Cause Of Death Revealed For Rapper Fatman Scoop, Who Collapsed Onstage In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — The state medical examiner’s office has determined that hip-hop artist Fatman Scoop, who collapsed onstage while performing in Hamden, died of heart disease, according to multiple reports, including WFSB 3.

WFSB 3 reported the official cause of death for the performer, born Isaac Freeman III, was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Freeman was headlining Hamden's Green and Gold Party on Aug. 30, the final Summer Concert Series of the 2024 season, when he suffered a medical emergency on stage, Mayor Lauren Garrett said at the time.

DJ and producer Birch Michael, who identified himself as Freeman's tour manager, first posted about Freeman's death on Facebook and Instagram the next morning. Freeman's family later confirmed his death on his Instagram account.

"Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life," his family wrote. "Fatman Scoop's legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside in our hearts and memories forever."

Freeman, a New York native known for his booming voice, was a hype man and radio personality with several guest performances on various hip-hop songs that have topped charts.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Isaac Freeman III, known as Fatman Scoop,” Garrett previously said in a statement. “He was a wonderful performer with a wide following as evidenced by his millions of fans that adored him world-wide.”

The town held a candlelight vigil celebrating Freeman’s life earlier this month at Town Center Park.