Fatman Scoop, the popular rapper and hypeman known as “the undisputed voice of the club,” died at the age of 53 on Friday, Aug. 30, due to a medical issue during a concert in Connecticut.
MN2S, the musician’s booking agency, confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE, saying they are “heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and client,” Isaac Freeman III.
According to the statement, countless fans across the globe loved Scoop’s work, making him a beloved figure in the music world. “His legendary voice, contagious enthusiasm, and fantastic personality left an unforgettable effect on the industry, and his timeless songs will carry on his legacy. We all deeply grieve the passing of Fatman Scoop, a treasured part of the MN2S family for 15 years.”
The booking agency also lauded Freeman’s “vibrant spirit, boundless enthusiasm, and passion for music,” expressing that his absence will be profound.
Sharron Elkabas, the rapper’s publicist, said in an additional statement released by MN2S, “I spoke with him only a few days ago, and he was in such high spirits. It’s difficult to believe he is no longer among us.”
As previously reported, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett of Connecticut confirmed on social media that Freeman was rushed to the hospital on August 30 after he collapsed onstage during a concert at Town Center Park.
TMZ reported that a medical issue prompted the summons of police to the venue at 8:33 p.m. local time. The Hamden Police Department did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for further information on Saturday, August 31. According to TMZ footage, numerous individuals attended to Freeman while appearing to take him off the stage.
Elkabas informed The Hollywood Reporter that Freeman is survived by his son, daughter, and brother.
The performer was arguably best known for his 1999 single “Be Faithful,” as well as his several high-profile guest appearances on songs including Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.” “Lose Control” achieved a peak of No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a nomination for Best Rap Song at the Grammys, ultimately winning the Best Short Form Music Video award.
Missy Elliott expressed her support for Fatman Scoop’s family on social media, wishing them strength at this trying time. For more than two decades, Fatman Scoop’s voice and energy have contributed to many tunes that make people happy and want to dance. “We will never forget your huge impact…”
On Saturday, the Freeman family confirmed his death with a post on Fatman Scoop’s Instagram profile. The family statement said, “The world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light onstage and in life. Fatman Scoop was more than a world-class performer; he was also a father, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought fun into our lives and was our constant source of support, unshakeable strength, and courage. His music inspired us to dance and enjoy life with positivity. We will greatly miss his contagious joy and the compassion he showed to everyone, but we will never forget him. We grieve the passing of Fatman Scoop, but we also celebrate his extraordinary life and the numerous lives he impacted. Fatman Scoop’s legacy is one of love and light; it will live on in our hearts and memories forever.”
More tributes poured in on Saturday, with Questlove honoring the performer on Instagram for “being an embodiment of what hip-hop was about.”
Questlove stated, “To just forget about your problems, live in the moment, and let joy in. It’s really heartbreaking to see you depart, my brother. You will be missed, but never forgotten.”