The Rapper behind the enormous 90s hit “Gansta’s Paradise” was found dead in the US while visiting a friend. He was aged 59.
It’s reported that Coolio went to the bathroom at his friend’s house. After a while the friend kept calling for him, eventually going to investigate where he was and found Coolio laying on the floor.
Artis Leon Ivey Jr who went by “Coolio” arrived on the US rap scene during the late ’80s but it was in the 90s that he saw real success with hits like 1994s “Fantastic Voyage” and then later in 1996 with “1,2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” as well as “C U When You Get There” in 1997 but it was the mega smash “Gansta’s Paradise” for the Michelle Pfieffer led film ‘Dangerous Minds’ that cemented him in the musical history books as a song and rapper that broke the boundaries of genre.
Coolio was the recipient of multiple Grammy Awards nominations but won for “Best Rap Solo Performance” for “Gansta’s Paradise” in 1996.
RIP Coolio
