Hours before his sudden demise at 53, Grammy-winning DJ Fatman Scoop celebrated the release of his latest single. He however collapsed on stage during a performance at Town Center Park in Hamden, Connecticut, on Friday.
His family announced his passing the next morning, though they did not disclose the cause of death, as reported by Daily Mail. The radio personality, who is known in private life as Isaac Freeman III, took to his Instagram on Friday to publicize his collaboration with musician Dyce Payso.
He shared a clip of their new music video, promoting the track “LET IT GO” and thanking fans for their support.
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“LET IT GO OUT NOW LINK IN MY BIO ft @fatmanscoop all platforms thank you.”
Earlier this month, Scoop had praised Payso’s talent and ambition. “Finished Up A Song/Video With @dyce_payso – sometimes you just know when somebody got ‘it’ which I think he does,” he wrote alongside a snap of the two together.
Scoop continued: “On top of making a lot of great relationships for himself. Pay attention to dude. I see really good things happening with the young homey. He has the look, the songs, but more importantly- HE WORKS HARD! And u CANT COACH THAT!!”
On Saturday morning, Scoop’s manager, DJ and producer Birch Michael, announced the rapper’s death on social media with deep sadness.
The artist’s family soon followed with a statement, remembering him not only as a world-class performer but also as a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend.
“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life,” the family said. “He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”
Born in New York City in 1971, Scoop gained prominence in the early 2000s through collaborations with stars like Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, renowned for his powerful, deep vocal presence.
His family described him as “the undisputed voice of the club”, and said his “music made us dance and embrace life with positivity.”
The three-time Grammy winner has in recent times been exploring podcasting and reality TV, appearing on Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother: UK vs USA in 2015. His cause of death remains unclear, but it followed a medical emergency on stage on Friday.
Audience footage shows the rapper collapsing moments after energizing the crowd with a shout of “Let’s make some noise!”
In a clip from the event, a member of Scoop’s entourage turned off the music, plunging the venue into an eerie silence. Partly obscured by the DJ booth, a medical official performed chest compressions on the rapper. Authorities were dispatched around 8:33 PM, and he was wheeled out on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital.
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garett stated that Scoop was receiving emergency care and urged fans to “keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in. The UK’s Reminisce Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on September 7, shared that his “absence will be profoundly felt by everyone.”
“He was not just one of our most popular performers, he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family,” the festival said.
On Saturday, Missy Elliott shared a heartfelt tribute, sending prayers to his 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 will NEVER be forgotten,” she wrote.
