Fatman Scoop dies aged 53: Lil John and Timbaland leads star-studded tributes to the legendary rapper who passed away after collapsing on stage

Lil John and Timbaland have led the star-studded tributes to legendary rapper after he tragically passed away aged 53.  

The Be Faithful singer, real name Isaac Freeman III, cause of death is unknown but he collapsed on stage during his Connecticut concert before being given CPR and rushed to hospital on Friday.

The artist’s family paid a touching tribute as they announced his death, saying he was ‘the laughter in our lives’ as they branded him as ‘the undisputed voice of the club’.

Taking to the comments section fellow lil John wrote: ‘REST WELL BROTHER’ while Scoops frequent collaborator Timbaland and Fat Joe both appeared lost for words and posted a string of emojis. 

While Dj Questlove wrote: ‘Thank you Scoop!’.  

Lil John and Timbaland have led the star-studded tributes to legendary rapper after he tragically passed away aged 53 

The Be Faithful singer, real name Isaac Freeman III, cause of death is unknown but he collapsed on stage during his Connecticut concert before being given CPR and rushed to hospital on Friday

The Be Faithful singer, real name Isaac Freeman III, cause of death is unknown but he collapsed on stage during his Connecticut concert before being given CPR and rushed to hospital on Friday 

The artist's family paid a touching tribute as they announced his death as famous friends rushed to the comments section to send their condolences

The artist’s family paid a touching tribute as they announced his death as famous friends rushed to the comments section to send their condolences  

While singer Crystal Waters said: ‘He was one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. He truly will be missed. Love and prayers out to his family’. 

Freeman’s manager, DJ and producer Birch Michael, announced the rapper’s death ‘with the heaviest of hearts’ in posts to social media on Saturday morning.   

‘You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet, the things you taught me have truly made me the man I am today,’ Michael said.

His family added in a statement that he was ‘not just a world class performer – he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend.’

‘Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life,’ the family said. ‘He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.’

Freeman’s touring agency MN2S added in a statement, ‘Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe. His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music. 

Born in New York City in 1971, Freeman made his name through collaborations with mega-stars including Missy Elliot and Mariah Carey in the early 2000s, and was known for his deep, roaring vocal presence.

His family described him as ‘the undisputed voice of the club’, and said his ‘music made us dance and embrace life with positivity.’

A three-time Grammy Award winner, in recent years Fatman Scoop ventured into podcasting and reality TV, including appearing on Channel 5 ‘s Celebrity Big Brother: UK vs USA in 2015.

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