Coolio
Biography
Artis Leon Ivey Jr., known professionally as Coolio, was an American rapper who achieved mainstream success in the mid-to-late 1990s. He was born on August 1, 1963, in Monessen, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Compton, California. His early life was marked by challenges, including asthma and involvement with a street gang. After attending Compton Community College, he began his rap career, performing in local contests and gaining the nickname "Coolio Iglesias," which was later shortened.
Rise to Fame
Coolio's career began to take off after he overcame a drug addiction and worked as a volunteer firefighter. In the early 1990s, he joined the group WC and the Maad Circle. He signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1994 and released his debut solo album, "It Takes a Thief". The album's lead single, "Fantastic Voyage," became a major hit. The album itself was praised for its lighthearted take on gangsta rap and achieved platinum certification.
"Gangsta's Paradise" and Mainstream Success
In 1995, Coolio released his most iconic song, "Gangsta's Paradise," featuring singer L.V., for the film "Dangerous Minds". The song was a massive international hit and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. The album of the same name, "Gangsta's Paradise," was released in 1995 and sold millions of copies worldwide. His third album, "My Soul" (1997), also achieved platinum status and included the hit single "C U When U Get There".
Later Career and Other Ventures
Following the success of his first three albums, Coolio was dropped by Tommy Boy Records. He continued to release albums independently, including "Coolio.com" (2001), "El Cool Magnifico" (2002), "The Return of the Gangsta" (2006), "Steal Hear" (2008), and "From the Bottom 2 the Top" (2009). Beyond music, Coolio became a television personality, appearing in shows like "Coolio's Rules" and the web series "Cookin' with Coolio," and he also published a cookbook. He was also known for performing the theme song for the Nickelodeon show "Kenan & Kel".
Death
Coolio died on September 28, 2022, at the age of 59, in Los Angeles, California. His death was ruled an accidental overdose from the effects of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. Other contributing factors included cardiomyopathy and asthma.