanel Rae, who pointed fans to an emotional tribute posted on Fatman Scoop’s official Instagram page early Saturday morning.
The tribute stated, “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.” It further expressed that he "was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend" and conveyed his impact as “the undisputed voice of the club” whose music inspired joy and positivity.
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett expressed her condolences via a Facebook post, stating, “On behalf of the Town of Hamden, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Isaac Freeman, known as Fatman Scoop. He was a wonderful performer with a wide following as evidenced by the thousands of fans that came to see what would be his last performance at Hamden Town Center Park.”
Garrett also appreciated the audience and paramedics who attempted to provide life-saving help. She announced that grief counseling would be provided for those struggling to process the tragedy, especially those who witnessed the events unfold.
In a Facebook update on Friday, Garrett had informed followers about Freeman’s medical emergency, stating that he was being transported by ambulance to a local hospital and requested that fans keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
Sharron Elkabas, a representative for the musician, shared her disbelief regarding Freeman’s sudden passing. “I spoke to him just a few days ago, and he was in such good spirits. It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us,” she said.
As of now, no details regarding the cause of Fatman Scoop’s death have been released.
Fatman Scoop first gained prominence in 1999 with his hit single "Be Faithful," which charted on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs charts. Throughout his career, he collaborated with various artists, including Lil Jon, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Pitbull, and Skrillex.
Known for his commanding vocal presence and devoted club following, he played a significant role in the success of Missy Elliott’s 2005 single "Lose Control," featuring Ciara, and also worked with Mariah Carey on the track "It’s Like That." His contribution to music earned him a Grammy in 2006 for best short form music video for his work on Elliott’s project.
This report was contributed by CNN’s Caroll Alvarado.
