The “Be Faithful” rapper died after collapsing onstage at a concert in Connecticut last month
Fatman Scoop, who collapsed during a Connecticut concert in August, died of heart disease, the state’s medical examiner’s office has revealed. Fatman Scoop, who se full name is Isaac Freeman III, also had hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a heart condition caused by plaque buildup in the arterial walls, as The Associated Press reports.
Scoop rose to fame for his croak-like chants in the 1999 single “Be Faithful” and Missy Elliott’s 2005 hit “Lose Control” with Ciara. The rapper also added ad-libs to Mariah Carey’s 2005 single “It’s Like That,” which earned Carey a Grammy nod for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
While performing at a Hamden, Connecticut, concert Aug. 30, Scoop suffered a medical emergency and was taken to the hospital, the city’s Mayor Lauren Garrett confirmed on social media following the incident. Video footage showed Scoop short of breath as he encouraged the crowd to “make some noise.” Seconds later, Scoop collapsed behind the DJ booth and the music cut out.
The following day, Freeman’s tour manager Bryan “DJ Pure Cold” Michael announced the rapper had died. An outpouring of tributes followed the news of his untimely death. Freeman’s touring agency MN2S wrote in a post that “his iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry.” Elliott said his music made “people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”
Busta Rhymes, A$AP Ferg, Teddy Riley, and others celebrated and honored the late hip-hop luminary during a Sept. 12 celebration of life at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
