Coolio has passed away. He gained prominence in the 1990s with songs including “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage.”
The rapper died on Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles, according to his friend and longtime manager Jarez Posey, who confirmed the news to TMZ. He was 59.
According to TMZ, Coolio went to the bathroom while visiting a friend and never returned. When his companion went to check on him out of concern, he discovered Coolio lying on the ground.
Coolio was pronounced deceased at the site by EMTs who had been contacted by the buddy. Although an official cause of death has not been established, paramedics believe he experienced cardiac arrest.
Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., Coolio relocated from Pennsylvania’s Monessen to Compton, where he recorded his debut song in 1987. The track “Fantastic Voyage,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, was featured on his debut studio album, It Takes a Thief, which was released in 1994.
However, the song “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which was included on the soundtrack for the 1995 film Dangerous Minds starring Michelle Pfeiffer, was his biggest success. The song held the top spot for three weeks and was awarded the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Other singles from Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise album from 1995 included “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” and “Too Hot.” 2009 saw the release of his most recent album, From the Bottom 2 the Top.
His death is being looked investigated by the police. Although it doesn’t seem like there was any wrongdoing, the coroner will make a final decision after an autopsy.
