Popular American Rapper, Coolio Dies At 59
Artis Leon Ivey Jr. professionally known as Coolio, the Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and actor best known for his hit "Gangsta's Paradise" in 1995, passed on September 28 at the age of 59.
Leah Mukangai 
What killed Coolio?
The rapper who rose to fame in the 1990s was visiting a friend late Wednesday afternoon when he died. According to Coolio's longtime manager, Jarez, Coolio went to his friend's house to use the restroom, but when he didn't return after a while, the friend kept calling for him, and eventually went in and found Coolio laying on the floor. It was then confirmed that he died on the spot.
His manager at Trinity Artists, Sheila Finegan made the announcement of his death and appreciated Coolio's friends who reached out to his family.
“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. 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," Trinity Artist manager stated.
Coolio first appeared on the Los Angeles rap scene in the late 1980s, but he shot to national prominence in 1995 with the release of "Gangsta's Paradise" for the soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer film "Dangerous Minds."
The 'Gangsta's Paradise' has now accumulated a total of 1 billion views.
According to his website, Coolio sold more than 17 million records during his career.
Some Millennials remember Coolio for his work on the theme song for the popular Nickelodeon TV series "Kenan and Kel," as well as his contribution to the album "Dexter's Laboratory: The Hip-Hop Experiment," which featured songs by various hip-hop artists inspired by the Cartoon Network animated series.
Coolio was a prominent figure in the US West Coast rap music scene in the 1990s. He was born in Pennsylvania but raised in the Los Angeles suburb of Compton, where his career flourished.
He rejected the label of gangster rapper in favor of the role of all-around entertainer.
He was a talented producer and actor who appeared in dozens of films and television shows, including Celebrity Big Brother in the United Kingdom in 2009.
