Coolio is being remembered after his death at age 59.
It was announced Wednesday that the rapper behind "Gangsta’s Paradise," the Dangerous Minds movie theme, and other '90s hip-hop hits including "Fantastic Voyage" had died in Los Angeles. His longtime manager said he was visiting a friend and was found unconscious on the bathroom floor. Cardiac arrest is suspected, but an official cause of death has not yet been determined.
The news that Coolio (real name: Artis Leon Ivey Jr.) died has touched a lot of people, with many Hollywood stars paying tribute.
"Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio," wrote Dangerous Minds star Michelle Pfeiffer, along side a clip of them in the "Gangstas Paradise" video. "A life cut entirely too short. 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."
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"Weird Al" Yankovic, who had a spat with Coolio in the '90s over his parody "Amish Paradise" before the men worked it out, also remembered him with a photo of them hugging.
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Fellow '90s star MC Hammer had high praise, calling him "one of the nicest dudes I’ve known."
One of the nicest dudes I’ve known.
Good people. R.I.P. Coolio 🕊 🌹 🕊 pic.twitter.com/yQF9ZonbKA
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) September 29, 2022
Ice Cube remembered Coolio's "grind to the top of the industry."
This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Cooliohttps://t.co/vCeyn08Vsi
— Ice Cube (@icecube) September 29, 2022
Here are some more:
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A post shared by Questlove (@questlove)
I’m freaking out I just heard my good friend Coolio passed away.
— Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) September 29, 2022
Oh man!!! RIP Coolio! Loved your music….too soon 💔 https://t.co/vPZzuKW4yk
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) September 29, 2022
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family of @Coolio 🙏🏾 #rippic.twitter.com/vH68qVolRy
— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar) September 29, 2022
I am absolutely stunned. Coolio was a friend and one of the warmest, funniest people I’ve ever met. We spent an amazing time together making Red Water in Capetown and we loved going head to head in the kitchen. He was one of a kind. Epic,Legendary and I’ll miss him. #RIPCooliohttps://t.co/ew8WBCiUy4
— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) September 29, 2022
My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends & fans on the loss of @Coolio. This photo from when we did @ABCNetwork#GreatestHits together. Awesome guy who will be missed. #Cooliopic.twitter.com/tBurdvSiuE
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) September 29, 2022
Rest in power my brother .@Coolio Love & Respect
— LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) September 29, 2022
Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" was nominated for at the 1996 Grammys for Record of the Year as well as Best Rap Solo Performance, and he won the latter.
He is survived by his six children.
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