Coolio Dead at 59

The "Gangsta's Paradise" rapper died of what appears to be a cardiac arrest

Photo: Timothy Krause

BY Alex HudsonPublished Sep 29, 2022

"Gangsta's Paradise" rapper Coolio has died. He was 59.

He died late Wednesday (September 28) evening while at a friend's house in Los Angeles. He went to the washroom and never returned, and was eventually found lying on the floor. TMZ reports that no drugs or paraphernalia were found at the scene, and an autopsy is being conducted. Paramedics who arrived at the scene suspected Coolio suffered a cardiac arrest.

Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Monessen, PA, was best known for his chart-topping 1995 hit "Ganga's Paradise," which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. His prior album, 1994's It Takes a Thief, was also a commercial success, going platinum and yielding the hit "Fantastic Voyage."

He released eight albums throughout his career, most recently 2009's From the Bottom 2 the Top.

Coolio was married once, from 1996 to 2000, and had six children.

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