Coolio, the rapper most known for his huge international hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” has died.
Capt. Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to CNN that firefighters and paramedics responded to a call of a medical emergency on the 2900 block of South Chesapeake Ave. They then performed “resuscitation efforts for approximately 45 minutes” on an unresponsive male.
Coolio, real name Artis Leon Ivey Jr.’s song “Gangsta’s Paradise,” topped the Billboard charts in 1995 he won a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1996. The song was certified triple-platinum and featured in “Dangerous Minds.” The video won Best Rap Video and Best Video From a Film at the MTV Video Music Awards.
“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,” a statement from Coolio’s talent manager Sheila Finegan reads “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.”
