US rapper and hype man Fatman Scoop has died aged 53.
The musician’s family confirmed the news with “profound sadness and very heavy hearts” in a post on his Instagram page.
Earlier, the artist, famous for his 2003 hit Be Faithful and its sampling of Faith Evans’s Love Like This, was seen collapsing on stage during a performance in Connecticut.
The New York-born rapper – whose real name is Isaac Freeman III – had taken off his shirt and walked behind a DJ booth when he appeared to fall.
While those nearby tried to administer CPR to the performer, his hype men attempted to calm the crowd by playing more songs.
Lauren Garrett, the mayor of Hamden, wrote on Facebook earlier on Friday: “Tonight, while performing at Hamden Town Center Park, Isaac Freeman, aka Fatman Scoop, had a medical emergency on stage.
“He is being transported by ambulance to the hospital. We will provide updates when they are available. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
‘A radiant soul’
Fatman Scoop’s family said the world had “lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life”, adding that he was “not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend”.
They said: “He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage. FatMan Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club.
“His much 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.”
Birch Michael – known as Pure Cold – also announced the musician’s death, and said in his statement: “You taught me how to be the man I am today.
“I love you Scoop, thank you so much for everything you gave to me.”
Pic: Instagram / @itspurecold
Missy Elliott pays tribute
Missy Elliott, who collaborated with Scoop on her 2005 hit Lose Control, said his “voice and energy have contributed to many songs that made the people happy and want to dance for over two decades”.
“Your impact is huge and will never be forgotten,” she added.
Scoop’s talent agency MN2S also paid tribute to “our dear friend and client”, adding: “Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe.
“His iconic voice, infectious energy and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music.”
Sharron Elkabas, one of the founders of MN2S, said: “I spoke to him just a few days ago, and he was in such good spirits. It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us.”
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Festival remembers ‘cherished’ performer
Scoop is also known for his feature on Mariah Carey’s Grammy-nominated song It’s Like That, and for his collaborations with artists including Nick Cannon, Skrillex and Timbaland.
He was also known to UK audiences after appearing on Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother: UK vs USA in 2015, and was the third housemate to be evicted.
Fatman Scoop in Las Vegas, Nevada, in July 2014. Pic: AP
The rapper was scheduled to perform in the UK in September at the Reminisce Festival in Saint Helens, which said on Facebook: “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.”