New York-born rapper Fatman Scoop has died after collapsing mid-performance during a free concert in Connecticut on Friday night, reports say.

The artist, also known as Isaac Freeman III, was headlining a show at the Town Center Park in Hamden when he collapsed behind the DJ booth.

The 53-year old musician, known for his hit single ‘Be Faithful’ as well as his contributions on Missy Elliott’s ‘Lose Control’ and Mariah Carey’s ‘It’s Like That’, was brought to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“Fatman Scoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend,” the rapper’s family wrote in a statement on his Instagram page. “He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage. Fatman Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club.

“Fatman Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness,” they concluded. “It will reside in our hearts and memories forever.”

Missy Elliot paid tribute to the rapper by writing: “Fatman Scoop voice & energy have contributed to many songs that made the people feel happy & want to dance for over 2 decades. Your impact is huge & will be never be forgotten.”

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. Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten..🕊️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/e4R9Z3inKd

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 31, 2024

“Thank you for being such a huge part of my early career as an artist,” producer Charlotte Devaney wrote on X. “You were a huge influence on me and your energy was so unique and infectious.”

RIP @fatmanscoop , absolutely gutting news 😰 Thankyou for being such a huge part of my early career as an artist , you were a huge influence on me and your energy was so unique and infectious. There will never be anyone like you, you the voice of the club forever!!!!
A real… pic.twitter.com/gwmIoiDcz5

— Charlotte Devaney (@CharlottDevaney) September 1, 2024

A re-release of Fatman Scoop’s ‘Be Faithful’, which was produced by American hip-hop duo Crooklyn Clan, was met with wide-range acclaim in the UK and – topping the charts in 2003. It reached the top 10 in Australia and Denmark. The song took years to clear for wide release because it contained numerous samples.

The rapper also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston.