Artis Leon Ivey Jr. (born August 1, 1963), known professionally as Coolio, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, and actor. Coolio achieved mainstream success in the mid-to-late 1990s with his albums It Takes a Thief (1994), Gangsta’s Paradise (1995), and My Soul (1997). He is best known for his 1995 Grammy Award-winning hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise”, as well as other singles “Fantastic Voyage” (1994), “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” (1996) and “C U When U Get There” (1997).
He was also known for rapping the theme song (“Aw, Here It Goes!”) for the late 1990s Nickelodeon series Kenan & Kel. Coolio has since gone on to release albums independently and has also become a chef, creating a web series titled Cookin’ with Coolio and releasing a cookbook. Ivey originally rose to fame as a member of the Gangsta rap group WC and the Maad Circle alongside WC and his brother, Crazy Toones.
Associated Acts
WC and the Maad Circle Sir Jinx Ras Kass Dazzie Dee L.V.
Birth Name
Artis Leon Ivey Jr.
Genres
Hip hop West Coast hip hop gangsta rap pop rap funk G-funk pop
Occupations
Rapper singer record producer actor
Origin
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Website
Years Active
1987 present
Name
Coolio
Nationality
United States of America