Rapper Artis Leon Ivey Jr., known by his moniker Coolio, sadly passed away last year. Born in Monessen, Pennsylvania, Coolio grew up in Compton, California. This is where he would attend community college, got a headstart in Hip-Hop in the '80s, and broke into the mainstream in the '90s. The rapper held hefty titles, namely producer, musician, and actor. His first taste of fame was with the group WC and the Maad Circle, which comprised Coolio, Big Gee DJ Crazy Toones, and WC. The Hip-Hop collective devised by WC released phenomenal albums Ain't a Damn Thang Changed in 1991. Later, Curb Servin' arrived in 1995.
Coolio's music career began in 1987 when he released "Whatcha Gonna Do." He later released another banger in 1988, "What Makes You Dance (Force Groove)," featuring Nu-Skool. In 1994 shortly after WC left their rap group, Coolio signed to the independent label Tommy Boy Records. But soon, Coolio was discarded because of unpropitious sales of his third album. He turned to newer paths and formed a name for himself on TV. Later in his career, he became a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother 6, where he won 3rd place. Coolio kept up his reality tv star title until 2019.
Additionally, philanthropy became another suited endeavor he pursued. Coolio and a fellow artist friend, Jazz saxophonist Jarez, were spokespersons for Environmental Justice and Climate Change to teach students at HBCUs about global warming. Lamentably, the rapper died in September 2022 after being found unconscious on a bathroom floor. But what actually caused his untimely death? It's been seven months, and the answers have been shared.
A Timeline Of Coolio's Death
On Wednesday afternoon in September 2022, Coolio was found unresponsive on a bathroom floor. The captain of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Erik Scott, told CNN about the rescue call. He confirmed that his paramedics and firefighters received a call at 4:00 pm. They immediately performed emergency resuscitation for about 45 minutes. Moreover, Captain Scott confirmed Coolio died just before 5:00 pm that evening.
In addition, an autopsy report was conducted on the following day. Unfortunately, at the time, there was no apparent cause for the rapper's death. Later, Coolio's talent manager Sheila Finegan said, "We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client." She continued, "He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly." Also, "Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing."
Heartfelt Messages From Coolio's Peers
More of his Hollywood peers, such as actor Lou Diamond Phillips, gave their condolences on his Twitter. "I am absolutely stunned," he started. "Coolio was a friend and one of the warmest, funniest people I’ve ever met... We spent an amazing time together making Red Water in Capetown. And we loved going head to head in the kitchen. He was one of a kind." He ended the tweet, "Epic, Legendary and I’ll miss him."
Further, NBA player Matt Bonner shared his memories of Coolio on a Twitter post. "Huge hoops fan… we hosted him at a game a few years back… biggest crowd of all-time at a Spurs Overtime concert." Additionally, close insiders reportedly disclosed that the rapper planned to dedicate a documentary to his children. The source mentioned that Coolio intended to honor them in future films.
Recent Cause Of Death Details Uncovered
Coolio developed a heart disease and asthma problem. They were induced by his long use of cigarettes, according to the family spokesperson, Jarez Posey. According to CBS News, the rapper also previous experimented with other illegal substances. According to reports by Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, Coolio's death was induced by fentanyl and other drugs. The case detail pointed out the effects of heroin and methamphetamine as Cause A. Further, other vital conditions include cardiomyopathy, asthma, and recent phencyclidine use. In relation to cardiomyopathy, it is "a disease of the heart muscle." It "makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body."
Regardless of the findings, Coolio is celebrated and sincerely missed. His legacy lives on through his family, friends, fans, and controbutions to the industry. He gave us classics that helped define an era in music, toured the world entertaining fans, and preached positivity. Rest In Power to a legend.