Artis Leon Ivey Jr., commonly known by his stage name Coolio, was tragically found dead at a close friend’s house in the Los Angeles, California area. Announced to the public this past Friday, September 28, 2022, the popular old-school rapper was pronounced dead on the scene by first responders. Medical officials have yet to release a specific cause of death, however, are heavily leaning towards the conclusion of the artist suffering an unexpected heart attack; he was 59-years-old at the time of his passing.
The well-known rapper is mostly known for his 1995 studio album, Gangsta’s Paradise, featuring his most widely streaming single off the track, Gangsta’s Paradise (feat. L.V.); the song currently holds an increasing total of approximately 1,053,193,553 plays on Spotify’s platform alone. The former WC and Maad Circle member publicized a plethora of memorable tracks across his lengthy rap career, household names such as Fantastic Voyage (1994), C U When U Get There (1997), 1,2,3,4 / Sumpin’ New (1995), along with so many more.
Coolio’s long-term talent manager, Sheila Finegan, went on to release an official statement on behalf of the artist’s entire team: “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,” she concluded. All of Coolio’s full-length projects can be located and listened to on all streaming platforms such as Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, and Apple Music.