Hip-hop is mourning the loss of Coolio, who died at 59 on Wednesday.
Coolio’s manager, Jarez Posey, confirmed that rapper’s passing shortly after the news broke. Posey explained a friend found the “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper in the bathroom of at a house in Los Angeles before an ambulance was called. Authorities suspect that he suffered a heart attack. Police launched a death investigation but they said there isn’t evidence leading them to believe in the involvement of foul play.
Coolio’s talent manager, Sheila Finegan, issued a statement following his death. “We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away Wednesday afternoon,” Finegan said. “He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Coolio blew up on the West Coast with the release of 1995’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” though he’d built a reputation throughout California during his come-up. He locked in records with Ice Cube and Tupac before his break-out hit record, which landed in Michelle Pfeiffer’s 1995 film Dangerous Minds.
Pfeiffer was among those who shared tributes on their timeline following his death. The acclaimed actress described him as “nothing but gracious. She added “Gangsta’s Paradise” Grammy award-winning status was equally important in propelling the film’s success.
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio. A life cut entirely too short,” she wrote on Instagram. “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.” View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Michelle Pfeiffer (@michellepfeifferofficial)
Aside from Pfeiffer, fellow hip-hop legends paid tribute to him. Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, MC Hammer, and more. Ice Cube, who worked alongside Coolio on “Colorblind” off of Death Certificate, reflected on Coolio’s rise.
“This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio,” he wrote on Instagram.
This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio https://t.co/vCeyn08Vsi
— Ice Cube (@icecube) September 29, 2022
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