Fatman Scoop’s family posts statement following rapper’s death: “a world class performer”
On August 30th, rap musician Fatman Scoop sadly passed away after collapsing behind his DJ booth during a show in Connecticut.
The rapper and hype man, who was 53, rose to prominence in the early 2000s, earning chart success with both his own singles and features on cuts by prominent artists. He released his biggest hit, ‘Be Faithful’ featuring the Crooklyn Clan, in 1999, which was his second single. A few years later, it went to number one in the United Kingdom.
In 2001, he featured on Timbaland and Magoo’s ‘Drop’, but perhaps his most well-known contribution to another artist’s song was the backing vocals he provided on Missy Elliott’s hit 2005 single ‘Lose Control’, also featuring Ciara.
That same year, Scoop, real name Isaac Freeman III, joined Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri for the song ‘It’s Like That’. The rapper also collaborated with a wide variety of artists like David Guetta, Fedde Le Grand, Slaughterhouse, B*Witched, and Skrillex over the coming years.
Since his passing, his family have posted a statement on Instagram sharing their love for Scoop. Their message came after the rapper’s manager, Birch Michael, announced his death.
“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,” his family wrote.
They praised him for being “not just a world class performer,” but also a “father, brother, uncle and a friend.” Moreover, his family described him as “the undisputed voice of the club. 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.”
Also remembering the fact he was a “constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage” for many family members and fans, they highlighted that he was “the laughter in our lives.”
Scoop’s booking agency, MN2S posted a statement echoing a similar sentiment, calling the musician “a beloved figure in the music world,” continuing, “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.”
An official cause of death has not yet been revealed.