Fatman Scoop has died after collapsing onstage during a performance in Hamden, Connecticut.
Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, was 53. He was performing at Hamden Town Center Park on Friday (August 30) when he suddenly fell down. He received CPR and was taken to a nearby hospital, according to CT Insider.
However, in the early morning hours on Saturday (August 31), Scoop’s DJ and tour manager Birch “Pure Cold” Michael confirmed that the rapper 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.”
Scoop’s death was also confirmed by the Reminisce Festival, a UK festival where he was scheduled to perform this fall.
“This loss has left us all heartbroken,” the festival’s Instagram account posted. “Scoop was scheduled to perform at this year’s Reminisce Festival, and 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. His energy, talent and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express.”
Scoop was best known for his high-energy guest appearances on tracks like Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey‘s “It’s Like That.” His breakthrough song was 1999’s “Be Faithful,” which was re-released in 2003.
HipHopDX sends its condolences to Fatman Scoop’s family and friends.