Ice Cube, Kenan Thompson, Martin Lawrence Lead Tributes To Late Rapper Coolio

The rap industry and many more are mourning the devastating loss of rapper Coolio. The entertainer famous for the hit tune, "Gangsta's Paradise," died on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 59.

Many prominent voices in the rap industry and entertainment world at large are mourning his death while reminding the world of his impact.

As The Blast reported, Coolio, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr, passed away on Wednesday in Los Angeles while visiting a friend. According to his longtime manager Jarez, the Compton native was visiting a friend when he decided to use the bathroom.

Unfortunately, his friend found him lying on the floor after taking quite a while in the facilities. Upon the arrival of the paramedics, Coolio was pronounced dead. The exact time and cause of his death remain largely unknown at the time of this writing. However, his manager shared that he believed the EMTs suspected cardiac arrest.

Coolio rose to fame in the late-to-mid nineties after a string of successful albums, "It Takes A Thief" in 1994, "Gangsta’s Paradise" in 1995, and "My Soul" in 1997. He won the Grammys for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1996 for his eponymous hit single off his second album. The three-time MTV Music Video Awards winner also had other hit songs such as "C U When U Get There" and "Fantastic Voyage" topped charts.

Coolio’s musical talent expanded into the music industry when he wrote the famous theme song for the Nickelodeon series, "Kenan & Kel."

Following the news of Coolio’s shocking passing, several powerhouses in the entertainment industry have taken to social media to pay tribute to his legacy. Rapper Ice Cube, who dominated the rap scene with Coolio, wrote, "This is sad news. I witness firsthand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio."

Actor Martin Lawrence shared a black-and-white throwback picture alongside the caption, "My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family of @Coolio🙏🏾#rip."

"SNL" Star Kenyan Thompson took to his Instagram to mourn the loss. In a first update he shared a note with the message, "Wait, now Coolio!!! 🥺." After confirming the news, he added, "Damn homie!!! Rest in Power!!!" Singer Questlove wished the "West Up!" rapper a "peaceful journey."

Veteran rapper-turned-actor Ice T expressed his sadness on Instagram, writing, "Holly Shit!!! I was just talking to him 2 weeks ago! He was performing in Europe... This is so Fd up..."

OG hip-hop star Snoop Dogg shared a picture of him and Coolio rocking matching black suits and flaunting their swag with the caption, "Gangstas paradise. R. I. P. 🙏🏽🌹 🕊 ♿️🚾. @coolio."

YouTuber Sean Evans, famous for the show "Hot Ones," posted the cover art of the late artist’s "Gangsta’s Paradise" album. He wrote, "First CD I ever bought in my life and the most legendary Wing 10 Last Dab these eyes have ever seen RIP Coolio."

Actor Andy Milonakis wrote, "RIP to the legend Coolio. I had the pleasure of going to his house to do a cooking show with him and he gave me my first taste of fried turkey. He was a kind and funny dude."

WWE star Kayla Braxton commented, "Maaannnnn RIP Coolio 😭 Gonna blast “Gangsta’s Paradise” for the rest of the day," while Iranian wrestler The Iron Sheik added, "COOLIO BUBBA YOU NOW THE GANGSTER IN THE PARADISE FOREVER RIP."

Author Wajahat Ali wrote, "Coolio is dead. I can't believe I wrote that. Only 59. If you're Gen X, you know and respect it. Gangstas Paradise inshallah."

Several fans also mourned the legendary singer while sharing fond memories they had of him. Coolio is survived by his 10 children — Grtis Ivey, Brandi Ivey, Artisha Ivey, Shayne Ivey, Milan Ivey, Jackie Ivey, Darius Ivey, Kate Ivey, Artis Ivey III, and Zhaneand Ivey.