RAPPER and hip-hop legend Fatman Scoop suffered the loss of a dear friend just months before his own death after collapsing on stage on Friday night.
Fatman Scoop, whose real name is Isaac Freeman, was rocked by the death of the iconic New York DJ Mister Cee in April this year.
Only a few months before his own tragic death at 53, Fatman Scoop took to social media to leave a heartfelt tribute to DJ Mister Cee earlier this year.
“I am at a loss for words. One of my good friends the finished @DJ Mister Cee gone but never forgotten,” Fatman Scoop said in a reel on Instagram.
The message was posted on a black screen and Fatman is heard speaking in the background about the upsetting news.
“The legendary DJ Mister Cee from Hot 97 fame and also the DJ for Big Daddy Kane and the man who found Biggie Smalls and the man that I [worked] with for seven years every single day, Throwback at Noon, passed away.
DJ Mister Cee, real name Calvin LeBrun, was a staple in the hip-hop world who tragically passed away on April 10.
Fatman Scoop’s moving goodbye to his friend came just months before he himself passed away.
“This one hurt man,” Fatman Scoop said in the Instagram reel.
“This is one of the best DJs who ever existed but more importantly, more than that man, like my friend friend man, like I love this guy man.”
Fatman Scoop explained that he had worked with DJ Mister Cee for 15 years.
“Seven of those every day on the Throwback at Noon,” Fatman Scoop wrote.
DJ Mister Cee hosted the Throwback at Noon program on the Hot 97 radio station in New York City.
Less than six months after this heartfelt tribute, Fatman Scoop passed away.
The hip-hop legend was rushed to hospital on Friday night after collapsing on-stage mid performance and tragically died the next day.
The rapper was performing at the Town Center Park in Hamden, Connecticut when chaos unfolded after he passed out behind the DJ booth.
Fatman Scoop was given CPR on stage before first responders arrived at the scene and took him to a nearby hospital.
Following this incident, Fatman Scoop’s family confirmed his death on Saturday in a heartbroken social media post on his official Instagram page.
“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” the family’s statement read.
Fatman Scoop, the rapper best known for his club-banging jam “Be Faithful,” has died at 53.
The New York native, born Isaac Freeman III, rose to fame in the 90s after hit songs with artists like Missy Elliott.
But at a concert in Connecticut on August 30, the rapper collapsed and required CPR. He has since died.
“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” his family said on Instagram.
“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”
“FatMan Scoop was not just a world-class performer, he was a father, brother and uncle, and a friend.
“He was the laughter in our lives, a constant support of support, unwavering strength, and courage.
“FatMan Scoop was known to the world and the undisputed voice of the club. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
“As we mourn the loss of FatMan Scoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched.
“FatMan Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside in our hearts and memories forever.”
“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life. FatMan Scoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and friend.
“He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”
A cause of death has not been announced.
Fatman Scoop’s tour manager Birch Michael, also known as Pure Cold, first announced the death of Scoop on Saturday morning.
“It is with the heaviest of heart I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop,” a statement posted on Instagram read.
“You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop, thank you so much for everything you gave me.”
Pure Cold continued his tribute in the post’s caption saying, “I am honestly lost for words…”
Isaac Freeman, also known as Fatman Scoop, died on Saturday according to his tour manager.
The family of Fatman Scoop, who’s real name is Isaac Freeman, confirmed his death on Saturday in a heartbroken social media post.
The hip-hop icon was most well known by his nickname, that often struck some fans as odd.
However, he revealed in 2015 why he chose the name.
“My uncle Jack, God bless the dead, would always take me to get ice cream,” Freeman told Mirror at the time.
“I loved ice cream! My parents would say, ‘Stop feeding that boy ice cream!’ But he said, ‘I don’t care, give him what he wants!’
“He nicknamed me Scoop and it stuck,” Freeman continued.
“Then of course I was a fat guy, so it was Fatman Scoop. It was that simple.”
Devastated fans of Fatman Scoop flocked to social media to post tributes to the rapper.
“Unbelievable, #SleepWell Scoop,” DJ Tony Wells wrote on Instagram.
“RIP FatMan Scoop,” DJ Big Will said on X.
“You’ll always be the anthem to any party we step in!”
The rapper had been scheduled to perform at a festival in the UK, Reminisce Festival, in September, and they also shared a statement on his death.
“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,” the statement said.
“This loss has left us all heartbroken.”
