29.09.2022
2 min read

Gangsta’s Paradise rapper Coolio dead at 59

A friend of the star made the alarming discovery after the rapper went to the bathroom.

Coolio's greatest hit

US rapper, record producer and actor Coolio has died, aged 59, in Los Angeles.

The musician, who was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr, was in Los Angeles visiting a friend when he suddenly passed away on Wednesday afternoon, local time, according to a TMZ report.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Coolio’s greatest hit.

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The publication said the rapper’s manager, Jaraz, stated Coolio went to the bathroom and “when he didn’t come after a while” they discovered him on the floor.

According to the report, the 59-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics who were sent to the house reportedly believe the rapper suffered cardiac arrest.

American rapper Coolio has died at age 59. Credit: JMEnternational/Getty Images

An official cause of death is yet to be released and law enforcement sources have reportedly told the publication that no drugs or drug paraphernalia were found at the scene.

Fellow rapper Ice Cube was one of the first to share a tribute to the late musician tweeting: “This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio.”

YouTuber and producer Sean Evans tweeted, “First CD I ever bought in my life and the most legendary Wing 10 Last Dab these eyes have ever seen RIP Coolio”.

“Peaceful journey brother,” Questlove tweeted.

Tributes have begun to pour in for the late rapper. Credit: Paul Bergen/Redferns

Rest in Paradise

Coolio was best known for his hit songs Gangsta’s Paradise, Fantastic Voyage, and It’s All The Way Live.

Born in Monessen, Pennsylvania south of Pittsburgh, Coolio later moved to Compton, California, where he went to community college.

He went on to volunteer as a firefighter and in airport security before focusing on the hip-hop scene.

The record producer rose to fame in the mid-1990s when his song Gangsta’s Paradise was featured in the Michelle Pfeiffer movie Dangerous Minds.

For Gangsta’s Paradise, he won the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996.

He was nominated for five other Grammys.

Gangsta’s Paradise hit number one worldwide, staying at the top spot in Australia for 14 weeks.

In the US, the song was the best-selling single of 1995.

Rapper Coolio wins a Grammy in 1996. Credit: Russell Einhorn/Getty Images

It opens with the haunting lyrics: “As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realise there’s not much left, ‘cause I’ve been blastin’ and laughin’ so long, that even my mama thinks that my mind is gone.”

The rapper was also an actor, appearing in films including Batman & Robin, Judgement Day and The Big Help.

He went on to release a reality TV show series called Cookin With Coolio and later Coolio’s Rules.

Coolio leaves behind ten children, four from his marriage to ex-wife Josefa Salinas and six from other relationships.

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