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Fatman Scoop, rapper of “Be Faithful”, dies at the age of 53

Fatman Scoop, the New York rapper who had a worldwide hit with “Be Faithful” and was featured on singles by Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey and Skrillex, has died at the age of 53.

The artist, born Isaac Freeman III, was rushed to a hospital after suffering a medical emergency onstage during a concert in Hamden, Connecticut on August 30. On Saturday morning, Freeman's tour manager Bryan “DJ Pure Cold” Michael announced on social media that the rapper had died. The cause of death was not given.

“I'm honestly at a loss for words,” Michael wrote. “You've taken me all over the world and let me perform with you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on the planet. The things you've taught me have truly made me the man I am today.”

Freeman's touring agency MN2S added in a statement: “Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world whose work was loved by countless fans around the world. His iconic voice, infectious energy and great personality left an indelible mark on the industry and his legacy will live on in his timeless music.”

Fatman Scoop, who also performed as a hype man and radio and television personality, first rose to prominence in 1999 with his single “Be Faithful,” which featured the Crooklyn Clan and used the same Chic sample as Faith Evans' “Love Like This.” The track was a club favorite in Freeman's hometown of New York for years before – after overcoming sample hurdles – becoming a worldwide hit upon its re-release in 2003.

The rapper also appeared alongside Ciara on Missy Elliott's 2005 hit “Lose Control.” The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's video won the Grammy for Best Short Music Video and the song was nominated for Best Rap Song.

Elliott tweeted Saturday following news of Freeman's death: “Prayers for Fatman Scoop's family for STRENGTH during this difficult time. Fatman Scoop's VOICE and energy contributed to MANY songs that made people HAPPY and dance for over two decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE and will NEVER be forgotten.”

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Freeman was next featured on Mariah Carey's 2005 single “It's Like That” featuring Jermaine Dupri, another top 20 single. In the decades that followed, Freeman has guested on singles by Skrillex (“Recess”), David Guetta (“Love Is Back”), Ciara (“Level Up” remix), Slaughterhouse, Smino and Doechii, and most recently Tech N9ne, where he was featured on the rapper's “No Popcorn” last month.

A$AP Rocky also recently announced that his song “Hood Happy” will be featured on his upcoming album Don't be stupidwould feature Fatman Scoop featuring Morrissey, Busta Rhymes, Flavor Flav and Slick Rick.

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