One of Hip-Hop’s oldest voices, Fatman Scoop, has passed away, and the world is now remembering his greatness. Russell Wilson‘s wife and R&B Queen, Ciara, could not help but pay her tribute to the artist who she knew mainly after working on songs with him. It’s never easy to lose someone this close to you. And Fatman Scoop was very, very close to Ciara.

Upon reading the news of his demise via an Instagram post that was updated by the family, the “Level Up” singer took to X and wrote a heartfelt post in the hip-hop star’s remembrance. “Rest Easy at @FatmanScoop! You were truly one of the best voices in hip-hop! I’m so glad I got to experience your greatness! We will all miss you greatly.❤️”

The 53-year-old rapper broke into the Hip-Hop scene in 2003 with the hit single “Be Faithful.” Remember that one? It topped the charts in the UK and Ireland. Not only that! It even landed in the top ten in Denmark and Australia. Fast forward to 31st August, 2024, and sadly, the family of Fatman Scoop broke the heartbreaking news on Instagram. “It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic Fatman Scoop.” The post revealed that he died on Friday night. Further, the reports later confirmed that he collapsed during a concert in Connecticut on the 30th.

A video making rounds on social media also backed the reports. It showed a shirtless Fatman Scoop hyping up the crowd at Town Center Park just before the tragedy. In the clip, you could see him walking to the back of the DJ booth, firing up the crowd for what would be the last time, “If you came to party, make some noise.” And silence. Before the clip ends, you can hear the screams in the crowd starting. But he passed away doing what he did best.

How true were the family’s words when they wrote on the IG: “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life.” We witnessed his last breath on the stage. As for life, just ask Ciara Wilson. She literally got to work with the legend himself.

When Ciara collaborated with Fatman Scoop, twice!

Fatman Scoop and Ciara Wilson go way back—the R&B queen had the honor of knowing the late legend for over two decades. How did it all start? Well, in 2005, they both featured on Missy Elliott’s hit “Lose Control.” You might have heard that one from Ciara and Missy Elliott’s recent tour. While working on the song back in the day, Missy herself praised Ciara, saying, “The only person who can pull something off with me [on this track] is Ciara. Because it’s a record with speed.” And she wasn’t wrong. The track became an instant hit, with its infectious energy lighting up the charts.

Virgin Media called the song “irresistibly danceable,” and the awards quickly followed. It bagged two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Dance Video. Not to mention, it won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video and snagged a nomination for Best Rap Song. The Fatman Scoop magic? You bet it worked wonders. When you’ve got Scoop’s hype and Ciara’s moves, it’s hard to miss.

But that wasn’t the end of their collaboration. Over a decade later, Ciara called in her old squad for the remix of her hit “Level Up.” The remix, featuring Fatman Scoop and Missy Elliott, brought that same high energy back. Chartwise “Level Up” made waves, climbing the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and landing within the top forty in Hungary and the top sixty on the US Billboard Hot 100.

There’s a saying that goes: “Don’t be sad because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” And as the world mourns the passing of Fatman Scoop, Ciara Wilson’s tribute only reflects that adage. He’s flying with the angels now. Reaching for the heavens. Just like his voice reached the masses. Rest in peace, legend.