Coolio Passed Away!

Coolio passed away in Los Angeles.

The legendary rapper and actor Coolio passed away at the age of 59. The Associated Press had confirmed that the entertainer died unexpectedly. One of the biggest names in hip-hop in the 1990s, he made the smash hit, "Gangsta's Paradise" which came off the Dangerous Minds soundtrack.

Coolio's manager Jarez Posey said that Coolio passed away at a home of a friend in Los Angeles. The cause was not immediately clear. Coolio originally was member of WC and the Maad Circle, consisting of rap legend WC, his brother Big Gee and DJ Crazy Toones before striking it out on his own.

Coolio won a Grammy for best solo rap performance because of Gangsta Paradise.

The album sampled the Stevie Wonder track, "Pastime Paradise" and was considered an iconic song on MTV.

Coolio who stayed close to Tupac Shakur did not engage in the infamous "East Coast vs. West Coast" feud. The feud cost the lives of Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G.

Born Artis Leon Ivey, Jr. in Monessen, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Pittsburgh as a child before he moved to Compton. He spent time in Northern California at some point of his teen years where his mother felt he would run into the wrong crowd if he stayed in Compton.

RIP Coolio pic.twitter.com/Z53f3n6HDU

— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) September 29, 2022

This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio https://t.co/vCeyn08Vsi

— Ice Cube (@icecube) September 29, 2022

I shot a reality show and was in the house for 2 weeks with the legend abs we got close. I’m hurt right now. He’s a humble and solid dude and a legend of our culture. My heart goes out to his family. Rest well my brother. Smfh pic.twitter.com/PPJnIuYnJT

— Benzino (@IAMBENZINO) September 29, 2022

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Coolio's single was parodied by "Weird Al" Yankovic and it started a feud between the two. Weird Al and Coolio did end up making peace after nearly 10 years.

Coolio had also a part in acting.

His best known roles included Futurama, Coolio's Rules, Malcolm & Eddie, Static Shock, Batman & Robin and Judgment Day.

Coolio leaves behind six children.