Fatman Scoop, the hip-hop artist known for his hit “Be Faithful” and collaborations with Missy Elliott and Ciara, died at 56 after collapsing on stage in Connecticut. The cause of death is not yet known.
He collapsed on stage while performing at Hamden Town Center Park on Friday evening and later died in the hospital.
His family described him as a “radiant soul” and a “constant source of support,” while he was known to the world for his iconic voice and club hits. His passing has been deeply mourned by both fans and loved ones.
“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,” they added, saying he leaves a legacy “of love and brightness.”
Born Isaac Freeman III in Harlem, Fatman Scoop gained fame with his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” which became a major success in Europe after a 2003 re-release.
He appeared on the U.K. TV series “Chancers” and was a contestant on “Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA” in 2015.
Scoop is also known for his collaboration with Missy Elliott and Ciara on the Grammy-winning 2005 track “Lose Control.”
In 2005, Fatman Scoop was featured on Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” and collaborated with artists like Timbaland, David Guetta, The Situation, and Skrillex.
In 2018, he reunited with Missy Elliott and Ciara for a remix of Ciara’s “Level Up.” Missy Elliott praised Scoop’s voice and energy on X, noting his contributions to music that brought joy over the past two decades.
“Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten,” she added.
Fatman Scoop’s booking agency, MN2S, remembered him as an artist with “boundless enthusiasm” and a distinctive voice that left a lasting impact on the music industry.
Sharron Elkabas, his MN2S representative, noted that she had spoken with him just a few days before his passing.
