Coolio, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ rapper, dies at 59

By Diana Dasrath and Phil Helsel, NBC

Coolio in 1995. PAUL BERGEN/REDFERNS/GETTY IMAGES

Rapper Coolio, known for hits including “Fantastic Voyage” and “Gangsta’s Paradise,” has died at age 59, his manager confirmed Wednesday evening.

The news was first reported by TMZ.

Coolio, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., had a music career that spanned more than three decades.

[…]

No foul play is suspected, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson said.

Coolio won a Grammy for “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which was released in 1995 and spent three weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 list.

He shot to fame with the hit and won a Grammy for best solo rap performance the next year.

More information in the original article.

Coolio’s death comes on the heels of jazz musician Pharoah Sanders’ death.

More Black culture news here.

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