Fatman Scoop, former Hot 97 radio personality and renowned entertainer, has passed away at the age of 53 after suffering a medical emergency during a performance at Hamden Town Center Park in Hamden, Connecticut. The New York native, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, collapsed on stage during his set and was rushed to the hospital after receiving CPR. Despite the efforts to save him, he tragically passed away.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Scoop’s tour manager, DJ, and producer Birch Michael, also known as Pure Cold, on Instagram.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, professionally known as Fatman Scoop,” he wrote. “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.”

I REALLY hope he comes out of this ok. Prayers up for Fatman Scoop. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾pic.twitter.com/rR9PxNkiaR

— Chaddie The Baddie Turner (@TheMrChadTurner) August 31, 2024

The Incident During the Performance

Fatman Scoop was performing at the 2024 Green & Gold Party Concert, part of the Hamden Arts Commission Free Summer Concert Series. A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) shows Scoop shirtless, making his way from the front of the stage to a raised DJ booth at the back. While attempting to climb onto the platform, he enthusiastically shouted, “I said, Hamden, make some noise! If you came to party, make some noise!” His speech appeared slurred as he paused and continued to hype the crowd.

Moments later, Fatman Scoop fell behind the DJ booth, partially out of view, while a medical professional rushed to deliver CPR. Despite the swift response, Scoop could not be saved, marking a tragic end to a career that spanned decades in the music industry.

RIP Fatman Scoop, he literally just re-posted a video I shared the other day of the streets LOSING it to his music 20 years later.💔 We grew up on that voice! Thank you for your sound. Rest in paradise. pic.twitter.com/rDG3ndQV1e

— ♬ $UZI ΛNΛLØGUΣ © (@suziAnalog) August 31, 2024

RIP @fatmanscoop 🙏🏿great human being @hiphopgods RT pic.twitter.com/yJSpKdWyqM

— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) August 31, 2024

Rest In Perfection to the legendary Fatman Scoop. If you wasn’t hyped off that You Got Served Intro as a kid I dunno what to tell you pic.twitter.com/aNnaGxRDen

— Benny D. Greenheart (@BennyGreenheart) August 31, 2024