At a Friday night concert featuring rapper Fatman Scoop morphed from celebration to chaos as the performer suddenly collapsed on stage and died at a hospital in Hamden, Connecticut.
The unsettling scene unfolded around 8:30 p.m. when Fatman Scoop, born Isaac Freeman, faltered and fell. Witnesses at the park saw the rapper receiving urgent medical attention as paramedics administered chest compressions and CPR behind the DJ stand. The atmosphere turned somber after his tour manager confirmed Fatman Scoop died at the age of 53.
Rapper Fatman Scoop — the New York City musician who became popular after his tune “Be Faithful” became a 1990s club favorite — has died after he collapsed mid-performance during a free concert in Connecticut, according to a report. The New York-born artist, whose real name is Isaac Freeman III, was headlining the “Green & Gold Party” in Hamden, Conn. Video posted to social media captured the shirtless Freeman hyping up the crowd at Town Center Park as he stepped up to the DJ booth’s platform and collapsed — out of the audience’s view.
People could be seen performing chest compressions behind the screen of the DJ set as other performers on stage led the crowd in prayer, according to the video and multiple reports.
Despite immediate medical intervention, including chest compressions and CPR from paramedics, they couldn’t prevent Fatman Scoop’s death. The 53-year-old artist died shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital. This concert, initially planned for July 12, faced rescheduling to August 30 due to expected bad weather. The event, part of the Hamden Arts Commission’s Free Summer Concert Series, was held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hamden’s Town Center Park. Fatman Scoop, renowned for his energetic presence and deep roots in the NYC Hip-Hop scene, headlined the summer concert series organized by the Hamden Arts Commission.