Missy Elliott leads tributes to Fatman Scoop saying he ‘will never be forgotten’

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 56 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, and was in the 2015 series of Celebrity Big Brother.

US rapper Lil Jon wrote: “Your voice is forever with us making us all have a good time.”

He 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.”