Fatman Scoop's Ex-Wife Shanda Remembers Him as an 'Icon and Legend' After His Death: 'He Was a Pure Heart'

Mar. 15, 2025

Fatman Scoop and Shanda Freeman attend the ‘Let’s Talk About Pep’ Season One Finale at comix on March 1, 2010 in New York City.Photo:Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Fatman Scoop’s ex wife,Shanda Freeman, is paying tribute to the beloved hype man and musician following his death at age 53.

On Saturday, Aug. 31, the author and life coach shared a series of photos of Fatman Scoop — real name Isaac Freeman III — on Instagram shortly after his death was announced, and a day after hecollapsed onstageduring a concert in Connecticut.

Inone post,she wrote aheartfelt tributeto her late ex-husband, describing him as an “icon” and sharing her “love” for him.

Shanda Freeman and Fatman Scoop attend the premiere of “Notorious” at the AMC Lincoln Square in January 2009 in New York City.Ray Tamarra/Getty

Ray Tamarra/Getty

Along with her lengthier tribute, Shanda also posted a photo of her late ex-husbandperforming, anold portrait of them togetherand apromotional photofrom theMan & Wifedays.

“We made history I. We were the FIRST. I’m heartbroken. I love you. Always 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️💔 Shanda,” shewrote alongsidethe image of the couple fromMan & Wife.

The rapper’s booking agency, MN2S, confirmed his death to PEOPLE on Saturday, and his official Instagram page shared the news in a family statement. Mayor Lauren Garrett of Hamden, Conn. revealed the day before that the entertainer wastaken to the hospitalon Aug. 30 after collapsing during a show.

Known for his 1999 hit “Be Faithful,” as well as a string of features on tracks includingMissy Elliott’s “Lose Control” andMariah Carey’s “It’s Like That,” the rapper’s family wrote in a message to Instagram that he’s also “known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club.”

“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life,” the family statement read. “FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage.”

“…His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but not forgotten,” the statement continued. “As we mourn the loss of FatMan Scoop, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched. FatMan Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside is our hearts and our memories forever.”

Multiple collaborators and admirers have continued to pay tribute to the musician across social media, withMissy Elliottwriting on X (formerly Twitter) that his “VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades.”

“Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten..🕊️🙏🏾,” she wrote.

source: people.com