Coolio died at age 59 on September 28, 2022. It’s reasonable to wonder how Coolio died and what his cause of death was given that the life expectancy of men in the United States is 78 (that number is lower for Black individuals at 74). The rapper, most famous for “Gangsta’s Paradise”, released in 1995, passed away suddenly at the Los Angeles home of his friend and longtime manager Jarez Posey.
Coolio was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Pennsylvania south of Pittsburgh in August 1963. He moved to Compton, California, and fell into the drug scene as a young adult, but pulled himself out of it by becoming a volunteer firefighter. Coolio also held a job as security at Los Angeles International Airport before becoming a rapper full-time and making a significant mark on the underground scene. His first single was released in 1987 titled “Whatcha Gonna Do?” but signing with Tommy Boy Records in 1994 was when his career began to take off. It Takes a Thief was Coolio’s debut solo record and the lead single “Fantastic Voyage” peaked at Number 3 on the Billboard Top 100 charts. It also received heavy rotation on MTV (arguably the Golden Age of the network) and became one of the biggest rap singles of the year.
Coolio’s most significant hit came with the song “Gangsta’s Paradise”, which was released in 1995 and featured R&B singer L.V. for the film Dangerous Minds. It sat at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and continues to be one of the most enduring tracks of all time. It was even covered by musical comedian “Weird Al” Yankovic, which caused controversy because Coolio claimed Yankovic never sought permission to make his parody “Amish Paradise”. The Grammy winner was confident in his legacy. “I think at the end of the day when it’s all said and done, I’ll be held in the top ten hip hop performers in history,” he told GrooveOn magazine in 2009. Coolio’s success also makes his early death that much more surprising. So how did Coolio Die and what was his cause of death? Read on for what we know.
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How did Coolio die and what was his cause of death?
How did Coolio die? His cause of death was not revealed at the time but five months after his death, TMZ reported it was an accidental overdose of fentanyl—a powerful, synthetic opioid-based prescription painkiller. Family spokesperson, Jarel (Jarez) Posey told the tabloid that the rapper also had traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system. Apparently, investigators determined Coolio’s severe asthma and decades-long use of cigarettes also played a factor in his death. According to CNN, emergency responders answered a call at 4 p.m. local time for a medical emergency, they found Coolio unresponsive and performed “resuscitation efforts for approximately 45 minutes,” Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed. The patient “was determined dead just before 5:00 p.m.” Forty to 50 percent of heart attacks present with a “fatal event”, according to Dr. Chawla on LiveWell. “People ignore symptoms, which are usually taking place for weeks or months before finally having a heart attack with complete blockage. At that point, the heart isn’t getting blood and it can go into a life-threatening rhythm, which presents as cardiac arrest.”
Coolio’s talent manager Sheila Finegan confirmed the rapper’s death to CNN in a statement expressing their sadness and acknowledging his legacy. “We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,” Coolio’s talent manager Sheila Finegan told the news outlet. “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.”
Coolio’s longterm partner, Mimi Ivey, told DailyMail.com a few days following the rapper’s death that she’ll abide by her loved one’s posthumous wishes when it comes to a funeral or memorial. “I’m respecting his wishes. He wanted to be cremated. He did not want a funeral; he did not want a memorial service. He didn’t want any of that,” she said.
Michelle Pfeiffer, who starred in Dangerous Minds, the film that featured the Grammy-winning song “Gangsta’s Paradise”, led tributes on social media at news of the rapper’s death. “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist@coolio. A life cut entirely too short,” she wrote on Instagram with a clip from the movie. “As some of you may know I was lucky enough to work with him on Dangerous Minds in 1995. He won a Grammy for his brilliant song on the soundtrack – which I think was the reason our film saw so much success. I remember him being nothing but gracious. 30 years later I still get chills when I hear the song. Sending love and light to his family. Rest in Power, Artis Leon Ivey Jr.”
