With TMZ giving the breaking news update, Rapper Artis Leon Ivey Jr., better known for his name used during his rap career, “Coolio”, was found dead by a friend, Jarez, his long-time manager, whom he was visiting at the time in Los Angeles, California.
According to TMZ, Coolio reportedly went to use the bathroom while visiting his friend. After not returning for “a while”, and not responding to Jarez calling for him, Jarez eventually went in finding Coolio on the floor.
Law enforcement has come out and said to TMZ as of 6:24 pm yesterday,
“…no drugs or drug paraphernalia were found at the scene of Coolio’s death. An autopsy and toxicology test will be used to determine an official cause of death.”
Law enforcement added that there’s no evidence of foul play or drug use at the scene. While drugs or drug paraphernalia were not evident at the scene of the 59-year-old Coolio’s death, an autopsy will be conducted to determine if drugs played a role in the rapper’s death.
According to the DailyWire.com:
Authorities said that an autopsy and toxicology test would be needed to determine a cause of death, although initial indications pointed to possible cardiac arrest.
“Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing,” she added. “Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Coolio’s death shocked fans as he had recently played in the 2022 Riot Festival and planned to host other shows in the coming weeks and months.
Perhaps his most famous song was “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which helped launch him toward the top of the rap music scene.
Possibly Coolio’s most notable song, Gangsta Paradice, released in 1995 was enough to win him a Grammy for “Best Rap Solo Performance”, and get Coolio nominated for Grammy Award’s Record of the Year. Coolio has sold more than 17 million records worldwide. The artist is considered to be one of the seminal 90s rappers in a time when the genre of rap was shifting, becoming a more modern style of rap in comparison to 70s and 80s hip-hop.
The Compton, CA rapper was part of a larger scene from Compton, including members NWA, Ice Cube and Suge Knight, that would largely shape West Coast rap for the decades to come.
Coolio’s sudden death at age 59 comes as a shock to fans. The artist had plans in the near future to continue headlining shows and festivals, and was still giving performances.
Vaccine?
Was he vaccinated?
Who?
Covid shot, anyone?