Missy Elliott leads stars mourning death of ‘legendary’ rapper Fatman Scoop

The music industry is in mourning following the shock death of rapper Fatman Scoop, who collapsed on stage mid-performance.

The music industry is mourning the loss of Fatman Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, following his sudden death on Friday.

“Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time,” Missy Elliot, who worked with Scoop on her hit 2005 single Lose Control, wrote via X on Saturday.

The Grammy winner, 53, added alongside a photo of her late friend wearing an all-white outfit, “Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades.”

She concluded her post with a message for Scoop: “Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”

Ciara, who was also featured on Lose Control, posted on Instagram on Saturday alongside a video of Scoop in a recording session, “Rest Easy at @FatmanScoop!

“You were truly one of the best voices in hip-hop! I’m so glad I got to experience your greatness! We will all miss you greatly.”

Fatman Scoop has died. Picture: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images

Fans posted footage taken shortly before he collapsed. Picture: X

Fellow rapper Lil Jon wrote simply: “REST WELL BROTHER” while Timbaland and Fat Joe posted a string of devastated emojis.

Scoop also famously collaborated with Mariah Carey on It’s Like That, but the singer, who recently lost her mum and sister on the same day, has not yet issued a public statement on the rapper’s death.

The Freeman family, for their part, shared a post on Scoop’s Instagram on Saturday, in which they confirmed with “profound sadness and very heavy hearts” that the “legendary and iconic” had died.

They went on to also confirm that the New York-born hypeman, whom they remember as a “radiant soul” and “beacon of light” onstage, passed away on Friday night after collapsing at his show in Hamden, Connecticut.

“FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend,” the family continued in their joint statement.

“He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”

The Freeman family then listed some of Scoop’s many accomplishments, noting that he was “known to the world as 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,” the statement also said.

The family concluded by saying that they would like to “celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched,” adding that the late rap star’s legacy will always be one of “love and brightness.”

Missy Elliot paid tribute to her fellow musician. Picture: Charles Brewer

Scoop’s tour manager, Birch Michael, was first to announce to the world that the Be Faithful singer had died.

“You taught me how to be the Man I am today,” the producer reflected in a post on Facebook on Saturday.

“I Love you Scoop, Thank you so much for everything you gave to me. Rest In Peace x.”

Scoop had been performing at the Hamden Arts Commission Free Summer Concert Series Friday night when he suddenly appeared to not be feeling well and went toward the DJ booth, per video online.

Shortly after, he collapsed and medical personnel were seen aiding the rapper backstage as a person on the mic said, “Big man needs to relax … they ain’t got no fans on this stage.”

Fans were seen in another clip posted on Facebook Friday breaking out into prayer as paramedics administered chest compressions and CPR.

Scoop was then escorted off the premises and rushed to a local hospital for further treatment.

His official cause of death has not yet been revealed. He was 53 years old.

This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.