Coolio, Grammy-Winning 'Gangsta's Paradise' Rapper, Passes Away at 59

Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and actor Coolio has passed away at 59. He was best known for his 1995 hit "Gangsta's Paradise."

His longtime manager Jarel Posey confirmed the news. He spoke to Variety and stated that the Grammy winner died around 5:00 p.m PT on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, TMZ reported that he was found dead at a friend's house. His official cause of death has not been officially announced yet, but TMZ reported that initial reports stated that it might have been cardiac arrest.

A 90's Music Icon

Coolio was an integral part of the Los Angeles rap scene in the 90s. He got his big break when he recorded "Gangsta's Paradise." It was made for the 1995 film "Dangerous Minds," starring Michelle Pfeiffer, and it quickly gave the young rapper recognition. The song also led to a Grammy, winning Best Rap Solo Performance.

It became so famous that Weird Al Yankovic made a spoof about it and satirized it as "Amish Paradise." However, this led to a bit of a feud between the two, as the rapper was adamant that he did not permit Weird Al to satirize the song. Fortunately, Coolio did say in interviews that he and Weird Al have since made up.

Coolio was one of the most popular rappers in the 1990s, recording the opening sequence of Nickelodeon's "Kenan & Kel," titled "Aw, Here It Goes!" He even appeared in the Nickelodeon show several times.

He also continued to make the Billboard charts with his third album, "My Soul," which went platinum. The album contained his hit single "C U When U Get There," which consistently made the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Coolio went on to record five more albums. These include "Coolio.com" in 2001 and "El Cool Magnifico" in 2002. The rapper recorded "The Return of the Gangsta" in 2006. In 2008, "Steal Hear" was released. It was followed by his 2009's "From the Bottom 2 the Top."

Coolio's Acting Career

While he experienced massive success in the music industry, Coolio also ventured into acting. He often appeared as himself in the 1995 series "Martin," as well as guest-starred in the "Dangerous Minds" TV spinoff.

He also appeared in several other TV shows, including "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "The Nanny," "Charmed," and "Midnight Mass."

Coolio also has some voice acting work as well, appearing in animated series such as Futurama and Gravity Falls.

According to Bloody Disgusting, Coolio also has some horror movies under his belt, including "Leprechaun In the Hood" and "The Convent." He also appeared in "Dracula 3000."

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) [Official Music Video] - Tommy Boy