Grammy Award-Winning Rapper Coolio Dies at 59

Grammy Award-Winning Rapper Coolio Dies at 59

Rapper, actor, and producer Coolio has died at 59. 

Coolio — born Artis Leon Ivey, Jr. — released his single "Fantastic Voyage" in 1994 which rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and become one of the biggest rap singles that year.

He won a Grammy in 1995 for his single “Gangsta’s Paradise” which appears in the film “Dangerous Minds” — and ended the year as the number one single in the U.S. 

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“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon. He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly,” Sheila Finegan, his manager at Trinity Artists International, said in a statement to Variety. 

“Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

He appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2009 and Ultimate Big Brother in 2010. 

PHOTO: CC/Public Domain