Fatman Scoop‘s family, friends and fans will have the opportunity to honor the late rapper at a public memorial in New York City later this week.
In a post on Scoop’s Instagram page on Tuesday (September 10), his family announced a “Celebration of Life” event at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, taking place on Thursday (September 12) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“Please join the Freeman family in the celebration of Isaac ‘Fatman Scoop’ Freeman at the Apollo this Thursday,” the caption read.
Tickets for the event will go on sale at the Apollo Theater’s website, where more information will also be made available.
Fatman Scoop passed away on August 30 after collapsing onstage during a performance in Hamden, Connecticut. He was 53 years old.
The Harlem native, who was best known for his hypeman energy on hits like “Be Faithful,” Missy Elliott‘s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey‘s “It’s Like That,” received CPR and was taken to a nearby hospital.
However, his DJ and tour manager Birch “Pure Cold” Michael confirmed the following morning that Scoop had passed away.
“I am honestly lost for words,” Michael wrote on Instagram. “You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet, the things you taught me have truely made me the man I am today. Thank you so much, I love you x.”
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The rapper’s family later issued a statement that read: “It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop. Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.
“FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage… FatMan Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside in our hearts and memories forever.”
Tributes also poured in from Scoop’s friends and collaborators within the Hip Hop community including Missy Elliott, Ludacris and Jim Jones.
“Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time [prayer hands emoji],” Missy wrote on X. “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.. [dove emoji, prayer hands emoji].”
Luda added in his own touching post: “Scoop was one of those people that reminded you what the word LOVE Truly means. It’s an ACTION, and with his ACTIONS he exuded the PUREST form of Passion For HIP HOP. Every human being that he came Into contact with felt that LOVE & that PASSION. THIS is the Type Of LEGACY WE should ALL continue from here on until ETERNITY.”
