The award-winning rapper Coolio, who was amongst hip-hop’s largest names through the Nineteen Nineties along with his pop-infused type, died Wednesday afternoon at a pal’s Los Angeles dwelling, his supervisor confirmed. He was 59.
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Coolio, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ hip-hop star, dies at 59
Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Monessen, Pa., on Aug. 1, 1963, the rapper grew up in Compton, Calif., and served as a volunteer firefighter earlier than pivoting to a full-time music profession. His stint with a firefighting crew within the San Jose space was “a technique to clear up,” he advised the Los Angeles Occasions in 1994.
“In firefighting coaching was self-discipline I wanted. We ran each day. I wasn’t consuming or smoking or doing the stuff I normally did,” Coolio advised the newspaper.
His huge break would come that yr with “Unbelievable Voyage,” adopted by “Gangsta’s Paradise” — a No. 1 single that was featured within the 1995 film “Harmful Minds,” starring Michelle Pfeiffer. The music would ultimately earn Coolio a Grammy in 1996 and catapult him to hip-hop’s prime ranks.
The rapper’s lengthy profession included hits like “C U When U Get There” and “1,2,3,4 (Sumpin’ New),” collaborations with different artists and even a cooking sequence.
As information of his loss of life unfold, star-studded tributes started to pour in.
“That is unhappy information,” fellow rapper Ice Dice wrote on Twitter. “I witness first hand this man’s grind to the highest of the business. Relaxation In Peace.”
Pfeiffer credited “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which she known as “an excellent music,” for turning “Harmful Minds” right into a smash-box success in 1995.
“I bear in mind him being nothing however gracious. 30 years later I nonetheless get chills once I hear the music,” she wrote on Instagram. “Sending love and light-weight to his household.”