On Friday (August 30), hip hop legend Fatman Scoop—born Isaac Freeman III— died after suddenly collapsing onstage while performing at a Connecticut concert. He was just 56 years of age at the time of his death.
“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” a post on his Instagram page stated on August 31.
“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”
There is video footage circulating of the hype man’s final moments. In the clip, a shirtless Freeman walked to the back of the DJ booth and screamed at the crowd, “I said Hamden make some noise!”
Before he fell over, Freeman repeated himself by stating, “If you came to party make some noise!” Ultimately, the Grammy-winning star died doing what he loved and expressing his dedication culture he has upheld for decades.
In a Facebook post, Hamden mayor Lauren Garrett said Freeman was transported to a nearby hospital in an ambulance. She went on to thank the crowd and medical staff who tried desperately to save Freeman’s life.
“On behalf of the Town of Hamden, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Isaac Freeman, known as Fatman Scoop,” Garrett wrote.
“He was a wonderful performer with a wide following as evidenced by the thousands of fans that came to see what would be his last performance at Hamden Town Center Park.”
Freeman’s voice in music was a boisterous one and he was known for his work on Timbaland & Magoo’s “Drop” (which appeared in the 2003 film “You Got Served”), Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” Ciara’s “Level Up (Remix),” Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That,” and Chingy’s “Let’s Ride.”
X user @kofromatatf paid homage to the legend by stating: “Fatman Scoop’s final moments in the physical included doing what he loved. It seems his final words were ‘If you came to party, make some noise’ before being transported to the hospital. RIP to the legend, Fatman Scoop.”
Another X personality, @Jason_MVM, said: “If you came to party, make some noise” being Fatman Scoop’s last words is so on brand.”
On the popular app, @TattleTav commented: “Fat Man Scoop’s last words being ‘if you came to party, make some noise’ is poetic in a way.”
His track “Be Faithful,” which famously samples “Love Like This” by Faith Evans, has been a staple in clubs across the world for the last 25 years. The larger than life personality will certainly be missed.
