Tributes pour in for rapper Fatman Scoop

Fatman Scoop’s ex-wife, Shanda Freeman, is “heartbroken” by his tragic death.

The Be Faithful hitmaker, whose real name was Isaac Freeman III, collapsed while performing at Hamden Town Center Park in Connecticut on Friday, before he was rushed to hospital and confirmed dead at age 53.

He and Shanda, who were married for 13 years, famously featured on the MTV reality show Man and Wife in 2008.

Sharing a series of pictures with the late rapper on Instagram, she wrote: “We made history. We were the first. I’m heartbroken. I love you. Always.”

Missy Elliott led the celebrity tributes – saying his voice made people want to dance for more than 20 years.

The 53-year-old hip-hop star posted to X: “Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for strength during this difficult time (praying hands emoji.)”

Missy worked with Scoop on her hit 2005 hit Lose Control, and added alongside a photo of her late friend dressed in all-white: “Fatman Scoop’s voice and energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel happy and want to dance for over two decades.

“Your impact is huge and will be never be forgotten… (flying dove and praying hands emojis) (sic).”

His tour manager, Birch Michael, confirmed the sad news and admitted he was “lost for words”.

He said in a social media tribute: “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.”

Disturbing footage of Scoop’s on-stage medical emergency emerged before Birch’s statement and showed screams ringing out from fans as the rapper clambered onto a DJ platform before disappearing from view as a medical team raced to revive him.

He was then filmed slurring words and fighting for breath before he collapsed.

The authorities were dispatched to the scene around 8.33 p.m., and the rapper was wheeled out of the venue on a stretcher to hospital, where he received emergency treatment before dying.

Scoop is a three-time Grammy award winner and had recently gone into podcasting and reality TV.

His television appearances included Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother: UK vs USA.