By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
Renowned American rapper Fatman Scoop collapsed during a show in Connecticut and has been pronounced dead. The incident occurred at Town Center Park in Hamden on Friday night. Born Isaac Freeman III, Scoop was 53 years old when the fiasco occurred in the middle of his performance in the park. The dramatic scene unfolded on-stage with the immediate response of the team on site, as he was rushed to the nearest hospital via ambulance; unfortunately, the loved artist couldn't be saved.
Mayor Lauren Garrett has since confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, while Scoop's booking agency, MN2S, later released a statement to the BBC, confirming his death. The New York native was hailed by his agency for leaving an indelible mark on the music world: "Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe. His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry."
The family took to social media with perhaps the most heartfelt of tributes: "A bright soul, a shining star on stage in life." They further said, "Fatman Scoop was way more than a world-class performer; he was a father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the light in our lives, the one who always made everyone laugh-even through storms, a rock of support, strength, and courage."
Among other things, Fatman Scoop became a monumental figure in New York City's emerging hip-hop scene throughout the 1990s and became greatly noticed on the national scene for his collaborations with big-name artists. He appeared on Missy Elliott's Grammy-winning "Lose Control" and on "It's Like That" by Mariah Carey. His single "Be Faithful" was originally released in 1999, but the song reached international charts in 2003, peaking at number one in Ireland and the UK.
Away from music, Scoop popped up on a lot of television series, including the British series Chancers in 2004. He played a talent manager. He then made Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA in 2015 and was voted out in third position.
Similarly, the tour manager for the rapper, DJ Pure Cold took to his Instagram to express his deep sorrow and stated, "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 truly made me the man I am today."
Fatman Scoop was set to appear at the UK's Reminisce Festival on 7 September. Event organizers reacted to the news of his death as "devastating". "He was not just one of our most popular performers he was a loved member of the Reminisce family. His energy, talent, and infectious spirit will be deeply missed more than words can say."
The legacy of Fatman Scoop is doubtlessly one that shall live into perpetuity through classics and definitely from the hearts he has stopped since the progress of his career.
