Coolio, the rapper best known for his hit singles “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage,” has died at the age of 59. Coolio’s longtime manager Jarez confirmed the news to TMZ, revealing he died while visiting a friend on Wednesday afternoon (September 28).
Jarez said the Grammy Award-winner went to the bathroom but never returned. After the friend went to look for him, he discovered Coolio laying on the bathroom floor.
Paramedics arrived minutes later and pronounced him dead at the scene. Jarez said paramedics believe he suffered a cardiac arrest, although no official cause of death has been released.
Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., Coolio was born in Miami but grew up in Los Angeles, emerging on the rap scene in the 1980s.
His career took off in 1995 with “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which appeared in the film Dangerous Minds starring Michelle Pfeiffer. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it remained for three consecutive weeks.
Coolio Teaches White People How To Pronounce Hip Hop Words
Coolio stayed active touring throughout his career, most recently as part of the I Love The ’90s Tour with Vanilla Ice, Young MC, Kid-N-Play, All 4 One and Tone Lōc. Speaking to Minnesota Daily in 2010, Coolio explained what kept him motivated to get on stage after all these years.
“I love to rap,” he said. “Three of my sons rap, my daughter sings, my nephew raps; my family is real musical. We very creative. We got the creative gene hard. That’s what keeps me going, my family, man. They respect what I do; they like what I do and they’re honest.”
He also discussed how his live show had improved, explaining: “I’m more controlled now, versus back in the day. The best way to describe it is like this energy-gathering dynamo. I suck in the energy from the crowd and right at the point they’re drained, ready to slump over and fall over and pass out, I bring it to a crescendo and shoot it all back at them. And then I’m slumped over and ready to pass out and they’re energized and ready for the next artist or end of the party or whatever.”
HipHopDX sends its condolences to Coolio’s loved ones. This is a breaking news story. More to come…
Fentanyl
That is what they are saying.
Seems to be getting everybody lately, SMH. When will they learn to stay away from that shit. Dealers are lacing it into everything now.
Damn. Sad if true. People better start picking up those test strips like they do rubbers for AIDS. Just simply testing your drugs will save them because these drug dealers don’t care and are lacing everything with it.
Fentanyl is killing soo many people lately. I know 3 people who have died. Not even serious druggies, just people who tried some coke after a night of drinking. Steer clear of street drugs friends. It’s not worth it. The shit is heavily tainted. If you must, at least test it yourself with kits.
No 1 is reporting that at all, it’s impossible to even know that right now unless they found drugs and they didn’t, you can’t even die without it having to be negative, just say RIP and keep it moving SMH
RIP. Kind of a one hit wonder but it was a cool hit and he seemed like a cool cat. Best wishes to his family.
How many hits or grammys do you have? Why mention that.
A lot
i know him through his relationship with the k-pop boyband bts on ”american hustle”….so sad that it couldnt be my enemies instead
Was in over 50 films as well as some great albums. Respect the God
coolio instead of you wish it was my cyberbully,defamer,doxxer
RIP Coolio. He was a Mona Park Crip. He’s chilling in Gangsta Paradise now.
Dang, RIP. I still remember when “mama said knock you out” dropped. Good times man. Classic.
The fuck? That was LL. Coolio had Mama, I’m in Love wit a Gangsta.
That’s who I’m talking about, LL Coolio!
DaFuq you been on? That’s LL Cool J that did “Mamma Said Knock You Out”, fool. Coolio did Fantastic Voyage, Gangsta Paradise, 1,2,3,4 (Sumpin New), and C U When You Get There.
REST In Paradise O.G.,1st heard’em wit W.C. & Madd Circle.”Aint A Damn thang Change” Album,That REAL Gangsta ish.WEST Coast LEGEND.
Damn those vaxxines and booster shots ain’t playing around
STFU
Damn having a hear attack while taking a shit is not a great way to go. Im willing to bet it was drugs. Fentanyl is laced in most drugs now a days. People are taking it without knowing. RIP.
Idk, he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that would be taking drugs like that. But you never know, hopefully that’s not it.
He had a crack problem back in the day. That being said, I hope that’s not what took him out.
Thank china and American wef for that
His first album was a near classic in my opinion. RIP Coolio.
Ah man. That was my boy. Remember when Fantastic Voyage came out like it was yesterday.
My favorite song by him will always be Geto Highlites. However, let’s not forget, he was also apart of our childhood because he did the theme show for Kenan and Kel! Awwwww! Here it goes!! Rest In Paradise, A Gangsta’s Paradise that is.
I didn’t think he was 59 but in any case r.i.p.
Fantastic Voyage was one of the songs that got me into hip hop along with the likes of „slam” or „opp”. The video was so dope. Also loved I Remember, Geto Highlites, space jam joint, One Mo’. RiP man…
R.I.P. Coolio. Vaya con Dios
Dude always seemed to have a good, positive energy about himself, RIP.
if you were around in 95 then youd know how big that song was….rip my G…59 is still young….
R.I.P to Coolio. But 59 is not young bro especially in HipHop. A lot of rappers are retired at that age
R.i.p legend, one of the o g’s, innovaters etc. etc.! Gangsta’s Paradise will always help him remain immortal. Prayers to his family and loved ones.
He was a great rapper and a good man. He made it in the underground and in the mainstream, too. He also helped Ras Kass on the rise of his career. May God bless his soul.
Rest in Peace Coolio what a sad way to go Gangsters paradise a timeless classic??????????
Timeless classic for sure. Street struggle, R&B vocals, classic video, epic time in hip hop, #1 Song – on a soundtrack – def an all time banger. RIP Coolio.
First my pet hamster dies and now this? This is the worst day of my life.
Fuck your hamster tho
I bet Coolio would have fuck dude hamster when on crack binge too!
Maybe if you didn’t stick your hamster up your ass every night it would probably still be alive today, fruitcake
Man this is a tough pill to swallow. I just love me some Coolio and his music man. Still play his music daily at the gym. His music gets me ripped and so energized! We will miss you king and please know I have always gave you the flowers while living. I live through your music daily! A true hip hop artist with his own fashion style and style of rapping. R.I.P King
What nation was Coolio King of? I never knew he was that powerful.
The prospering nation of black Wakanda. Which, unfortunately, is just an imaginary place created by a white man called Stan Lee.
It was me!
R.I.P LEGEND
REST IN PEACE TO COOLIO. WILL BE HEAVILY MISSED. FANTASTIC VOYAGE ALWAYS BUMPED HARDER THAN GANGSTAS PARADISE.
r.i.p
Gangsta’s Paradise was one of the earliest hip-hops songs I can remember, especially the first where I was obsessed with memorising the lyrics. Classic song
Another victim of the clot shot?
Yes it’s true.. mothafuck a pfizer!