Rapper Coolio of “Gangsta’s Paradise” Dies at 59

Coolio, the Grammy-winning rapper best known for his 1995 hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” has died at the age of 59. His music defined the 1990s and left a global legacy that continues to inspire fans and artists today.

Who Was Coolio?

Coolio’s real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr. He was born on August 1, 1963, in Monessen, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Compton, California. He began rapping in the late 1980s and quickly became a rising star in the West Coast hip-hop scene.

His Biggest Hits

Coolio’s career took off with the release of “Gangsta’s Paradise” in 1995.

The song won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.

It stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks.

The track sold over 5 million copies worldwide and remains one of the most recognizable rap songs in history.

Other popular songs include “Fantastic Voyage” and “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)”, which also charted high in the U.S. and internationally.

Death at 59

Coolio passed away on September 28, 2022, in Los Angeles. He was 59 years old.

At first, the cause of death was not known. Later reports from the coroner revealed he died of an accidental drug overdose involving fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.

His Legacy

Coolio helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream during the 1990s. His music appeared in movies, TV shows, and school events around the world. Even in countries like Pakistan and across Asia, “Gangsta’s Paradise” became a cultural anthem for students and young people.

Beyond music, Coolio also appeared in TV shows, acted in films, and even wrote a cookbook called “Cookin’ with Coolio.”

Did You Know?

Coolio won one Grammy Award and was nominated six times.

He sold more than 17 million records worldwide.

He performed concerts across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Conclusion

Coolio’s death is the end of a powerful voice in hip-hop. His influence stretched far beyond the United States, and his biggest hit, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” remains a timeless song that connects generations. Fans will remember him not only as a rapper but also as an artist who made hip-hop a global language.