We are sad to report today that Fatman Scoop (Isaac Freeman III) passed away on Friday, August 30th, 2024. He collapsed during a concert in Hamden, Connecticut and his family revealed today via Instagram that he passed away due to that medical event. “It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic Fatman Scoop. Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”

The quintessential rap hype man, Scoop’s distinctive gravelly voice combined with a call and response flair could be heard on multiple hit songs like Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and “Take the Lead” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony as well as his own singles like “Be Faithful” featuring the Crooklyn Clan. He was such a ubiquitous presence in rap music from the 2000’s that he crossed over from hip-hop into the mainstream with appearances on shows like The Boondocks on [adult swim].

He was as popular internationally as he was locally, having secured the top spot on the charts in places as far flung as Denmark and Australia, and even had his own UK TV show called Chancers were he tried to mentor young artists to a recording contract. Sadly I didn’t even know about this show’s existence until the news of his passing broke today but I’m sure that’s true for a lot of his fans in the States.

My condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Freeman. He will be well remembered thanks to all of his accomplishments in and outside of music, but he will be even more missed by his loved ones.