'Gangsta's Paradise' rapper Coolio dies at the age of 59

The music industry is mourning the death of legendary rapper Coolio. The 59-year-old - whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr. - died on Wednesday.

According to reports, Coolio was found unresponsive at a friend's home in Los Angeles.  He was pronounced dead at the scene. The rapper's cause of death has not been released but a source told TMZ that emergency officials suspect he suffered a cardiac arrest.  

Coolio began his rap career in the 80s and went on to produce hits such as 'C U When U Get There' and 'Fantastic Voyage'. He became a household name all over the world after recording his hit single, 'Gangsta's Paradise'. 

The song is featured in Michelle Pfeiffer's 1995 film, 'Dangerous Minds'. 'Gangsta's Paradise' won 'Best Rap Solo Performance' at the 38th annual Grammy Awards in 1996. 

The track has been streamed more than a billion times to date.

ALSO READ: Ciara teams up with Summer Walker on 'Better Thangs’

Despite not appearing in mainstream media in recent years, Coolio was active in the music industry. He performed at several shows in recent weeks and was set to make appearances in Germany and Norway in October. 

The musician also enjoyed cooking. He had his own web-based cooking show and released a cookbook called 'Cookin' with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price'. 

The rapper, who was also a record producer and actor, celebrated every birthday because he said he would have died young if he didn't start rapping. Coolio credited hip hop with saving his life. 

"It’s my birthday. time to party and celebrate because coming where I do I wasn’t supposed to make it past 22 so #shakazulu #compton #hiphopsavedmylife #coolio #lovemylife," he wrote on Instagram in 2019.

ALSO READ: She's back! Rihanna set to make big music return at the Super Bowl

Main image credit: Instagram/Coolio