(GEM RADIO)- The famous hitmaker Coolio passed on at age 59. The musician died on Wednesday afternoon while visiting a friend, according to Coolio’s manager Juarez, who confirmed the news to TMZ.
According to Jarez, the Grammy winner left to use the restroom but never returned. The companion checked for him and found the 59-year-old lying on the restroom floor. Minutes after that, paramedics arrived on the scene and declared him dead. The formal cause of death has not been disclosed, but according to Jarez, paramedics think he had a heart attack.
After Coolio’s manager confirmed his passing, some celebrities went to the internet to show their condolences. Following the news of Coolio’s passing, notable figures in the rap world like Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and MC Hammer paid respect to him. The US rapper, best known for his 1995 single “Gangsta’s Paradise,” was hailed as “one of the sweetest fellas” and remembered for his “grit.”
Snoop Dogg referenced the world-famous track in his tribute, writing: “Gangsta’s paradise. R I P.” Additionally, he posted a photo of the two on Instagram, where they were seen posing on the set of the 2006 music video they made together for the song Gangsta Walk.
Ice Cube, a former member of NWA, had kind words for the icon. In his Twitter page, he wrote “I witnessed first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest in peace, @Coolio.”
MC Hammer described Coolio as “one of the nicest dudes I’ve known.” He wrote: “Good people. RIP Coolio,” sharing a black and white picture of the rapper, later posting a second picture of the pair together, along with Tupac and Snoop Dogg.
Coolio, actually named Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was a Los Angeles native who broke onto the rap scene in the 1980s. His career took off in 1995 when “Gangsta’s Paradise” appeared in the Michelle Pfeiffer-starring movie Dangerous Minds. On the Billboard 200, the single opened at No. 1, where it held for three weeks in a row.
Coolio continued to tour throughout his career, recently joining Vanilla Ice, Young MC, Kid-N-Play, All 4 One, and Tone Lc on the I Love The ’90s Tour. Speaking to Minnesota Daily in 2010, Coolio revealed that his love for rap kept him inspired to perform after all these years.
(GEMS RADIO)---Coolio has died at age 59 Wednesday afternoon. His manager Jarez Posey told the media he died Wednesday afternoon but cause of death is still too early to tell. “We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,” a statement provided to CNN from Coolio’s talent manager Sheila Finegan said. “He touched the world with the gift of his talent […]
