Fatman Scoop's death: Family and friends mourn loss of 'Be Faithful' rapper

HAMDEN, CONNECTICUT: Rapper Fatman Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, died at the age of 53 after collapsing during a free concert in Connecticut.

The New York-born artist suffered a medical emergency while performing at the 'Green & Gold Party' in Hamden on Friday night, August 30.

Fatman, best known for his 1990s hit 'Be Faithful', was rushed to the hospital after receiving emergency CPR but tragically did not survive.

What happened to Fatman Scoop?

Fatman Scoop was headlining the event in Hamden when the incident occurred. Viral footage from the concert shows the rapper hyping up the crowd while shirtless, stepping onto the DJ booth’s platform during his performance.

Just after urging the audience to "make some noise," the rapper slurred his words and then collapsed onto the stage. He fell out of the audience's view, sparking panic among concertgoers.

Emergency CPR was administered to Fatman after officials were called to the park at 8.33 pm, according to TMZ.

He lay on the floor behind the DJ set screen, while other performers on stage led the crowd in prayer.

One person who took the video told the publication "he was ultimately taken out on a stretcher."

One of the singers urged the crowd to make some noise and said, "It is what it is. We come here to party."

Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett later confirmed that Fatman experienced a medical emergency and was transported to a hospital by ambulance.

"Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers," Garrett posted on Facebook.

Tributes pour in as Fatman Scoop's death is announced

Following Fatman Scoop's death, tributes from friends and colleagues began pouring in.

DJ Pure Cold shared the news on Instagram. "It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, Known professionally as Fatman Scoop," Cold wrote.

 "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 x," he added

"I am honestly lost for words… You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet, the things you taught me have truly made me the man I am today," DJ Cold continued.

He concluded his tribute with, "Thank you so much, I love you x."

Fatman Scoop's impact on music industry

Fatman Scoop’s contributions to the music industry are well remembered.

He featured on Missy Elliott’s 'Lose Control', which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2005 according to the New York Post.

He also appeared on Mariah Carey’s Grammy-nominated track 'It’s Like That' and collaborated with artists such as Timbaland, Magoo, Nick Cannon, and Skrillex.

His song 'Be Faithful' remains a club favorite, earning millions of views.

On Friday morning, just hours before his passing, Fatman and Dyce Paso premiered the official music video for their new song 'Let It Go'.

Fatman Scoops family mourns 'radiant soul's loss

In a post on the musician's Instagram, his family said with "profound sadness and very heavy hearts" that the rapper and hype man had died.

"Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life," the family said.

"FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage. FatMan Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club," the post read further.

"His much 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," the statement continued.

Sharron Elkabas, Fatman's representative at MN2S, the booking agency he worked with for 15 years, released a statement about his death at 10 am on Saturday.

"I spoke to him just a few days ago, and he was in such good spirits," Elkabas said. "It's hard to believe he is no longer with us."

Reminisce Festival, a UK event where Fatman was scheduled to perform on September 7, also confirmed his death. "His absence will be profoundly felt by everyone," the festival noted in an Instagram post.