Fatman Scoop, Legendary Hype Man, Dies at 56 from Heart Disease

Fatman Scoop, the iconic hype man and recording artist, passed away from heart disease, as confirmed by an autopsy released on September 25 by Connecticut’s medical examiner. Scoop, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, was 56 years old.

Scoop collapsed while performing at the Green and Gold Party in Hamden, Connecticut, on August 30 after shouting one of his signature catchphrases. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was attributed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a spokesperson for the Connecticut medical examiner’s office.

Scoop’s family announced his passing on his social media platforms, sharing: “The world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life. Fatman Scoop was known 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.”

On September 12, a public memorial was held at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, where hip-hop figures such as Treach from Naughty By Nature, Kid Capri, Teddy Riley, Busta Rhymes, and Sway Calloway gathered to pay tribute to the beloved artist.

Scoop began his career at Tommy Boy Records, where he initially promoted records. His booming voice and crowd-hyping abilities soon catapulted him to fame. In 1999, he released the hit track “Be Faithful,” which remains a staple in clubs and radio stations worldwide. He also featured on Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” in 2005.

In a bittersweet twist, Scoop had released two new records, “Our House” with Bingo Players and Disco Fries, and “Let It Go” with Dyce Payso, on the day of his death. The music video for “Let It Go” also premiered, marking his final appearance.

Fatman Scoop’s legacy lives on through his music and the countless lives he touched in the entertainment world.