Coolio
Coolio | |
|---|---|
Coolio in 2002 | |
| Born | Artis Leon Ivey Jr. August 1, 1963 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | September 28, 2022 (aged 59) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1987–2022 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Josefa Salinas
(m. 1996; div. 2000) |
| Children | 10 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of | WC and the Maad Circle |
Artis Leon Ivey Jr. (August 1, 1963 – September 28, 2022), known by his stage name Coolio, was an American rapper. He was best known for his single "Gangsta's Paradise" (1995), which won a Grammy Award, and was credited for changing the course of hip-hop by bringing it to a wider audience. Other singles included "Fantastic Voyage" (1994), "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)" (1996), and "C U When U Get There" (1997). He released nine albums, the first three of which achieved mainstream success: It Takes a Thief (1994), Gangsta's Paradise (1995), and My Soul (1997). Coolio first achieved recognition as a member of the gangsta rap group WC and the Maad Circle. Coolio sold 4.8 million albums in the U.S.
He also created the six episode reality television show Coolio's Rules (2008), the web series Cookin' with Coolio, and published a cookbook.
Coolio died on September 28, 2022, at 59 years old, from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.