The 'Gangsta's Paradise' rapper has died of a suspected heart attack.
Coolio, the Grammy-winning rapper, passed away on Wednesday, September 28, at the age of 59.
The hitmaker of the 1995 single 'Gangsta's Paradise', whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., is believed to have died from a heart attack.
His manager Sheila Finegan told the LA Times: "We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon.
"He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly.
"Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers."
TMZ first broke the sad news, detailing that the rapper was found unresponsive on the bathroom floor at a friend’s house.
Coolio had just turned 59 on August 1.
The rapper’s sophomore album, 'Gangsta’s Paradise', propelled him into the mainstream and the title song went on to become a number one hit across the world, including in the US, UK, Ireland and Australia. The song also famously featured in the Michelle Pfeiffer film 'Dangerous Minds'.
Later, Coolio would go on to make the theme song for 'Kenan & Kel'. He dipped his toes into reality TV in 'Celebrity Big Brother' and its follow-up 'Ultimate Big Brother' and made various special guest appearances on cartoon and TV series including 'Static Shock', 'Charmed' and 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch'.
He travelled to Ireland on a number of occasions to play to fans of his music, with his most recent appearance dating back to Leopardstown in 2019. He even appeared on 'The Podge and Rodge Show' back in 2009.
He is survived by 10 children.
Here's how the world has reacted to Coolio passing away, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Snoop Dogg, and Weird Al Yankovic.
Weird Al Yankovic infamously covered the rapper's hit song with his own comedic version, 'Amish Paradise'.
