Rapper Coolio, known for Gangstas Paradise, dead at 59: Report

Rapper Coolio died on Wednesday, at 59, TMZ reported. 

Jarez, the American artist’s longtime manager, told the outlet that Coolio was at his friend’s home in Los Angeles when he excused himself to use the washroom. When Coolio did not return for some time, his friend reportedly called out to him but did not receive a response. 

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Worried, the friend went into the washroom and found Artis Leon Ivey Jr., or Coolio, on the floor. Paramedics were called immediately. He was pronounced dead at the scene following a suspected cardiac arrest, but the official cause of death is pending. 

Coolio started his career in the 80s but rose to fame in 1995 after Gangsta’s Paradise came out. The track featured in the movie Dangerous Minds. The news of his death comes just a few days after the rapper posted a video of his recent performance in Texas, with many fans expressing their condolences in the comments. 

“RIP KING”, one fan commented, while another said “Rest in Gangster’s Paradise”, while following it with the emoticon of a broken heart. On Twitter, several fans took to quoting lines from Gangsta’s Paradise, mourning the loss of the rapper. “Death ain’t nothin’ but a heartbeat away”, an individual wrote, quoting Coolio.

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After being born in Monessen, Pennsylvania, Artis Leon Ivey Jr moved to Compton, California, where he worked as a volunteer firefighter and security at the Los Angeles international airport, before making the career change to rap music. 

He’s known for other works like It Takes a Thief and My Soul. Coolio has been part of several shows over the course of his career, like Ultimate Big Brother and Food Network’s Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off, the reality show where the rapper represented the Music Saves Lives Organization. He was also seen in ABC’s reality show, Wife Swap.

Coolio was divorced with ten children.