Isaac Freeman III (August 6, 1968 – August 31, 2024), better known by his stage name Fatman Scoop, was an American hip-hop artist. Noted for his booming, raw vocal presence on various hip-hop songs, he was best known for his guest performances on the 2005 singles "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott and "It's Like That" by Mariah Carey, as well as his 1999 sleeper hit single, "Be Faithful" (featuring the Crooklyn Clan), which topped the UK Singles Chart in 2003.

Early life

Isaac Freeman III was born on August 6, 1968, in Manhattan, New York City, and grew up in Harlem, the son of Clara and Isaac Freeman Jr. He was educated at Cardinal Hayes High School and the New York Institute of Technology.

Career

Freeman adopted the stage name "Fatman Scoop" from the nickname given to him by his Uncle Jack as a child, because he loved ice cream. He first came to prominence with the release of the single "Be Faithful" (featuring the Crooklyn Clan), which topped the charts in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in October 2003, four years after its original release, and peaked within the top ten of the charts in Denmark and Australia.[citation needed]

Throughout his career, Fatman Scoop collaborated with numerous artists, including on Ying Yang Twins' 2004 remix of "Salt Shaker", Janet Jackson's 2006 remix of "So Excited", The Pussycat Dolls' 2008 remix of "When I Grow Up", David Guetta's 2009 remix of "One Love", and Skrillex's 2014 single "Recess".

In 2004, Fatman Scoop was featured in the UK TV series Chancers, broadcast on Channel 4, mentoring six British musicians trying to achieve success in the United States. In 2007, he had a role on the animated television series The Boondocks, appearing as himself in season 2, episode 5, "The Story of Thugnificent" and episode 15, "The Story of Gangstalicious Part 2" from the same season. In 2008, Fatman Scoop and his then-wife Shanda hosted a reality show and podcast on MTV called Man and Wife. The show covered topics such as jobs, finance, relationships, and sex.

On August 27, 2015, Fatman Scoop entered the Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs. USA house in the United Kingdom as a contestant. On September 14, he was the third housemate to be evicted, on day 20 where he finished in 11th place.

In July 2018, Fatman Scoop was featured on the remix to Ciara's single "Level Up", which also featured Missy Elliott; the single remix was the first song to feature all three artists since 2005's "Lose Control".

During the COVID-19 pandemic, being unable to travel, Fatman Scoop had to give up being a hype man, so he started up other businesses, including trucking and an ice cream company.

Personal life

Freeman had two children. He married twice, once to Shanda Freeman. Together they starred in MTV talk show Man and Wife. They divorced after 13 years together.

Death

On August 30, 2024, Freeman collapsed during a performance in Hamden, Connecticut; CPR was administered at the scene and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. The following day, it was announced that he had died at the age of 56. His death was determined to be due to hypertensive heart disease and atherosclerosis.

Discography

Compilation albums

  • Fatman Scoop's Party Breaks: Volume 1 (2003)
  • In the Club (2006)
  • Party King (2015, Japan only)

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
US R&BUS RapAUSBEL (FL)FRAGERIRLNLDSWIUK
"Where U @?" (with The Crooklyn Clan)199877—————————Non-album singles
"Be Faithful" (featuring The Crooklyn Clan)1999 / 200392245111328130151ARIA: Platinum BPI: Gold
"It Takes Scoop" (with DJ Kool)2000 / 200485122444——15—339
"Dance!" (with Lumidee and Goleo VI)2006————305—7032—
"U Sexy Girl" (featuring Elephant Man and Jabba)93—————————
"Talk 2 Me" (featuring Ken)2007—————89————
"Dance! 2013" (Fatman Scoop vs. Lumidee)2013—————63——61—
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Featured songs

Awards and nominations

Awards

Notes

External links