Fatman Scoop’s family and Missy Elliott mourn death of ‘legendary’ rapper: ‘He was the laughter in our lives’
Fatman Scoop’s loved ones, including Missy Elliott, are honoring the late rapper, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, after his sudden death on Friday with heartfelt statements released via social media.
“Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time🙏🏾,” Elliot, who worked with Scoop on her hit 2005 single “Lose Control,” wrote via X Saturday.
The Grammy winner, 53, added alongside a photo of her late friend wearing an all-white outfit, “Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades.”
She concluded her post by telling Scoop, “Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten..🕊️🙏🏾”
Ciara, who was also featured on “Lose Control,” posted on Instagram Saturday alongside a video of Scoop in a recording session, “Rest Easy at @FatmanScoop!
“You were truly one of the best voices in hip-hop! I’m so glad I got to experience your greatness! We will all miss you greatly ❤️.”
Scoop also famously collaborated with Mariah Carey on “It’s Like That,” but the singer, who recently lost her mom and sister on the same day, has not yet issued a public statement on the rapper’s death.
The Freeman family, for their part, shared a post on Scoop’s Instagram Saturday, in which they confirmed with “profound sadness and very heavy hearts” that the “legendary and iconic” rapper had died.
They went on to also confirm that the New York-born hype-man, whom they remember as a “radiant soul” and “beacon of light” onstage, passed away Friday night after collapsing at his show in Hamden, Conn.
“FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend,” the family continued in their joint statement.
“He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”
The Freeman family then listed some of Scoop’s many accomplishments, noting that he was “known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club.”
“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,” the statement also said.
The family concluded by saying that they would like to “celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched,” adding that the late rap star’s legacy will always be one of “love and brightness.”
Scoop’s tour manager, Birch Michael, was first to announce to the world that the “Be Faithful” rapper had died.
“You taught me how to be the Man I am today,” the producer reflected in a post on Facebook Saturday.
“I Love you Scoop, Thank you so much for everything you gave to me. Rest In Peace x.”
Scoop had been performing at the Hamden Arts Commission Free Summer Concert Series Friday night when he suddenly appeared to not be feeling well and went toward the DJ booth, per video online.
Shortly after, he collapsed and medical personnel were seen aiding the rapper backstage as a person on the mic said, “Big man needs to relax … they ain’t got no fans on this stage.”
Fans were seen in another clip posted on Facebook Friday breaking out into prayer as paramedics administered chest compressions and CPR.
Scoop was then escorted off the premises and rushed to a local hospital for further treatment.
His official cause of death has not yet been revealed. He was 53 years old.
