'Fatman Scoop' Isaac Freeman III dies aged 56 after collapsing onstage: reports

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By stefan armitage

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Isaac Freeman III - better known by his stage name Fatman Scoop - has reportedly passed away at the age of 56.

GettyImages-635090126.jpgFatman Scoop has sadly died at the age of 56. Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty

Scoop's passing has been reported by outlets such as the New York Post and CTInsider, who state that the legendary hype man's tour manager - DJ Pure Cold (real name Birch Michael) - confirmed the news on Saturday.

DJ Pure Cold confirmed the tragic news on Instagram, writing in a tribute: "I am honestly lost for words… 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.

"Thank you so much, I love you x."


It comes after it was reported by TMZ that Freeman had collapsed onstage while performing on Friday at a show in Town Center Park in Hamden, Connecticut.

Footage shows Scoop shouting at the crowd to "make some noise" before heading behind a DJ desk and falling to the ground.

The outlet reported that the hip-hop star was seen receiving CPR after suffering a medical emergency. He was then seen being taken out on a stretcher.

Per the Daily Mail, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garett later confirmed that the star had been rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance, as she urged fans to "keep him in your thoughts and prayers".

GettyImages-1188155922.jpgReal name Isaac Freeman III, the star died after collapsing onstage. Credit: Dave Simpson/WireImage/Getty

News of Scoop's death was also tragically confirmed on Saturday by officials from the Reminisce Festival, who wrote on Instagram: "It is with the deepest sorrow that we at Reminisce have received the devastating news of the tragic passing of the legendary Isaac Freeman III, known to us all as Fatman Scoop. This loss has left us all heartbroken.

"Scoop was scheduled to perform at this year’s Reminisce Festival, and his absence will be profoundly felt by everyone. He was not just one of our most popular performers, he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family. His energy, talent and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express.

"In the coming days, we will be discussing the best ways to honor his memory and celebrate the incredible life and legacy of this brilliant artist.

"Rest easy, our friend. You will forever remain in our hearts. RIP Isaac Freeman III, AKA Fatman Scoop."


Fans have since flooded the post with tributes, with one person writing: "Awful! What a shame to lose such a legend."

Scoop is perhaps best known for his tracks 'Put Your Hands Up' and 'Be Faithful', as well as his guest performances on the 2005 singles 'Lose Control' by Missy Elliott and 'It's Like That' by Mariah Carey.

Our thoughts go out to Freeman's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Dave Simpson/WireImage/Getty