Fatman Scoop, the beloved rapper and hype man celebrated by his loved ones as “the undisputed voice of the club,” has died at age 53 after a medical emergency during a concert in Connecticut on Friday, Aug. 30.
The musician’s booking agency, MN2S, confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE, sharing that they are “heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and client,” whose real name is Isaac Freeman III.
“Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe,” the statement read. “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. Fatman Scoop had been a valued member of the MN2S family for 15 years, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us.”
The booking agency also paid tribute to Freeman’s “vibrant spirit, boundless enthusiasm, and passion for music,” noting that he “will be deeply missed.”
Sharron Elkabas, the rapper’s representative, wrote in an additional statement shared by MN2S, “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.”
As previously reported, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett in Connecticut confirmed on social media that Freeman was taken to the hospital on Aug. 30 after he collapsed onstage during a concert at Town Center Park.
360aproko reported at the time that police were called to the venue for a medical emergency at 8:33 p.m. local time. The Hamden Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for further information on Saturday, Aug. 31. Per TMZ footage, multiple people tended to Freeman while appearing to move him from the stage.
Elkabas told The Hollywood Reporter that Freeman is survived by his son, daughter and brother.
The entertainer was perhaps best known for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” as well as his multiple high-profile feature appearances on tracks such as Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.” “Lose Control” notably peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for the best rap song Grammy, earning the award for best short form music video.
Missy Elliott paid tribute to Fatman Scoop on social media on Saturday, writing: “Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time🙏🏾 Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten..🕊️🙏🏾.”
On Saturday, a message shared to Fatman Scoop’s Instagram page, titled “A message from the Freeman family,” also confirmed his death.
“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life,” the family statement read. “FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend. 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 music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but not forgotten,” the statement continued. “As we mourn the loss of FatMan Scoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched. FatMan Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside is our hearts and our memories forever.”
Additional tributes poured in on Saturday, with Questlove thanking the entertainer on Instagram for “being an embodiment of what hip-hop was truly about.”
Questlove wrote, “To just forget about your troubles and live in the moment and allow joy in. So sad to see you go my brother. You will be missed but you will NEVER be forgotten.”