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 1994, Coolio said he wasn’t looking to make it big in the music industry. “I wasn’t looking for a career, I was looking for a way to clean up – a way to escape the drug thing,” he said. “It was going to kill me and I knew I had to stop. In firefighting training was discipline I needed. We ran every day. I wasn’t drinking or smoking or doing the stuff I usually did.”
Coolio’s Grammy win came in 1996 at the height of a fierce feud between East and Westcoast hip-hop communities, that would take the lives of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. soon after. Coolio used his Grammy speech as a call for peace to unite the two groups in a truce. “I’d like to claim this Grammy on behalf of the whole hip-hop nation, West Coast, East Coast, and worldwide, united we stand, divided we fall.” In 2022, the song reached a milestone of one billion views on YouTube. “It’s one of those kinds of songs that transcends generations,” he said in an interview shortly before his death. “I didn’t use any trendy words…I think it made it timeless.”
Image: Atria Books
You know Coolio’s music, but did you know he also loved to cook? He started making 30-minute meals as a 10-year-old and developed his own fusion cuisine which he called “Ghetto Gourmet”. Cookin’ with Coolio features 76 recipes that are easy to make, quicker than ordering take-out and best of all, affordable ingredients. These are solid comfort foods that don’t break the bank. Expect instructions on Soul Scrolls and “Fall-Off-the-Bone-and-into-Your-Mouth Chicken” as well as how to become a Kitchen Pimp. According to the book’s rave reviews, it’s a fun read, down-to-earth, and “full of colorful and innuendo-laden language (not for kids).” If you’re a fan of Coolio and achievable meals everyone will enjoy, you can’t go past this book.
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FAQs
How Did Coolio Die? Cause of Death, How He Passed, Funeral Details? ›
The “Gangsta's Paradise” lyricist died of a drug overdose, a source confirmed to TMZ. And according to a new coroner's report, Coolio sadly had fentanyl, as well as traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system when he passed away.
What was the cause of death of Coolio's death? ›Coolio's death caused by accidental overdose, according to coroner.
How did Coolio passed? ›The rapper Coolio died of an accidental fentanyl overdose, documents from the Los Angeles County coroner's office show. Coolio died on Sept. 28, 2022, at a friend's home in Los Angeles.
How and when did Coolio pass? ›His Cause Of Death Was Just Revealed 5 Months Later. Coolio died at age 59 on September 28, 2022.
What is the information on the death of Coolio the rapper? ›The death of rapper Coolio was due to the effects of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamines, his manager confirmed to CBS News. Coolio, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., died last September in Los Angeles. He was 59.
How did Coolio die of a heart attack? ›A heart attack is believed to be what killed late rapper Coolio, as friends say he avoided drugs and alcohol amid overdose speculations. The rapper, known around the globe for the 1995 hit Gangsta's Paradise, died while visiting a friend in Los Angeles last Wednesday.
What did Michelle Pfeiffer say about Coolio's death? ›Pfeiffer shared a portion of the video on her Instagram account on Wednesday, writing, “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio. A life cut entirely too short.” She continued, “As some of you may know I was lucky enough to work with him on Dangerous Minds in 1995.
How many hits does Coolio have? ›Coolio Dead at 59. Coolio placed six hits on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, including the No. 1 smash “Gangsta's Paradise,” featuring L.V, from the film Dangerous Minds. The single spent three weeks atop the list in 1995 and finished as the year-end No.
Did Coolio have a funeral? ›His funeral on October 15 took place at the Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery followed by a party at an unknown location where his kids mixed with Coolio's buddies from the hip-hop industry.
Did Coolio get cremated? ›Instead of a highly publicized star-studded funeral, Coolio was cremated and had his ashes placed in pendants for his children, family members, and loved ones to wear, TMZ reports.
Who did Coolio have kids with? ›
Did us rapper Coolio pass away at 59? ›
Coolio, the '90s rapper who lit up the music charts with hits like “Gangsta's Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage,” has died, his friend and manager Jarez Posey, told CNN. He was 59. Posey said Coolio died Wednesday afternoon.
Was Coolio on tour when he died? ›As we first told you ... Coolio was in Los Angeles for an issue with his passport when he died, as he had some upcoming shows scheduled in Germany.
