Gangsta Paradise rapper and Big Brother star Coolio dies at 59

of American rapper CoolioBest known for his 1990s hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” he has died at the age of 59.

The US rapper, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr, died Wednesday, his manager confirmed to multiple US outlets.

According to TMZ, he was found unresponsive on the bathroom floor at a friend’s house in Los Angeles.

His management said he “touched the world” with his talent and will be “deeply missed.”

2009, Coolio joins British celebrity Big Brother, 3rd place. He lost out to runner-up broadcaster Terry Christian and winning presenter and model Ulrika Jonsson.

However, along with Jonsson, he joined the cast of Ultimate. Brother The following year, in 2010, the show’s final series aired on Channel 4.

Former Big Brother star Coolio dies

The rapper was born in Pennsylvania but later moved to Compton, California and released his first single in 1987.

He recorded Gangsta’s Paradise for the 1995 film Dangerous Minds (starring Michelle Pfeiffer) and it became one of the most successful rap songs of all time.

The track topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, and Coolio won a Grammy Award in 1996 for Best Rap Solo Performance.

Celebrities pay tribute to Coolio

The song was parodied as Amish Paradise by US musical comedian Weird Al Yankovic, though it was claimed at the time that Coolio had not given him permission to do so.

but, Coolio said In an interview the pair have since amended.

Yankovic paid tribute to Coolio with a short tribute on social media.

Sharing a photo of the pair embracing, he wrote: “RIP Coolio.”

After news of his death broke, officials at Chicago’s Wrigley Field played hits and Coolio’s Fantastic Voyage throughout the stadium as the hometown Cubs hosted the Philadelphia Phillies.

Coolio was nominated for five other Grammy Awards during a career that began in the late 1980s.

Among those who were quick to react to the report was fellow US rapper Vanilla Ice, who said he “freaked out” after hearing the news.

The rapper, whose real name is Robert Matthew Van Winkle, said: “I am devastated to hear that my best friend Coolio has passed away.

US rapper LL Cool J wrote in his online tribute: @Coolio love and respect”.

Coolio’s manager at Trinity Artists International, Sheila Finegan, confirmed the death to the PA news agency.

“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,” the agency said in a statement shared with PA.

“He impressed the world with his gift of talent and will be deeply missed.

“Thank you to everyone around the world who listened to his music and contacted us about his passing.

“Please think and pray for Coolio’s loved ones.”



https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/22834183.gangstas-paradise-rapper-big-brother-star-coolio-dies-aged-59/?ref=rss Gangsta Paradise rapper and Big Brother star Coolio dies at 59

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