Grammy award-winning rapper, producer, and actor popularly known for his 1995 hit rap song “Gangsta’s Paradise,” was found dead on Wednesday at a friend’s house.
Jarel Posey, the rapper’s manager confirmed that the rapper died on Wednesday afternoon around 5 pm.
“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,” his manager at Trinity Artists International, Sheila Finegan, said in a statement.
“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 added.
Coolio rose to prominence in ‘90s, with his record breaking song “Gangsta’s Paradise” for the 1995 film “Dangerous Minds.
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and quickly became the most popular rap song of all time.
It was nominated for the record of the year and best rap solo performance at the Grammy Awards in 1996.
The rapper continued to grow in fame and success and he would go on to release five more studio albums: 2001’s “Coolio.com,” 2002’s “El Cool Magnifico,” 2006’s “The Return of the Gangsta,” 2008’s “Steal Hear” and 2009’s “From the Bottom 2 the Top.”
Coolio later became a TV personality after his music success began to fade, appearing in dozens of films and TV shows throughout his career.
