Fatman Scoop’s cause of death revealed a month after he collapsed on stage
The cause of death of Fatman Scoop has been revealed, a month after he collapsed on stage in front of fans and later died in hospital.
The rapper, whose real name is Isaac Freeman III, died at the age of 56 from heart disease, the Connecticut coroner has confirmed.
Freeman suffered from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which caused him to faint during his performance in Hamden, Connecticut on August 30.
Tributes poured in for the iconic club figure, with his family saying in a statement after his death that he was “a beacon on stage and in life”.
Fatman Scoop’s cause of death has been revealed as heart disease, a month after he collapsed on stage in front of fans and later died in hospital
When Scoop suffered a medical emergency during his performance, footage showed fans screaming as he disappeared from view behind a DJ booth.
Seconds earlier, the legendary hype man had already whipped up the crowd with the words: ‘Let’s make some noise!’
In a video taken from the audience, the rapper can be seen walking to the back of the stage and approaching a DJ booth. He again shouts, “I said Hamden, make some noise!”
The hip-hop artist then climbed the stairs to the DJ booth, but his breathing seemed to become more labored as he panted into the microphone.
“If you came to party,” the rapper said, before taking a long pause. He then appeared to lean forward. “Make some noise,” he added, slurring his words.
As soon as he finished speaking, he collapsed to the ground, dropping the microphone.
Paramedics rushed to the stage as an eerie silence fell over the room. One of Scoop’s fellow performers again asked the audience to ‘make some noise’ – which was met with a much more muted response than moments earlier.
Crowd footage captured the moment the beloved rapper collapsed behind a DJ booth, seconds after whipping the crowd into a frenzy with a shout of “Let’s make some noise!”
After Fatman Scoop was taken off stage by doctors, fellow artists spoke to the audience as they stood in stunned silence
Rapper Fatman Scoop has died at the age of 56 after suffering a medical emergency on stage
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garett said after the incident that Scoop was undergoing emergency care and asked fans to “keep him in their thoughts and prayers.”
Born in New York City in 1971, Freeman made his name through collaborations with megastars such as Missy Elliot and Mariah Carey in the early 2000s. He was known for his deep, booming voice.
His family paid tribute to him after his death, saying in a statement that he was “not only a world-class artist, but a father, brother, uncle and friend.”
“Last night the world lost a shining soul, a beacon of light on stage and in life,” the family said at the time. “He was the laugh of our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage.”
The three-time Grammy Award-winning artist’s family described him as “the undisputed voice of the club” and said his “music made us dance and embrace life positively.”
Britain’s Reminiscence Festival, where he was due to perform on September 7, said his “absence will be deeply felt by all.”
“Not only was he one of our most popular artists, he was also a beloved member of the Reminisce family,” the festival said.
The artist’s family paid a moving tribute when they announced his death, saying he was “the laugh of our lives” and calling him “the undisputed voice of the club”.
Fatman Scoop pictured with his ex-wife Shanda Freeman in 2008
Missy Elliot paid a moving tribute to X on Saturday, sending her prayers to his “family for STRENGTH during this difficult time.”
“Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made people HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT will NEVER be forgotten,” she wrote.
Artists Lil’ John and Timbaland also paid tribute, recalling their time as rising hip-hop artists.
Lil Jon wrote in the comments on Freeman’s family post, “Rest in peace BROTHER.”
Scoops’ frequent collaborators Timbaland and Fat Joe both appeared speechless, posting a series of emojis – with the rapper’s ex-wife Shanda Freeman also sharing two heartbreaking emojis for a tribute post on her Instagram
Dj Questlove wrote: ‘Thanks Scoop!’.
Freeman’s touring agency MN2S added in a statement: ‘Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was enjoyed 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 through his timeless music.’