Historical Figure
Coolio
1963–2022
American rapper (1963–2022)
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Biography
Artis Leon Ivey Jr., known by his stage name Coolio, was an American rapper. He was best known for his single "Gangsta's Paradise" (1995), which won a Grammy Award, and was credited for changing the course of hip-hop by bringing it to a wider audience. Other singles included "Fantastic Voyage" (1994), "1, 2, 3, 4 " (1996), and "C U When U Get There" (1997). He released nine albums, the first three of which achieved mainstream success: It Takes a Thief (1994), Gangsta's Paradise (1995), and My Soul (1997). Coolio first achieved recognition as a member of the gangsta rap group WC and the Maad Circle. Coolio sold 4.8 million albums in the U.S.
Timeline
The story of Coolio, told in moments.
Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Monessen, Pennsylvania. His mother was a factory worker, his father a carpenter. They divorced and moved to Compton, California, when he was eight. Severe asthma sent him to the hospital repeatedly as a child.
Released "Fantastic Voyage," which hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album It Takes a Thief went platinum.
"Gangsta's Paradise" went to No. 1 worldwide. The song, built on a Stevie Wonder sample, was on the Dangerous Minds soundtrack. It won a Grammy and sold millions.
Died at 59 at a friend's home in Los Angeles. Cause of death was fentanyl poisoning.
In Their Own Words (5)
Been spendin' most their lives, livin' in the gangsta's paradise Been spendin' most their lives, livin' in the gangsta's paradise Keep spendin' most our lives, livin' in the gangsta's paradise Keep spendin' most our lives, livin' in the gangsta's paradise.
First chorus
Tell me why are we, so blind to see That the ones we hurt, are you and me? Tell me why are we, so blind to see That the ones we hurt, are you and me?
Second chorus
They say I gotta learn, but nobody's here to teach me If they can't understand it, how can they reach me I guess they can't, I guess they won't I guess they front, that's why I know my life is out of luck, fool.
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I take a look at my life and realize there's not much left 'Cause I've been blastin' and laughin' so long, that Even my mama thinks that my mind is gone But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it Me be treated like a punk, you know that's unheard of You better watch how you're talkin', and where you're walkin' Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk.
Power and the money, money and the power Minute after minute, hour after hour Everybody's runnin', but half of them ain't lookin' It's goin' on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cookin'
Artifacts (4)
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al Madrid during the January transfer window in 2007. On his arrival, club President Ramón Calderón said, "He is an important signing for us. He is a young player who will inject some freshness into...
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