Coolio, the Grammy Award-winning rapper best known for hits like “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage,” has died. He was 59.
Coolio’s death was confirmed to Rolling Stone by his longtime manager Jarez Posey. A cause of death is currently unknown. TMZ reported his manager said the rapper was found lying on the bathroom floor of his friend’s house. The paramedics that responded to the home pronounced him dead on the scene. Posey told the gossip outlet that paramedics suspected he went into cardiac arrest.
Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., Coolio released eight studio albums from 1994 to 2009. He became a household name thanks to “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which was also featured on the soundtrack to the 1995 film Dangerous Minds. (The film’s star, Michelle Pfeiffer, famously appeared in its music video.) The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and was a number one hit in 21 other countries. “Gangsta’s Paradise” went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1996. The track was also nominated for Record of the Year.
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