Who attended Coolio funeral? ›Coolio passed away on September 28, and now details of the rapper's “secret” funeral have been revealed. The Gangsta's Paradise singer was sent off with a secret funeral and afterparty attended by his friends and family including his 10 children and their mothers.
What did Snoop Dogg say about Coolio death? ›Rest In Peace." Snoop Dogg shared a photo of himself with Coolio on Instagram, captioning the post: "Gangstas paradise. RIP".
Which movie is Gangsta's Paradise from? ›The Grammy-winning artist's iconic single was featured on the soundtrack of her 1995 film. Michelle Pfeiffer is honoring "gifted artist" Coolio, whose hit single "Gangsta's Paradise" was featured on the soundtrack to her 1995 film Dangerous Minds, after the rapper's death on Wednesday.
How old was Coolio when he made Gangsta's Paradise? ›Although Coolio sang in Gangsta's Paradise about being 23 and wondering if he would live to be 24, he was by then in his early 30s, and had waited many years for his breakthrough.
What rapper died of stomach pain? ›TMZ reported that Lil Keed complained to friends about stomach pains in the days preceding his death. He was eventually hospitalized one evening due to the severe pain, with reports that his liver and kidney began to fail, suffering a seizure on his way to the hospital. Hours later, the budding rapper died.
Were Coolio and Michelle Pfeiffer friends? ›Michelle Pfeiffer took to Instagram to share memories of her friend, late rapper Coolio.
Who has the #1 hit of all time? ›What is the biggest hit ever? ›
According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.
What rapper has the most hit? ›Drake has tallied 11 No. 1 hits on the Hot 100 in his career, the most among rappers.
Did Coolio have a heart disease? ›Coolio's death was accidental, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner, who also said that the rapper had a heart condition and asthma.
Where was takeoff buried? ›State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
What celebrities reacted to Coolio death? ›Actor and comedian Martin Lawrence wrote, "My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family of @Coolio #rip" via Twitter. M.C. Hammer, known for the hit single "U Can't Touch This," shared a photo of Coolio on Twitter and wrote, "One of the nicest dudes I've known.
Why did Coolio have no funeral? ›The 59-year-old legend's last partner Mimi Ivey revealed to the Daily Mail after his death that he didn't want a funeral, saying: “I'm respecting his wishes. He wanted to be cremated. He did not want a funeral, he did not want a memorial service.
What are in human ashes? ›Human ashes consist purely of bone matter and trace amounts of minerals like sodium and potassium. Sodium is the main compound that forms salt.
What was done with Tupac's ashes? ›Tupac Shakur's group, The Outlawz, smoked his ashes. The 'California Love' rapper was killed in a 1996 Las Vegas shooting, but at a memorial held to the star shortly afterward, members of hip-hop collective, Outlawz, took the lyrics to his track 'Black Jesus' literally and mixed his ashes into a marijuana cigarette.
How many children did Coolio have? ›Coolio, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., had 10 kids in total. The “Hit 'Em High” performer was found dead at age 59 on the floor of his friend's bathroom on Sept.
How much was Coolio worth when he died? ›Rapper Coolio, most famous for his hit song “Gangsta's Paradise,” died at age 59 on Sept. 28, TMZ reported. At the time of his death, the performer held an estimated net worth of $1.5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Was Coolio with Mimi when he died? ›
Coolio was discovered on a friend's bathroom floor September 28 and then pronounced dead of a suspected cardiac arrest. Mimi, who had been with him since 2012, exclusively told DailyMail.com how she reacted when she was told the news. 'I just remember all of the air and life coming out of my body,' she recalled.
How rich is Coolio? ›At the time of his death, the performer held an estimated net worth of $1.5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
What American rapper died 1995? ›Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1964 – March 26, 1995), known professionally as Eazy-E, was an American rapper who propelled West Coast rap and gangsta rap by leading the group N.W.A and its label, Ruthless Records.
What happened to Coolio gangsters paradise? ›Coolio, the rapper whose playful and sometimes gritty takes on West Coast rap and anthemic hits like “Gangsta's Paradise” made him a hip-hop star in the 1990s, died on Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 59. His longtime manager, Jarez Posey, said he was told that Coolio died at a friend's house.
Where was Coolios last concert? ›Just five days before his death, he performed at the Roundup Music Venue in Texas.
Did paramedics do CPR on Coolio? ›Crews spent 45 minutes performing CPR on the “Gangsta's Paradise” hitmaker before he was pronounced dead. Coolio, whose legal name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., is suspected to have died from cardiac arrest.
Will takeoff have a private funeral? ›A private funeral for Takeoff took place just a few days after his death, and a public memorial, during which Justin Bieber who collaborated with Takeoff in the past will perform, will be held later this week.
Who went to takeoffs funeral? ›Takeoff memorial: Drake and Justin Bieber among VIPs celebrating the life of rapper | CNN.
What is the 90s movie about teacher helping troubled students? ›An ex-Marine turned teacher struggles to connect with her students in an inner city school.
Why is Gangsta's Paradise famous? ›Released in August 1995, and boosted by a memorable video starring Michelle Pfeiffer, the song immediately ruled the airwaves. Those lurching stings, the other-worldly choir, and that soaring hook, combined with Coolio's distinctive, confessional storytelling, made it an instant classic.
Who is the death of Grammy winning rapper? ›
Grammy-winning rapper Coolio died at the age of 59 on September 28 shocking his family and fans worldwide. It has now been revealed that his death was due to fentanyl. The same was confirmed by his manager Jarel Posey.
When did Gangsta's Paradise died? ›The death of US Grammy-winning rapper Coolio in September 2022 was due to the effects of fentanyl and other drugs, his manager has said.
Who did Gangsta's Paradise first? ›"Gangsta's Paradise" is a single by American rapper Coolio. Interpolating Stevie Wonder's 1976 song "Pastime Paradise", the single was released on August 1, 1995. The song features vocals from American singer L.V.
What rapper died of codeine? ›Rapper Juice Wrld's cause of death was confirmed as an accidental oxycodone and codeine overdose, the Cook County Medical Examiner's office confirmed. The singer died Dec.
What rapper swallowed pills and died? ›At some point between landing and the search, the hip-hop star, whose real name is Jarad Higgins, swallowed a large amount of Percocet pills in an attempt to hide them from authorities, according to The Source.
What rapper died of diabetes? ›U.S. rapper Phife Dawg death at 45 caused by diabetes | Reuters.
How much money did Coolio make on Gangsta's Paradise? ›As per a report by Business Insider, Coolio received $23,227 per annum as royalties for Gangsta's Paradise. The rapper also generated between $134,000 and $225,000 per year for his 123 songs.
Who was Coolio's ex wife? ›“Gangsta's Paradise” spent three weeks atop Billboard's Hot 100 and was named the chart's No. 1 song at the end of the year. It won the Grammy for best rap solo performance in 1996. Then came Weird Al.
Who is the richest rapper? ›Jay-Z, Diddy and Ye have topped the 2022 list of the richest rappers, with the Donda 2 artist having a net worth of $500 million.
Who did Coolio leave his money to? ›
The assets of late rapper Coolio are to be split between seven of his ten children after he died without leaving behind a will.
How much is Coolio worth when he died? ›Rapper Coolio, most famous for his hit song “Gangsta's Paradise,” died at age 59 on Sept. 28, TMZ reported. At the time of his death, the performer held an estimated net worth of $1.5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Who did Coolio wife swap with? ›S2 E2: Rapper Coolio's girlfriend switches places with singer Mark McGrath's wife for a week.
How many baby mamas did Coolio have? ›Coolio Had Six Children With Four Different Women.
Who is Coolio married to at the time of his death? ›Coolio is survived by his six children and ex-wife Josefa Salinas, who he married in 1996.
What is the biggest number one hit ever? ›"Old Town Road" holds the record for the longest stretch at No. 1 with 19 weeks. It also became the fastest song in history to be certified diamond.