Rapper-turned-actor Coolio, best known for his Grammy-winning single “Gangsta’s Paradise” from 1995, has died, according to a report. TMZ He conveys the news of his death, with his manager Jerez confirming the news to them. According to the outlet, Coolio was visiting a friend’s house and was found unconscious on the bathroom floor some time later, with EMTs arriving and then pronounced dead at the scene. Although no official cause of death has been revealed, EMTs at the site “suspect cardiac arrest” according to TMZ. Born August 1, 1963, Coolio was 59 years old at the time of his death.
As a musician, Coolio began recording music in the late 1980s, but released his first full-length album in 1994 with It Takes a Thief, which would then become certified platinum. His most successful release of all time, 1995’s Gangsta’s Paradise, was not originally written to be released on one of his albums, and was instead produced as a single for the movie Dangerous Minds. The track would not only earn Coolio a Best Rap Solo Performance Grammy, but also produce one of the most popular music videos of the ’90s (featuring Coolio alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and directed by Antoine Fuqua). “Gangsta’s Paradise” is triple platinum certified with over 3 million sales in the United States.
Coolio released eight studio albums throughout his career. A certain generation may also remember him for providing the lead song to the Nickelodeon comedy Kenan & Kel and contributing the song “Hit ‘Em High (The Monstars’ Anthem)” to the original Space Jam.
In addition to his performance as a musician, Coolio will also make his mark on the big screen. Coolio will appear in quite a few horror movies during his career including Leprechaun in the Hood, The Convent, Dracula 3000 among others. He’s also appeared in a few Marvel and DC adaptations, with small roles in Batman & Robin and the original film Daredevil.
Coolio has also made a career from television appearances, often playing his part on various shows including Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Joey and Black Jesus. He will also appear in actual roles such as the drama Early Release, lend his voice to Static Shock, and voice the Kwanzaa-bot on Futurama. The rapper also starred in several reality shows such as Coolio Rules.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time. May he rest in peace.
(Cover image by Greg Doherty / Getty Images)
[ad_2]
