The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of rapperCoolio.
The Grammy-winning “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper — born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. —died Wednesdayat age 59, his manager, Jarez Posey, confirmed to PEOPLE. His cause of death has not been publicly shared.
Coolio’s fellow artists and those in Hollywood paid tribute to him on social media shortly after the news of his death was announced.
Dangerous MindsstarMichelle Pfeiffer, who starred in Coolio’s music video for “Gangsta’s Paradise” — the lead single off the 1995 film’s soundtrack — was among the first to mourn the artist’s loss.
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist@coolio,” she wrote alongside a clip of “Gangsta’s Paradise” video. “A life cut entirely too short.”
Coolio.Kris Connor/Getty
She added, “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.”
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Kenan Thompsonexpressed shock after news of his death. Coolio provided the opening track, titled “Aw, Here It Goes!,” for the Nickelodeon television seriesKenan & Kel.
“Wait, now Coolio!!!” Thompson wrote in his Instagram Story.
He later reposted a tribute fromQuestlove, adding, “Damn homie!!! Rest in Power!!!”
Kenan Thompson/Instagram
Ice Cubepraised Coolio,tweeting, “This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace@Coolio.”
“God Bless The Dead. 🙏🏾💙,” rapper Killer Mikewrotein reaction to the loss.
Snoop Doggalso saluted the rapper with a vintage snap of them posing together on the set of the video for their “Gangsta Walk” collaboration.
“Gangstas paradise. R. I. P. 🙏🏽🌹 🕊 ♿️🚾.@coolio,” hewrote.
Melissa Joan Hartalso posted a photo of her and Coolio from a time he appeared onSabrina the Teenage Witch.
Shecaptionedthe image, “I had the amazing honor to work and play with@coolioa 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 comedianMartin Lawrencewrote, “My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family of@Coolio#rip” viaTwitter.
Coolio’s fellow rapperLL Cool Jalso shared a message on social media thatreads, “Rest in power my brother .@CoolioLove & Respect”
M.C. Hammer, known for the hit single “U Can’t Touch This,” shared a photo of Coolio onTwitterand wrote, “One of the nicest dudes I’ve known. Good people. R.I.P. Coolio.”
ShamelessactressTina Malone, who appeared onCelebrity Big Brotheralongside Coolio and shared many on-camera spats with the rapper before working through their differences, penned a note in remembrance of the rapper on Twitter. “RIP COOLIO! YOU DROVE ME NUTS,YOU MADE ME LAUGH! GLAD WE GOT TO MAKE UP! Godbless xx,” she wrote.
Another one of his fellowBig Brothercontestants, British-Norwegian boy band A1 singerBen Adams,tweeteda photo with Coolio and the lateAustin PowersactorVerne Troyer, who died in 2018 at age 49. “Very sad news to wake up to. Had a lot of fun with Coolio and indeed Verne on@bbukand beyond,” he wrote. “time to dig out the old clips and reminisce. RIP”
Rapper and singerDenzel Curryshared the “Gangsta’s Paradise” music video in atweet, writing, “Rest in Gangsta’s Paradise Coolio.”
Musician and record producerTerrace Martinshared a memory of his relation to Coolio on Twitter. “Coolio . Thank you for taking on my first world tour . Summer of 1999 […] Rest in love king,” he wrote.
LeBron Jamesreacted to the news in his Instagram Story, typing the rapper’s name with several dove Emojis.
He later wrote, “Exactly where he is now! GANGSTA’S PARADISE”
lebron james/Instagram
One of the first to pay tribute to the musician, Questlove posted a throwback image via Instagram of Coolio sporting his iconic braids. “Peaceful Journey Brother.#Coolio,” hewrote.
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Posey confirmed that Coolio died Wednesday.
According toTMZ, which was first to report the news, Posey said the late musician was visiting a friend and went to the bathroom. When he didn’t come out, the friend called his name but he didn’t answer. They then found Coolio on the floor.
The friend called for help, per the outlet, and once responders arrived, Coolio was pronounced dead.
Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images
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Born in Monessen, Pennsylvania, in 1963, Coolio later moved to Compton, California, where he attended Compton Community College before becoming a rapper.
Coolio released the hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise,” featuring singer L.V., in 1995. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and won the Grammy Award for best rap solo performance at the 1996 Grammys.
source: people.com
