Fatman Scoop Dead At 53: Hip-Hop Remembers Legendary DJ As The “Undisputed Voice Of The Club”
Fatman Scoop, born Isaac Freeman III, has died at the age of 53.
The iconic DJ and rapper initially collapsed while playing a show at Hamden Town Center Park in Connecticut Friday (Aug 30). He received CPR and was taken to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead hours later. Tour manager Birch “Pure Cold” Michael was the first to reveal the news to the public via social media Saturday (Aug 31) morning.
“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.”
Scoop’s own Instagram account would then be updated with an official statement from his family, recognizing him as the “undisputed voice of the club.”
“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” it began. “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life. FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend.”
Fans and celebrity peers alike poured condolences within his comment section, including Pete Rock, who wrote, “well, nothing but the best of memories with this man. To lose one of our soldiers hurts me my heart is broken. Scoop rest my brotha.” Other well-wishers included Fat Joe, Snoop Dogg, Cam’ron, Ty Dolla $ign, Jordan Sparks, Ludacris and others.
Many took to their own accounts to remember the icon with their own posts. Check out tributes from Scoop’s peers, collaborators, and celebrity fans below.
Missy Elliott
Image Credit: Prince Williams/WireImage
Scoop’s “Lose Control” collaborator offered condolences to the late DJ’s family while recognizing his position as a true party starter.
“Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during such a difficult time [prayer emoji] Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to SO MANY songs that made people feel HAPPY & want to DANCE for over 2 decades everytime you hear them… His IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”
Ciara
Image Credit: Leon Bennett/Getty Images
“Lose Control” also featured Ciara, who remembered the famed DJ with a clip of him in the studio recording his high energy adlibs.
“Rest Easy at @FatmanScoop! You were truly one of the best voices in hip-hop! “
Jim Jones
After praising Scoop for keeping his word in helping artist Dyce Payso, Jones honored the legend as “a true legend from Harlem.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgiQIlEpPjg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“To my 5th Ave border brother u will b forever missed, the game lost a true legend from Harlem but the heavens above just received a great angel, watch over Harlem bro I’m a do the rest till we meet again my friend FATMANSCOOP.”
Chris Latimer
Image Credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Latimer recognized Scoop as a true “Master of Ceremonies,” writing, “Technically, Fat Man Scoop was one of the last MC’s as we know the art-form. He’s not a DJ motivating the crowd, he walked in the club as a Master of Ceremonies and leaves after he motivates the crowd! RIP my friend, I’m sure you wouldn’t have it any other way than giving it your all on stage!!!”
Producer Pete Rock also re-shared his post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_WIlglR4Dr
Timbaland
Image Credit: Prince Williams/WireImage
Timbo shared that Scoop’s “Drop” was his favorite joint to get the crowd going on tour, writing via Instagram, “Man I’m at a loss for words [crying emojis] ‘Drop’ was the song I started with on tour. Rest easy.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_VtE-xR7qH
Kid Capri
Image Credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Scoop’s fellow DJ was also taken aback by the news, writing, “Man, this is too much, I found this out at 4am this morning,,,can’t believe it, very sad, Rest well @fatmanscoop.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_VtHxMuNer
Fabolous
The Brooklyn rapper took to Instagram Saturday night with a simple post in honor of the Hip-Hop mainstay.
Raekwon
Image Credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
The Wu-Tang member was at a “loss for words” upon discovering the unfortunate news.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_VqiYePeCm
Ebro Darden
Image Credit: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Fast Company)
The radio pro first re-posted Scoop’s death announcement, alongside caption, “My brother Fatman Scoop will live forever!!! …. So many good times!” He followed that up with a photo of the Harlem native, captioned, “Every DJ & every party for all time will always lift up @fatmanscoop ‘s voice and energy!!!”
Faith Evans
Image Credit: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET
Fatman Scoop famously remixed Faith’s “Love Like This” into a club anthem, with the songstress remembering the icon with a post in his honor.
