NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Rapper and 94.7 The Block DJ Fatman Scoop died on stage in Connecticut Friday night after a medical emergency, his manager confirmed Saturday.
Isaac Freeman III was performing at the Green and Gold Party summer concert at the Hamden Town Center Park, about six miles from New Haven, on Friday night when he had a medical emergency on stage and collapsed.
Freeman was rushed by ambulance to the hospital, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett said on social media Friday, and his death was confirmed the next day.
“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” a Saturday morning post on Freeman’s Instagram, made by his family, said. “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”
Freeman was 53 at the time of his death. His family acknowledged his presence as an artist, but also as a father, brother, uncle and friend.
Skip Dillard, Brand Manager for Audacy's 94.7 The Block, told 1010 WINS that Freeman—who he described as a “fixture in hip-hop, New York radio, and known internationally”—talked about his family with earnest.
“When you got him on the phone you needed a minute because he had so much to share with you, so much about his family, he was so proud of them,” Dillard said.
The performer is best known for his 1999 hit track “Be Faithful,” but has worked with powerhouse artists such as Missy Elliot and Mariah Carey on songs like the Grammy-winning “Lose Control” and “It’s Like That,” respectively.
His manager, Birch Michael, first announced Freeman’s passing in an early morning tribute on Facebook, featuring an image of the two of them.
“You taught me how to be the Man I am today,” Michael said. “I Love you Scoop, Thank you so much for everything you gave to me. Rest In Peace.”
Freeman was a longtime radio personality on Hot 97, but was a DJ at 94.7 The Block at the time of his passing.
“He would go all over the world spreading this joy of hip-hop and performance and loved by the artist community, I mean revered. I don’t think the guy had one person that disliked him at all,” Dillard said.