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Isaac Freeman III, better known as Fatman Scoop, has reportedly passed away at 53.
His DJ and tour manager DJ Pure Cold confirmed the news in a heartbreaking message he posted to Instagram in the early hours of Saturday morning, August 31. The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed. However, the message was posted a few hours after the "Be Faithful" rapper collapsed on stage during a performance at Town Center Park in Hamden, Conn. According to video footage posted to social media on Friday night, Fatman Scoop fell over at the DJ booth in the middle of his set.
"If you came to party, make some noise," he said right before he passed out.
According to TMZ, people rushed to give Freeman CPR. Once paramedics arrived, the revered artist was hauled out on a stretcher and rushed to a nearby hospital.
Fatman Scoop achieved stardom when he dropped his club anthem "Be Faithful" in 1999 alongside production duo Crooklyn Clan that sampled hits from Faith Evans, JAY-Z, The Beatnuts, Queen Pen, Black Sheep and Chic. After the song was re-released in 2003, it spread like wildfire at parties all around the world. It went on to be featured in films like The Best Man and Save The Last Dance.
His unforgettable voice also appeared on Timbaland & Magoo's 2001 smash hit "Drop" off the duo's Indecent Proposal album. Their song also appeared in films like You Got Served in 2004 and became a staple in clubs and dance battles everywhere. Over the course of his career, Fatman Scoop teamed up with other major acts like Missy Elliott ("Lose Control"), Mariah Carey ("It's Like That"), Ying Yang Twins and Lil Jon ("Salt Shaker Remix") plus more.
Rest in peace, Isaac "Fatman Scoop" Freeman III.