According to Entertainment Weekly, the rapper and actor known for the 1990s films Gangsta's Paradise and Fantastic Voyage has passed away at the age of 59.
Coolio's manager, Jarez Posey, originally broke the news of his passing to TMZ, stating the musician had entered a friend's bathroom and was later discovered lifeless on the floor.
In a statement to EW, Sheila Finegan, his manager at Trinity Artists International shared, “We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon. 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.”
The news came as a shock to many friends and colleagues of the acclaimed rapper.
Celebrities posted heartfelt tributes to his memory
Fellow rapper Ice Cube, who collaborated with Coolio on numerous songs tweeted, “This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace.”
In 1995, Coolio appeared on the soundtrack to the Michelle Pfeiffer film Dangerous Minds with the hit. The actress posted a clip from the song and captioned it: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio. 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. [heart emoji]”
Melissa Joan Hart also posted a photo of her and Coolio from a time he appeared on Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
She captioned the image, “I had the amazing honor to work and play with @coolio a few times and he was always down for a chat, a complete gentleman and a ton of fun to hang with. What a loss! Rest In Peace!”
Actor and comedian Martin Lawrence wrote, “My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family of @Coolio #rip” via Twitter.
Coolio’s fellow rapper LL Cool J also shared a message on social media that reads, “Rest in power my brother . @Coolio Love & Respect”
Although the exact cause of death is unknown, doctors think the rapper suffered a heart attack.
Six of Coolio's children and his ex-wife Josefa Salina are still alive.
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