MUSIC – He collapsed in the middle of a concert. American rapper Fatman Scoop, real name Isaac Freeman, died after collapsing on stage in Hamden, Connecticut, his tour manager announced on Saturday, August 31. The legendary hip-hop artist was only 53 years old.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of Isaac Freeman III, known by the stage name Fatman Scoop,” wrote DJ Birch Michael, also known as Pure Cold, who was managing his tour. “You took me all over the world and had me play alongside you on some of the biggest and most beautiful stages on this planet. The things you taught me truly made me the man I am today,” he added.
Scoop’s talent agency, MN2S, said, “His iconic voice, infectious energy, and big personality have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music.”
“Medical emergency” in concert
The American rapper was performing on Friday night when he was filmed falling on stage. He was then taken off stage on a stretcher. Later that night, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett announced on Facebook that the rapper had suffered a “medical emergency” and had to be taken to hospital.
Fatman Scoop was best known for his song “Be Faithful,” which you can hear again in the video below. Originally released in 1999, the track was a huge success a few years later, and topped the international charts when it was reissued in 2003.
Fatman Scoop is also known for his collaborations with other artists, including rappers Timbaland, Nick Cannon and Skrillex, as well as American singer Mariah Carey for her Grammy Award-winning track “It’s Like That”.
Fatman Scoop was due to perform at the Reminisce festival in the UK on 7 September. The festival called the news of his death “devastating” on Instagram. “He was not only one of our most popular artists, he was a beloved member of the Reminisce family,” the organisers wrote. “We will miss his energy, talent and infectious spirit more than words can express,” they added.
This article is originally published on huffingtonpost.fr
