Rapper Fatman Scoop dies at 56 after collapsing on stage; featured on hits with Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott

(CNN) – Fatman Scoop, a hip-hop rapper and entertainer known for his collaborations with Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, died after collapsing onstage at a concert Friday night in Hamden, Connecticut. He was 56.

The news was confirmed by the artist's publicist, Chanel Rae, who referred CNN to the official Instagram page of Fatman Scoop – born Isaac Freeman – which posted a tribute on Saturday morning.

“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on stage and in life,” the post said, adding that “he was not just a world-class performer, he was a father, a brother, an uncle and a friend.”

The message adds that the artist “was known worldwide as the undisputed voice of the club. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity.”

The rapper’s death was also announced by Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett, who wrote on Facebook Saturday morning: “On behalf of the City of Hamden, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Isaac Freeman, aka Fatman Scoop. He was a wonderful entertainer with a huge following, as evidenced by the thousands of fans who turned out to see what would be his final performance at Hamden Town Center Park.”

“I am grateful to the audience members and our paramedics who attempted to offer life-saving assistance,” Garrett’s post continued. “For anyone who is having a difficult time processing and grieving the loss of Isaac particularly after witnessing the tragedy that unfolded in the downtown park, we will be hosting grief counseling.”

On Friday night, Garrett informed his Facebook followers that “while performing at Hamden Town Center Park, Isaac Freeman, aka Fatman Scoop, had a medical emergency on stage. He is being transported by ambulance to the hospital. We will provide updates when they are available. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”

CNN has reached out to representatives of Fatman Scoop for more information and details on the cause of his death.

Fatman Scoop first gained attention in 1999 with his single “Be Faithful.” The track charted on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs charts.

Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists such as Lil Jon, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Pitbull and Skrillex.

With his powerful vocal range and loyal following, Fatman Scoop helped fuel Elliott's 2005 hit single “Lose Control,” which also featured Ciara. That year, he also collaborated with Mariah Carey on “It's Like That.” In 2006, he won the Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video for Elliott's track.