United States rapper, Isaac Freeman III, fondly called Fatman Scoop, has been confirmed dead after suffering a medical emergency while performing on stage.

His demise was announced by his manager, Birch Michael, on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Fatman Scoop died at the age of 53.

Scoop, best known for the hit tracks “Be Faithful” and “It Takes Scoop”, collapsed on stage at Hamden Town Center Park, Connecticut and was taken to hospital where doctors were unable to revive him.

Medical staff apparently attempted to administer CPR while he was still on the stage, according to a video of the incident obtained on Saturday. He was then carried away on a stretcher.

Michael wrote on Facebook: “It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop.

U.S. singer Travis Scott arrested for fighting at Paris hotel

“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.”

Hip-hop star Missy Elliott led the tributes to Scoop on X, writing: “Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time🙏🏾 Fatman Scoop 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 be NEVER be forgotten.”

Radio host Shelley Wade posted a photograph of herself with Scoop, saying: “We are losing too many of our #HipHop legends too soon. Rest easy, Scoop.”

Scoop briefly became embroiled in a political row in Australia in 2018 when the country’s then-prime minister Scott Morrison posted a clip that featured his hit “Be Faithful.”

Morrison, a conservative evangelical Christian, deleted the post after his critics said the entertainer’s lyrics were inappropriate and unparliamentary.

“It’s quite clear that that is not a song on my playlist,” he later told reporters in Sydney.

The uproar prompted a response from Scoop, who tagged Morrison in an Instagram post saying: “I am humbled to have my voice rocking in the highest offices of the Australian Government!”

The rapper defended his lyrics: “It’s a fun Party Song that has no Negativity or Harm in it!!” before extending Morrison a backstage invite to a festival appearance in Australia.

The Star