The American rapper Fatman Scoop has passed away after collapsing on stage during a performance in Connecticut. His family confirmed this in a public statement. Scoop, who gained fame with the hit song “Be Faithful” two decades ago, was 53 years old.

On Friday evening, Scoop was performing at Hamden Town Center Park when he unexpectedly fell to the ground. The town’s top official, Sean Grace, reported the incident on Saturday, stating that he was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His family shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, describing him as “a brilliant soul, a beacon on stage and in life.” They added that he was “the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”

Scoop’s manager, Birch Michael, expressed his sorrow on Facebook, saying, “I love you Scoop. Thank you for everything you gave me.” Born Isaac Freeman III in Harlem, New York City, Scoop achieved significant success with his 1999 hit “Be Faithful.” The song’s popularity peaked with a re-release in 2003, reaching number one on the charts in both the UK and Ireland.

The rapper was also well-known for his guest appearance on Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” a summer hit in 2005 that also featured Ciara. This track won a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video at the 2006 ceremony.

Missy Elliott paid tribute to Scoop on social media, stating, “Your voice and energy have contributed to many songs that made people feel happy and dance for over two decades. Your impact is immense and will never be forgotten.”

His booking agency, MN2S, described him as an artist with “boundless enthusiasm” who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Sharron Elkabas, his representative, expressed her shock at the news and reminisced about how cheerful Scoop had been recently.

Scoop was also involved in a political controversy in Australia in 2018 when the then Prime Minister Scott Morrison shared a clip featuring his hit “Be Faithful.” After facing criticism over the song’s content, Morrison deleted the post and claimed it was not on his playlist. Scoop responded by inviting Morrison backstage to a festival performance in Australia, emphasizing that his music was a “fun party song” without negativity.

Fatman Scoop’s sudden death leaves a significant void in the music world, and his contributions will be remembered by fans and artists globally.