He was halfway through his set at the Town Center Park in the city of Hamden when he collapsed on stage.

Mayor Lauren Garrett said in a post to Facebook that the rapper was taken to a local hospital by ambulance.

But his booking agency, MN2S, confirmed his death in a statement to the BBC, saying the New York native's "legacy will live on through his timeless music".

"Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe," an agency spokesperson.

"His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry."

In a tribute on social media, Scoop's family said he was "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 a friend," his family said.

"He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage."

Scoop, whose legal name is Isaac Freeman III, has been credited as an influential figure in New York City’s hip hop scene in the 1990s.

He has featured on popular songs including Grammy award-winning Lose Control by Missy Elliott and It’s Like That by Mariah Carey.

Scoop is also known for his sleeper hit Be Faithful, which was originally released in 1999 but garnered international success in 2003, topping the charts in Ireland and the UK.