COOLIO, 1963-2022
Rapper Coolio, who shot to fame in 1995 with "Gangsta's Paradise," died in Los Angeles Wednesday at the age of 59.
Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., the Miami native started rapping in the 1980s before getting his big break with "Gangsta's Paradise" (Tommy Boy/RCA/Warner Bros.), which was featured in the film Dangerous Minds.
Coolio won the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1996 for “Gangsta’s Paradise,” the #1 song of 1995. Coolio’s other hits included “Fantastic Voyage,” “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” and “C U When U Get There.”
In late August, Coolio finished a two-month tour of Europe.
As initially reported by TMZ, Coolio was visiting a friend in Los Angeles this afternoon when he went to use the bathroom and never emerged. Concerned, the friend went to check on him and discovered him lying on the floor. Once emergency personnel arrived, he was declared dead at the scene.
No official cause of death has been announced.
This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio https://t.co/vCeyn08Vsi
— Ice Cube (@icecube) September 29, 2022
— RPBMH 💔 OUT NOW (@vincestaples) September 29, 2022
RIP Coolio pic.twitter.com/Z53f3n6HDU
— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) September 29, 2022
Rest in power my brother .@Coolio Love & Respect
— LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) September 29, 2022
RIP Coolio 🕊 pic.twitter.com/ybPtkIHH6z
— Spotify (@Spotify) September 29, 2022
#RestInBeats bro @Coolio On a Fantastic Voyage pic.twitter.com/AZZ3lWCUi3
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) September 29, 2022
#Coolio's legacy will live on. The rapper, producer, actor, and GRAMMY winner made a mark all over the world.
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) September 29, 2022
His song, "Gangsta's Paradise” was only the second rap song to get nominated for Record Of The Year, and won him his first GRAMMY at the 38th #GRAMMYs. pic.twitter.com/93PHvdIY9J
