Coolio

For the computer hacker, see Coolio (computer criminal).

Coolio
Coolio in 2002
Born
Artis Leon Ivey Jr.

(1963-08-01)August 1, 1963
Monessen, Pennsylvania, U.S.[1]
DiedSeptember 28, 2022(2022-09-28) (aged 59)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • actor
Years active1987–2022[2]
Spouse
Josefa Salinas
​
​
(m. 1996; div. 2000)​
Children10
Musical career
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Labels
Formerly ofWC and the Maad Circle

Artis Leon Ivey Jr. (August 1, 1963 – September 28, 2022),[4] 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.[5] 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.[6]

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.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference cbsobit was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Berry, Peter A. (August 1, 2018). "Happy Birthday, Coolio!". XXL Magazine. Archived from the original on May 31, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  3. ^ Gill, Andy (October 20, 2011). "Pop Albums / Where Eagles Daren't". The Independent. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  4. ^ "Rapper Coolio Dead at 59". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference course was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference nytobit was invoked but never defined (see the help page).