Missy Elliott has led tributes to fellow US rapper Fatman Scoop, saying he ‘will never be forgotten’ due to his impact on the music industry.
Scoop died aged 53 in hospital after collapsing on stage at a gig in Connecticut in the US on Friday.
Elliott featured him on her 2005 summer track Lose Control, which also featured US singer Ciara, and won a short-form music video Grammy at the 2006 award ceremony.
In 2018, they reunited for a remix of Ciara’s Level Up.
Elliott wrote on X: ‘Prayers for Fatman Scoop family for Strength during this difficult time Fatman Scoop 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 never be forgotten.’
Scoop – real name Isaac Freeman III – also featured on songs by Timbaland, David Guetta, The Situation, and Skrillex, having rose to prominence with his 1999 tune Be Faithful, which topped the UK charts in 2003.
US rapper Lil Jon wrote: ‘Your voice is forever with us making us all have a good time.’
He was featured on Timbaland’s Way I Are, along with Scoop.
Singer Crystal Waters said on social media: ‘He was one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met.
‘He truly will be missed. Love and prayers out to his family.’
Musician Questlove posted a photo of Scoop and thanked him ‘for being an embodiment of what hip hop was truly about, to just forget about your troubles and live in the moment and allow joy in’.
US rapper Ludacris wrote: ‘Scoop was one of those people that reminded you what the word love truly means. It’s an action, and with his actions he exuded the purest form of passion for hip hop.
‘Every human being that he came into contact with felt that love and that passion. This is the type of legacy we should all continue from here on until eternity.
‘Thank you Fatman Scoop.’
Scoop’s talent agency, MN2S, confirmed the music star’s death earlier today.
A spokesperson said: ‘We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and client, Fatman Scoop, at the age of 53.
‘Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe.
‘His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music.’
They added: ‘Fatman Scoop had been a valued member of the MN2S family for 15 years, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us.
‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Scoop’s vibrant spirit, boundless enthusiasm, and passion for music will always remain in our hearts. He will be deeply missed.’
Sharron Elkabas, Scoop’s representative, also said she spoke to Scoop ‘just a few days ago’ when he was ‘in such good spirits’.
‘It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us.’
After soaring to fame in the early 2000s, Scoop went on to become a housemate in 2015’s Celebrity Big Brother.
The New York-born hype man became known for his booming, raw vocal presence on various high-profile hip-hop tracks.
In July this year, Scoop collaborated with Tech N9ne on the single No Popcorn then, on the day of his death, he released two new songs: Let It Go, with Dyce Paysco, and Our House, in collaboration with Bingo Players and Disco Fries.