Coolio was a renowned rap artist best known for his triple platinum single, “Gangsta’s Paradise”. He tragically passed away at age 59 from an accidental fentanyl overdose on September 17, 2022.
September 28, 2022
April 11, 2023
As an aspiring musician, Coolio was inspired by rap artists such as Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Run DMC and Whodini. He began his career in the early 1990s, signing a record deal with Tommy Boy Music. His debut album, "It Takes a Thief," was released in 1994 and featured the hit single “Fantastic Voyage”, which landed him his first Grammy nomination. It was his second album, “Gangsta’s Paradise” in 1994, that gained him tremendous success, both commercially and critically. The single "Gangsta's Paradise" featuring L.V, sold over 6 million copies and received two Grammy Awards as well as an American Music Award. The song, which was included on the “Dangerous Minds” movie soundtrack, topped the Billboard Singles chart and also reached No. 2 in the U.K. Coolio followed this success with another hit, “C U When U Get There” which also reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Charts.
Throughout the 1990s, Coolio continued to produce successful singles, appearing on the soundtracks for "Menace II Society" and "Dangerous Minds". Subsequent albums to follow included “My Soul” and “El Cool Magnifico” in 2002 and “Steal Hear” in 2004. After a brief hiatus in the mid 2000’s, Coolio returned to releasing music with his 2011 album, “From the Bottom 2 the Top”. For the rest of his career, he continued to perform live shows, collaborate with other artists and release various mixtapes. In 2011, he was named to VH1’s “100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 1990s” list.
Coolio was a revered figure in the rap community. He was known for his slick flow, witty wordplay and ability to tell stories in his music. His signature style made him instantly recognizable and beloved by rap fans everywhere. He was honored at the 1995 Billboard Music Awards, winning Rap Single of the Year for “Gangsta’s Paradise” and Rap Artist of the Year. He also performed at the 1996 Grammy Awards, delivering an energetic rendition of “Gangsta's Paradise".
His influence was felt beyond music. In 1998, he starred in “The Bad Arnold Movie”, a film directed by his friend, Gary Hardwick. He also appeared on various television series and reality shows, including the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother, VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, and NBC’s The Apprentice.
Coolio leaves behind an incredible legacy in the rap world. His records have sold millions and have been sampled countless times. His memorable performances electrified audiences. He laid the groundwork for a new generation of rappers and will always be remembered as one of hip-hop’s most iconic artists.
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