Fatman Scoop's role of family man explored as loved ones pay heartfelt tribute to legendary rapper

HAMDEN, CONNECTICUT: The family of Fatman Scoop paid tribute to the legendary hip-hop artist following his tragic death on Friday, August 30, while on stage at a Connecticut performance with a statement.

The 53-year-old rapper's family announced his death in an official statement on his verified social media account on Saturday, August 31. According to the statement, Scoop was a devoted husband and father and will be much missed.

Scoop was a proud family man besides being a rapper, hype man, and radio personality. Here is everything to know about his children and ex-wife Shanda Freeman who are mourning his sudden death.

Fatman Scoop was married twice before untimely death

The rapper, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, died after collapsing during his Friday performance at the Green and Gold Party summer concert in Hamden, Connecticut.

After being taken to a nearby hospital, he was declared dead on Saturday. His last words are reported to have been, "If you came to party ... make some noise," per Daily Mail.

Scoop's family confirmed his death in a social media message that read: "It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop. Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life."

He was described in the statement as a "world class performer," and "a father, brother, uncle and a friend." The post went on, "He was the laughter of our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage."

Besides his legendary professional life, Fatman Scoop married twice, including his ex-wife Shanda Freeman. Freeman and Scoop appeared on the MTV reality series 'Man & Wife' in 2008.

The show covered a wide range of subjects, including sexuality, relationships, money, and jobs, and it was billed as the first hip-hop program about a married couple, per Today.com.

Scoop announced the couple's divorce on 'The Premium Pete Show' in August 2018, following a 13-year marriage. He discussed their divorce in the show, saying it "had nothing to do with cheating" and "had to do with other issues."

"Our divorce had nothing to do with cheating, infidelity. I never touched a woman in 13 years while I was with her. It had to do with other issues," Scoop said at the time.

He added: "I went through two marriages, I am a two-time loser... I'm good with this. I'm gonna end the rest of my life off the way I am."

Formerly working as an HIV/AIDS counselor, Freeman was the CEO of Disco Sis, an eyewear company. Mourning the death of her ex-husband, Freeman took to her social media account to pay tribute.

Freeman posted pictures of the rapper on Instagram along with the statement, "We made history. We were the FIRST. I'm heartbroken. I love you. Always."

Fatman Scoop was a proud father of two children

According to reports, Scoop was the father of a son and a daughter, but the rapper's kids have always maintained a low profile, away from the spotlight.

Although Scoop didn't usually put his children in the forefront, he occasionally gave fans a look into his life as a parent on social media.

In 2018, per Distractify, he posted a rare vintage photo of himself and his son, commenting, "Me and my son Circa 2001. He has grown up into a GROWN MAN. I pray for him EVERYDAY. I sound like a f**kin' parent! smh!"

He also uploaded a picture of his daughter Tiana during her junior prom. "Scary S**t....I rarely put up personal pics but my daughter @tiana_evangeline went to her junior prom. She is now becoming a beautiful young lady and I know these DAMN FOOLS are gonna be trying to do what I WAS TRYING TO DO 20 years ago....Karma is a m*******a...smh....its just scary....," he wrote.

Shanda Freeman also has another daughter Stephanie whose son honored his grandfather on Instagram by posting, "S**t crazy, this one hurt. RIP gramps," followed by a picture of the famous rapper.

Fatman Scoop has made significant contributions to the rap and hip-hop scenes for over 20 years with his own music and prominent partnerships with singers such as Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott. Rap and hip-hop fans have come together to celebrate Fatman Scoop's legacy ever since word of his passing spread.