Isaac Freeman III, famously known as Fatman Scoop, the energetic rapper, DJ, and hype man behind the anthem “Be Faithful,” has passed away at the age of 56. Fatman Scoop collapsed onstage while performing in Hamden, Connecticut, on August 30, as confirmed by The New York Times. Despite attempts by paramedics to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fatman Scoop’s family released a heartfelt statement on his official Instagram account, expressing their grief: “Fatman Scoop was not just a world-class performer; he was a father, brother, uncle, and a friend. His voice brought joy to millions, and his generosity and positivity touched countless lives. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. His infectious energy will live on in our hearts forever.”
Born in 1968 in Harlem, New York, Fatman Scoop was immersed in the culture of hip-hop from a young age. Growing up in the vibrant streets of Harlem, he was surrounded by the early pioneers of the genre, which deeply influenced his career. The moniker “Fatman Scoop” was a childhood nickname given to him by his uncle, a nod to his love of ice cream.
Fatman Scoop’s biggest hit, “Be Faithful,” became an unexpected global sensation. Originally released in 1999, the track, featuring beats by the Crooklyn Clan and a prominent sample of Faith Evans’ “Love Like This,” didn’t hit the top of the charts until 2003, when it soared to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. The song became a staple in clubs around the world, and its success cemented Fatman Scoop’s place in hip-hop history.
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In addition to his solo work, Fatman Scoop’s distinctive, raspy voice made him a sought-after collaborator. He featured on some of the biggest tracks of the 2000s, including Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.” His collaborations extended to artists such as Ciara, DJ Kool, and Tech N9ne, and he was known for his high-energy contributions to remixes by Timbaland, Lil Jon, and Janet Jackson. In more recent years, Fatman Scoop collaborated with Skrillex on the track “Squad Out,” and he was set to feature on A$AP Rocky’s upcoming song “Hood Happy” alongside Morrissey, Busta Rhymes, Flavor Flav, and Slick Rick.
Beyond his music career, Fatman Scoop was a versatile entertainer. He was a former DJ on New York’s Hot 97, where he hosted the late-night show Ignorant Radio, helping to usher the station into the digital age. His larger-than-life personality also led to appearances on TV, including a role in the animated series The Boondocks, starring in the MTV reality show Man and Wife, and competing on Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs. USA. He even dabbled in trucking and ran an ice cream company, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
The news of his passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists and fans. Ciara, Atmosphere, Questlove, and many others have expressed their condolences and shared memories of the legendary performer. Missy Elliott took to X (formerly Twitter) to honor her friend and collaborator, writing, “Prayers for Fatman Scoop’s family for STRENGTH during this difficult time. Fatman Scoop’s 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 NEVER be forgotten..🕊️🙏🏾”
Fatman Scoop’s legacy as a pioneering figure in hip-hop and a beloved entertainer will continue to resonate with fans and music lovers worldwide. His voice, energy, and spirit will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
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