US rapper Fatman Scoop has passed away at the age of 53 after collapsing during a concert on Friday in Connecticut, his representative confirmed to the BBC. The incident occurred while he was performing at Town Center Park in Hamden, where he suddenly collapsed on stage.
Mayor Lauren Garrett shared on Facebook that the rapper was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Unfortunately, his booking agency, MN2S, later confirmed his death, adding that the New York native’s “legacy will live on through his timeless music.”
“Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work resonated with countless fans across the globe,” said a spokesperson for the agency. “His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality left a lasting impact on the industry.”
Fatman Scoop was a significant figure in New York City’s hip hop scene during the 1990s and contributed to popular tracks like the Grammy-winning “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott and “It’s Like That” by Mariah Carey. He also gained widespread recognition for his sleeper hit “Be Faithful,” which, after its initial release in 1999, achieved international success in 2003 by topping the charts in Ireland and the UK.
In 2004, he appeared on Channel 4’s UK series Chancers, which featured musicians mentoring aspiring UK artists. He was also a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA, airing in 2015, where he became the third housemate to be evicted.
His tour manager, DJ Pure Cold, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, writing that he was “lost for words” upon hearing of his friend’s passing. “You took me all over the world, performing on some of the biggest stages. The lessons you taught me shaped who I am today.”
Fatman Scoop was scheduled to perform at the UK’s Reminisce Festival on 7 September. The festival shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, calling it “devastating.” “He wasn’t just a popular performer, but a beloved member of the Reminisce family. His energy, talent, and infectious spirit will be deeply missed.”
