Coolio, a rapper whose hit “Gangsta’s Paradise” became a global hit during the 1990s, has reportedly died. He was reportedly 59.
Michelle Pfeiffer, who had a prominent role in the rapper’s biggest hit, called him a great artist and a tragic loss.
According to reports, Coolio died at a friend’s house in Los Angeles. His manager said that the rapper, whose real name was Artis Leon Jr., had asked to use the bathroom.
After he didn’t return, the friend went back to check on him and found Coolio on the floor. He was reportedly struggling to breathe. Paramedics were then called but they were unable to revive him. The cause of death has not been determined, but celebrity news site TMZ claimed that there were no signs of foul play.
His debut album was released in 1994, and it was entitled It Take A Thief. It was able to achieve a top five US hit with the song “Fantastic Voyage.” His work on the Dangerous Minds soundtrack also became very popular.
In various countries, Gangsta’s Paradise became a top 10 hit. In Australia, it stayed there for 14 weeks. In Coolio’s home country, it became the most-sold single of 1995. He would go on to win two MTV Video Music Awards and a Grammy.
He is survived by his ten children.