Fatman Scoop, the artist who gained fame in Europe two decades ago with his hit “Be Faithful” and later contributed to successful tracks by other musicians, passed away at 53 after collapsing on stage during a show in Connecticut on Friday, according to his family and officials. The cause of death remains unknown.
Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, was performing at Hamden Town Center Park when he collapsed. Efforts by concertgoers and paramedics to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was taken to a hospital.
The town’s chief of staff, Sean Grace, confirmed the incident, and Mayor Lauren Garrett mentioned on Facebook that he had suffered a medical emergency.
His family paid tribute to him on Instagram, describing him as “a radiant soul” and “a beacon on stage and in life.” While the world recognized him as an artist who energized crowds, his family cherished him for his humor, support, and strength. They also highlighted the positivity and joy his music brought to people.
Born and raised in Harlem, New York City, Scoop first gained attention with “Be Faithful” in 1999. Though initially a minor hit in the U.S., the song became a chart-topping success in Europe in 2003. He also appeared on the U.K. television series “Chancers” and competed on “Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA” in 2015.
Scoop was perhaps most famous for his feature on Missy Elliott’s 2005 hit “Lose Control,” which won a Grammy for its music video. He also collaborated with artists like Mariah Carey, Timbaland, David Guetta, and Skrillex.
In 2018, he reunited with Elliott and Ciara for a remix of Ciara’s “Level Up.”
Missy Elliott praised Scoop on social media, acknowledging his significant contributions to music and noting that his impact would never be forgotten.
His booking agency, MN2S, described him as an artist with “boundless enthusiasm” and a lasting influence on the industry. Sharron Elkabas, his representative, expressed disbelief at his passing, noting that she had spoken to him just days before, and he had been in good spirits.
