"Gangsta's Paradise" rapper Coolio dies at 59

(September 28, 2022) Renowned rapper Coolio has died at age 59, according to a story posted by TMZ. The artist, born Artis Leon Ivey, reportedly died at a friend's house of a suspected heart attack. 

During his career, Coolio had great success with his brand accessible rap songs, including his signature song, "Gangsta's Paradise," a rap reimagining of Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise." But he also hit it big with such 90s hits as "Fantastic Voyage," "C U When U Get There" and "1, 2, 3, 4." Young fans knew him for the popular track "Aw, Here It Goes" from the Nickelodean hit series "Kenan & Kel."

In addition to recording eight albums in the 90s and 00s, Coolio also appeared in several films and television shows. He even took his fame to food, where he gained fans for his cookbook and his web show, Cookin' With Coolio. He spent much of the last decade staying in the public's eye via concert performances and appearances on several reality show appearances, including Wife Swap, Fear Factor and Tipping Point.

While his star as a rapper had certainly faded over the past few years, Coolio remained iconic for a generation of fans; he will always be remembered as a giant in an era of hip-hop ascendancy, when R&B and rap merged into something special that crossed genre boundaries and developed a generation of artists who are still revered today. Rest in peace, Coolio.