Coolio
Rapper Coolio, known for his #1 hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise,” passed away on Wednesday at the age of 59. His manager confirmed the news last night to TMZ, saying he was found on the floor in the bathroom of a friend’s house but the cause of death has not been revealed.
Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., Coolio broke through with the 1994 album It Takes a Thief and his smash hit “Fantastic Voyage.” He quickly became known for his iconic, twisted braids but really hit the big time in 1995 with “Gangsta’s Paradise” off the soundtrack to the Michelle Pfeiffer film Dangerous Minds. Built around a sample of Stevie Wonder‘s “Pastime Paradise,” it became one of the biggest rap songs ever, spending three weeks at #1 and winning a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Coolio went on to consistently release albums until 2009 and acted in many TV shows and movies, with cameos in Batman & Robin and Daredevil, as well as reality TV shows.
