Rapper Fatman Scoop has died at the age of 53 after suffering a medical emergency onstage.
The musician, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, had been performing at Hamden, Connecticut when he collapsed behind the DJ booth.
Fatman Scoop had a medical emergency onstage (Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)
In a statement posted to Instagram Scoop’s tour manager Birch Michael, known as Pure Cold, said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop.
“You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop, thank you so much for everything you gave to me.”
Writing on Instagram, Pure Cold added: “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 truely made me the man I am today.”
Freeman’s talent agency MN2S has also released a statement paying tribute to the late rapper, calling him our ‘dear friend and client’.
Tributes have poured in to the rapper (Naomi Rahim/WireImage)
The statement said: “Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe.
“His iconic voice, infectious energy and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music.”
Video footage from the performance at Town Center Park in Hamden on Friday evening had shown Scoop speaking to the crowd around halfway through his set.
The musician had then climbed up some steps into the DJ booth at the back of the stage, and appeared to have been breathing heavily.
After addressing the crowd, Scoop collapsed onstage, with staff rushing to assist him.
Fatman Scoop has died aged 53. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Lauren Garrett, the mayor of Hamden, later confirmed that Scoop had suffered a ‘medical emergency’ onstage and that he had been ‘transported by ambulance to the hospital’.
Scoop got his break with his 1999 single Be Faithful, and would go on to work with Mariah Carey on her Grammy-nominated single It’s Like That.
He also collaborated with Skrillex, Timberland, and Nick Cannon.
Scoop had been scheduled to perform at Reminisce Festival in Saint Helens in the UK.
The festival released a statement paying tribute to him, saying: “He was not just one of our most popular performers, he was a cherished member of the Reminisce family.
“His energy, talent and infectious spirit will be missed more than words can express.”
Featured Image Credit: Naomi Rahim/WireImage/Getty / Chris Jackson/Getty Images