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Breaking News: Rapper Coolio Dead At 59

Coolio
By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of legendary rapper Coolio, who died suddenly in Los Angeles earlier today. Read more.

Legendary rapper Coolio has died, according to his long-time manager.

The 59-year-old rapper died earlier today (September 28th) in his hometown of Los Angeles.

According to reports, the rap star was visiting a friend. He went to the bathroom, and when he did not come out, the friend went to check and found the rapper lying on the floor, unresponsive.

According to his manager Jarez, EMTs arrived on the scene, but it was too late. The rapper had already died, and officials suspect cardiac arrest, although a cause of death has yet to be determined.

Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was a pioneer of the West Coast rap scene starting in 1987. His career took off in 1991 as a member of WC and The Maad Circle featuring fellow pioneer WC.

In 1994, Coolio blew up with the release of his debut album It Takes A Thief. The album featured the breakout single “Fantastic Voyage,” which was recently used in a commercial for AirBnB.

The rapper topped “Fantastic Voyage” in 1995 with the release of his biggest hit, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” from the movie “Dangerous Minds.”

The song won the rapper a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.  The hit singles kept Coolio on the road for years, and he frequently toured Europe, where he enjoyed a huge fan base.

A variety of rappers and fans reacted to the unexpected news of his passing. 

“Holly S###!!! I was just talking to him 2 weeks ago! He was performing in Europe… This is so Fd up…,” Ice-T tweeted.

“This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace
@Coolio,” Ice Cube said.

Check out some images of Coolio over the years. RIP.

  • Coolio and Stevie Wonder
    December 6,1995 Coolio and Stevie Wonder Photo by: Frank Olsen/startraksphoto.com
  • Coolio at the MTV 20th in 2001. Birthday Party at the Hammerstein Ballroom on 34th. Photo by Startraks
    Coolio at the MTV 20th in 2001. Birthday Party at the Hammerstein Ballroom on 34th. Photo by Startraks
  • Coolio and Deion Sanders
    May 12, 2008: Coolio and Deion Sanders attend the NBC Universal Experience Upfront. Credit: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com
  • 9/21/08 – Coolio at NBC’s Pre-Emmy Party at Spago Photo by: Bill Davila/startraksphoto.com
  • Coolio at the Celebrity Big Brother Fina
    January 23, 2009: Coolio at the Celebrity Big Brother Final at Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire. Credit: Goff/INFphoto.com
  • Coolio At The I Love The Nineties Birmingham Show
    10/7/17 Coolio at the ‘I Love The Nineties’ show held at the Birmingham Arena. Photo by: EMPICS/PA Images/INSTARimages.com

“Gangstas paradise. R. I. P. 🙏🏽🌹 🕊,” Snoop Dogg added.

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