Fatman Scoop, hip-hop’s hype man, has died at 53

The rapper and hype man, best known for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful” and work with Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, died after a medical emergency.

Fatman Scoop appears in his “Drop” video. YouTube.

Fatman Scoop, the rapper, hype man and radio personality whose distinctive voice and captivating presence garnered him fans worldwide, has died. He was 53. 

Birch Michael, a longtime collaborated and friend who identified himself as “very close to the family and literally the right-hand man of Scoop,” confirmed his death.

Scoop’s booking agency, MN2S, also confirmed his death. “Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe,” MN2S wrote in a statement. “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.”

Michael also announced the news on Instagram early Saturday morning. 

“I am honestly lost for words,” Michael, known as DJ Pure Cold, wrote. “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 [sp] made me the man I am today.” 

A spokesperson for Porters Music Consultancy said Scoop’s family is grieving and will release a more detailed statement soon.

“Our thoughts at Porters Music go out to Isaac’s family and friends as they begin to comprehend their loss, we have lost a living legend in Scoop today but he will live on in his music and in the memories of fans all around the world,” the spokesperson said. Prominent DJ Tony Neal also offered his condolences on social media.

The entertainer, whose real name is Isaac Freeman, suffered an apparent medical emergency Friday during a performance in Hamden, Connecticut, the city’s mayor wrote on Facebook. He appeared to pass out and was immediately given CPR, videos posted to social media show. 

Born in New York, Freeman got his stage name from his uncle Jack, who called him “Fatman Scoop” due to his love for ice cream as a child.

Known as one of hip-hop’s true hype men, he has collaborated with some of the top names in the music industry, like Jermaine Dupri and Timbaland. He was perhaps best known for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” which was produced by Crooklyn Clan. He is also known for his work with Missy Elliott on “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.” 

His hit track “Drop,” with Timbaland, also accompanied the memorable opening scene of the 2004 breakdance drama “You Got Served.”

When asked by the New Zealand-based blog Ambient Light in 2017 about what he brings to the party, Scoop replied, “Love, excitement, fun, energy, unity … Friendship, memories, those are all the things that I could kind of put down that I bring to the table.”

“I want you to come to my party and feel like you got memories – you walked away with memories. ‘Oh Man – when he played this, this happened! Oh Man – you know, when he said this, this is what happened,’ he continued. “If you don’t walk away from it like that, then it doesn’t mean anything to me.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.