US rapper Fatman Scoop’s cause of death has been revealed.
The hype man and radio personality – real name Isaac Freeman III – died last month after collapsing on stage during a concert in Connecticut and being rushed to hospital.
It’s now been revealed that the 56-year-old died as a result of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The cause of death was announced by the Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, who also ruled the death as natural, as reported by Fox News.
Hypertensive heart disease is a long-term condition caused by untreated high blood pressure, while atherosclerosis is the hardening of arteries due to a build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances.
Freeman was performing at Hamden Town Centre Park when the incident occurred on August 30.
Footage on social media showed him struggling to climb onto a platform before passing out behind a DJ booth as the music stopped and fellow artists on stage continued to address the crowd.
The audience fell silent, although some screams could be heard, as CPR was administered in an attempt to revive him.
After emergency services arrived, the performer was wheeled from the venue on a stretcher.
Later confirming his death, Freeman’s tour manager, Pure Cold, aka Birch Michael, wrote on Instagram: ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts I announced the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop.
‘You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you Scoop, thank you so much for everything you gave to me.’
He added in the caption: ‘I am honestly lost for words… 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.
‘Thank you so much, I love you x’
His family also shared a statement on Freeman’s account following his death.
‘It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,’ a post on his Instagram page read on behalf of his family.
‘Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.
‘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.’
They went on to share that his legacy was one of ‘light and brightness’, which would ‘reside in our hearts and memories forever’.
Fatman Scoop worked with musicians including Missy Elliott, on her song Lose Control and with Mariah Carey on It’s Like That. He also collaborated with Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston,
In the UK, he was well known for appearing in Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother: UK vs USA in 2015 where he was the third housemate to be evicted.