UPDATE: 10:37 am EST
Fatman Scoop’s tour manager Birch Micheal, aka Pure Cold, confirms via an Instagram post that he has passed away. The iconic entertainer, born in New York City, was 53.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Issac Freeman III, professionally known as Fatman Scoop,” Michael said. “I am honestly lost for words … 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.”
HOT 97 sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Fatman Scoop.
Fatman Scoop, the legendary hype man and radio personality, faced a medical emergency while performing in Hamden, Connecticut, on Friday night. Scoop, whose real name is Isaac Freeman, was on stage at Hamden Town Center Park when he suddenly collapsed.
Videos posted on social media captured the moment, showing the music stopping abruptly as bystanders rushed to assist him. Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett confirmed the incident, stating that Fatman Scoop was immediately transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
Fatman Scoop gained widespread recognition with his 1999 hit single “Be Faithful,” featuring the Crooklyn Clan. Beyond his success in music, he became a staple in New York radio, known for his energetic voice and ability to engage listeners. His career further skyrocketed when he appeared on Missy Elliott’s chart-topping track “Lose Control” alongside Ciara, a song that not only reached Number Three on the Billboard Hot 100 but also won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video.
Fatman Scoop helped usher in the digital era for HOT 97. In a 2017 interview with Nessa, he shared that he was the first person to bring a video camera into the station.
“I used to have a show on HOT 97 from midnight to 5 am called Ignorant Radio,” Scoop says in the interview above. “We did it and put it on public access. That was the beginning of people filming at HOT 97.”
As the community waited for updates on his condition, fans and fellow artists were sending their thoughts and prayers to the beloved figure in hip-hop and radio.
“Sending positive energy to Scoop,” HOT 97’s Peter Rosenburg posted to his Instagram page, echoing the sentiment of his friends, peers, and fans.
Fatman Scoop’s passing is the second blow to the radio community this year. DJ Mister Cee, another alumnus and extended family member of HOT 97, passed away in April.