News/Commentary

Michelle Pfeiffer, Snoop Dogg lead tributes to iconic Gangsta’s Paradise rapper Coolio, found dead on LA bathroom floor

September 29, 2022 | | Print Article

Legendary rapper Coolio, who gained fame for his song “Gangsta’s Paradise,” was shockingly found dead on the bathroom floor of a friend’s home in Los Angeles on Wednesday just four days after performing live on stage.

(Video Credit: KTLA 5)

Coolio’s actual name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr. He was reportedly found unresponsive on the bathroom floor at approximately 4 pm, according to the Daily Mail. Paramedics suspect he passed away from cardiac arrest, according to the star’s longtime manager, Jarez.

EMTs pronounced the rapper dead at the scene and an autopsy is being conducted to determine the actual cause of death. Police do not suspect foul play and assert that “‘no drugs or drug paraphernalia were found at the scene.”

Actress Michelle Pfeiffer, 64, whose film “Dangerous Minds” used the chart-topping song, gave tribute to the hip-hop artist. Pfeiffer played the iconic video that was used for her 1995 film.

“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio. A life cut entirely too short,” Pfeiffer said in tribute to the singer on Instagram.

“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.,” Pfeiffer wrote.

Coolio would go on to win a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Rap Video and Best Video from a Film, and a Billboard Music Award for the song/album. The single sold over six million copies worldwide and came from the four-time Platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated 17-track album of the same name.

Rapper Snoop Dogg also gave a brief tribute to the rapper, writing on Instagram, “Gangstas paradise. R I P.” He shared a picture on Instagram of the two of them posing together for their collaborative track “Gangsta Walk,” released in 2006.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg)

Ice Cube wrote on Twitter, “This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Producer Sean Evans noted, “First CD I ever bought in my life and the most legendary Wing 10 Last Dab these eyes have ever seen RIP Coolio.”

New York rapper Flava Flav was devastated at his passing, “Coolio was the West Coast Flavor Flav,,, He loved telling everyone that. We was supposed to perform together this Tuesday. RIP my friend. Rest in Gangsta’s Paradise my friend.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Weird Al Yankovic, who did a parody of the song, also praised Coolio in a short tribute on social media, “RIP Coolio.”

Vanilla Ice was shocked over Coolio’s untimely death, “I’m freaking out I just heard my good friend Coolio passed away.”

Rapper and actor LL Cool J wrote, “Rest in power my brother. @Coolio Love and Respect.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Coolio is survived by his ex-wife, Josefa Salinas, whom he married in 1996. They split four years later after having four children.

The rapper is said to have somewhere between six and 10 children from various women. Verified children include Grtis Ivey, Brandi Ivey, Milan Ivey, Darius Ivey, Zhaneand Ivey, Jackie Ivey, Kate Ivey, Shayne Ivey, Artisha Ivey, and Artis Ivey III.

Coolio recently performed on stage during Riot Fest 2022 at Douglass Park on September 18, in Chicago, Illinois. Just four days ago he took to Instagram to share his latest performance in Texas.

The rapper was also an actor who appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows. He had a love for cooking and appeared in web-based cooking instructional shows “Coolio’s Rules” and “Cookin’ with Coolio,” as well as being a celebrity contestant on the first season of “Rachael vs Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off.” He also made appearances in the UK on “Big Brother.”

“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,” Coolio’s talent manager Sheila Finegan said in a statement given to CNN. “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.”

Actor Lou Diamond Phillips also offered his condolences.

“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,” Phillips tweeted.

More and more tributes poured in as his death became public:

Get the latest BPR news delivered free to your inbox daily. SIGN UP HERE

DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW

Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!

$10
$15
$25
$50
Other
$
Success! Thank you for donating. Please share BPR content to help combat the lies.
Terresa Monroe-Hamilton
Latest posts by Terresa Monroe-Hamilton (see all)

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

BPR INSIDER COMMENTS

Scroll down for non-member comments or join our insider conversations by becoming a member. We'd love to have you!

Latest Articles