‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ rapper Coolio dead at 59

The entertainer earned critical acclaim in the 1990s with several Billboard hits

Rapper and actor Coolio – best known for his 1995 chart-topper ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ – has died at the age of 59, according to his manager. Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., the artist was pronounced dead on Wednesday after paramedics were called to a Los Angelis, California residence for an unspecified medical emergency, law enforcement sources told TMZ. 

An official cause has not been determined, though a coroner is reportedly set to make a final conclusion following an autopsy.

Coolio’s manager, Jarez Posey, confirmed the death to multiple media outlets, including Rolling Stone, claiming that first responders suspect he suffered cardiac arrest. He added the rapper was visiting a friend in LA, but was found collapsed on the floor after failing to emerge from the bathroom for some time.

Embarking on a music career in the 1980s after coming up in Compton, California, Coolio became a household name with his 1995 hit ‘Gangsta’s Paradise,’ which was recorded for the soundtrack of the film ‘Dangerous Minds’ and remained at the #1 chart position for three weeks straight.

One of the nicest dudes I’ve known.
Good people. R.I.P. Coolio