‘Heartbroken’ – Tributes pour in for ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ rapper Coolio

Grammy award-winning rapper Coolio passed away on Wednesday at the age of 59, TMZ reported. The West Coast rapper, who is best remembered for his 1995 hit song Gangsta’s Paradise, died at the Los Angeles home of a friend he was visiting.

The manager of the deceased rapper told the news outlet that the 59-year-old had gone to his friend’s bathroom, but he remained there for a long period. His manager added that his friend later found him lying on the ground after he entered the bathroom. That was after efforts to call him proved futile.

“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon. He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly,” Sheila Finegan, Coolio’s manager at Trinity Artists International, said in a statement to Variety. 

“Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

Real name Artis Leon Ivey Jr., Coolio was born in Pennsylvania on August 1, 1963. He relocated to Compton, California, where he became a member of the WC and the Maad Circle rap group in 1991. The deceased rapper rose to fame in the 90s with his Gangsta’s Paradise single. The 1995 hit song was the soundtrack for the Dangerous Minds film, and it took the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, per Variety. The song also earned the rapper a Grammy award for best rap solo performance.

Coolio also released several albums including his debut album It Takes a Thief, Gangsta’s Paradise, and My Soul. Outside music, the 59-year-old also featured in several movies and TV shows including Martin, Batman & Robin, Tyrone, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Futurama, and Charmed.

Following the news of his death, several fellow rappers and other industry players took to social media to pay tribute to him. Michelle Pfeiffer, who featured in the Dangerous Minds film as well as the Gangsta’s Paradise video, said she was “heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio.”

“A life cut entirely too short. I remember him being nothing but gracious. 30 years later I still get chills when I hear the song,” she added in her Instagram post. “Sending love and light to his family. Rest in Power, Artis Leon Ivey Jr.”

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