Fatman Scoop: What to Know About The Rapper's Music and Life

Fatman Scoop is being remembered as a legend in the rap community after his death. 

The rapper, born Isaac Freeman III, died at age 53 after reportedly collapsing on Aug. 30 during the Green and Gold Party summer concert in Hamden, Connecticut.

No cause of death has been shared at this time.

His death was confirmed by his family on Aug. 31 in a statement shared to social media.

“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” the post read. “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.”

The statement remembered him as a “world class performer” as well as “a father, brother, uncle and a friend.” 

“He was the laughter of our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage,” the post continued. “FatMan Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity.”

For more than two decades, Fatman Scoop has contributed to the rap and hip-hop communities through original music and high profile collaborations with Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey and more artists.

Here’s everything to know about his life and legacy in the music industry.

Fatman Scoop’s legacy in the music industry Fatman Scoop’s decadeslong career included his time as a rapper in addition to his work as a DJ, hype man and radio personality. 

His music made waves in 1999 with the release of “Be Faithful” featuring the Crooklyn Clan, which became a global success after the track was rereleased in 2003.

During his career, Fatman Scoop was honored with several awards including a Grammy for best short form music video in 2006 for “Lose Control” by Elliott featuring Ciara and the rapper. The collaboration was also nominated for best rap song.

Outside of his music, the rapper has been featured on several TV shows. In 2004, he appeared on the UK TV show “Chancers” as a music mentor, as well as “Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs. USA” in 2015.

In 2020, Fatman Scoop recorded a podcast called “Make Noise with Fatman Scoop,” which featured conversations between the rapper and celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Charlamagne Tha God, Will.I.Am, and more.

After the start of the pandemic, Fatman Scoop was unable to travel as a hype man, leading to a career pivot, he said during an August 2022 appearance on “The Project.”

“My job became nonexistent in an instant,” he said at the time. “I was on the road with Shaggy, Nelly, and a couple other people, and we had one last show. And then after that it was over.”

He said he learned the importance of having more than one stream of income and decided to expand into different businesses including trucking, an ice cream company and more.

Over the course of his career, Fatman Scoop released several compilation albums including “Fatman Scoop’s Party Breaks: Volume 1” in 2003.

While Fatman Scoop saw success with his single “Be Faithful,” he was also a prolific collaborator.

In addition to his songs with Timbaland & Magoo and Elliott and Ciara, Fatman Scoop went on to collaborate with Mariah Carey and was featured on her 2005 song “It’s Like That,” along with Jermaine Dupri.

He’s also been featured on “Squad Out!” by Skrillex and Jauz, “Level Up — Remix” by Ciara also featuring Elliott, and dozens more.

Outside of his career, Fatman Scoop was married twice, including to ex-wife Shanda Freeman.

In 2008, Fatman Scoop and Freeman starred on the MTV reality TV show “Man & Wife.” The show was pegged as the first show about a married couple in the hip-hop community and tackled a range of topics including jobs, money, relationships and sex.

The couple ultimately divorced after 13 years together, he revealed on "The Premium Pete Show" in August 2018. During the episode, he opened up about their divorce, sharing that it “had nothing to do with cheating” and “had to do with other issues.”

Fatman Scoop was also the father of two children.

While he tended to keep his kids out of the spotlight, he had shared rare glimpses into his life as a father on social media, including a June 2018 post of his daughter Tiana before her junior prom and a December 2018 post of his son.

Since the news of his death, the rap and hip-hop communities have rallied around Fatman Scoop to honor his legacy.

Elliott emphasized the rapper’s legacy in a message shared on social media, writing in part, “Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for STRENGTH during this difficult time.”

“Fatman Scoop VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades,” Elliott added. “Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten.”

Timbaland posted a tribute to Fatman Scoop on Instagram, writing he was “lost for words” after his death.

“Drop was the song I start off with on tour,” he added, referring to a 2001 track on the Timbaland & Magoo album “Indecent Proposal” featuring Fatman Scoop. “Rest easy.”

Questlove shared a lengthy post on Instagram that cemented Fatman Scoop's impact on the industry, writing in part, “I want to thank FATMAN SCOOP for being an embodiment of what hip hop was truly about.”

“To just forget about your troubles and live in the moment and allow joy in,” he added. “So sad to see you go my brother. You will be missed but you will NEVER be forgotten.”

Ludacris shared his own post on Instagram to pay homage to the rapper's career and thank him for his impact, writing, “Scoop was one of those people that reminded you what the word LOVE Truly means.”

“It’s an ACTION, and with his ACTIONS he exuded the PUREST form of Passion For HIP HOP,” Ludacris added. “Every human being that he came Into contact with felt that LOVE & that PASSION. THIS is the Type Of LEGACY WE should ALL continue from here on until ETERNITY.”

Fat Joe also shared a message on social media remembering the rap legend, writing, “My brother i love you im praying for you.”

“God bless @fatmanscoop,” the post continued. “Rest in paradise.”

Francesca Gariano

Francesca Gariano is a New York City-based freelance journalist reporting on culture, entertainment, beauty, lifestyle and wellness. She is a freelance contributor to TODAY.com, where she covers pop culture and breaking news.