Rapper Fatman Scoop dies after collapsing during Connecticut show at age 53

Rapper Isaac Freeman III, better known by his stage name Fatman Scoop, passed away on stage following a collapse at a Connecticut show.

According to Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett, the 53-year-old rapper had a medical issue on Friday while doing a performance in Hamden Town Center Park. According to Garrett, he was taken by EMS to a nearby hospital.

Garrett thanked attendees and the paramedics who tried to save lives in a statement released on Saturday.

"On behalf of the Town of Hamden, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Isaac Freeman, known as Fatman Scoop," she posted on Facebook. "He was a wonderful performer with a wide following as evidenced by the thousands of fans that came to see what would be his last performance at Hamden Town Center Park."

Birch Michael, Scoop's tour manager, announced the rapper's passing on social media. He gave no details on what led to Scoop's breakdown or demise.

"I am honestly lost for words," Michael posted early Saturday morning. "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 truely made me the man I am today."

A shirtless Fatman Scoop was seen energizing the audience at Town Center Park in a video that was shared on social media just before he collapsed. The event was originally slated to take place last month, but it was moved to Friday night due to inclement weather.

Among the major artists with whom Fatman Scoop has collaborated are Missy Elliott on "Lose Control," Mariah Carey on "It's Like That," Ciara on "Level Up (Remix)," and Chingy on "Let's Ride."

Be Faithful, a sleeper hit that Scoop launched in 1999 and achieved international popularity in 2003 by topping the charts in Ireland and the UK, is another song that is well-known.

"FatMan Scoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage," his family wrote. "FatMan Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten."