Artis Leon Ivey Jr., known as Coolio, was a prominent American rapper celebrated for his hit single "Gangsta's Paradise" (1995), which earned him a Grammy Award. His music helped broaden hip hop's appeal to a larger audience. Other notable singles include "Fantastic Voyage," "1, 2, 3, 4," and "C U When U Get There." He released nine albums, with his first three, *It Takes a Thief*, *Gangsta's Paradise*, and *My Soul* achieving mainstream success. Coolio initially gained recognition as part of the gangsta rap group WC and the Maad Circle and sold 4.8 million albums in the U.S.
On August 1, 1963, Artis Leon Ivey Jr., who would later become known as Coolio, was born. He was an American rapper best known for "Gangsta's Paradise."
In 1973, Dick Clark created the American Music Awards, an annual awards ceremony.
In 1984, MTV established the MTV Video Music Awards, an annual awards ceremony, recognizing achievements in music videos.
In 1987, Coolio recorded his first single, titled "Whatcha Gonna Do?", marking the beginning of his professional music career.
In 1988, Coolio collaborated with Nu-Skool to record "What Makes You Dance (Force Groove)", expanding his presence in the L.A. rap scene.
In 1991, Coolio joined the rap group WC and the Maad Circle, becoming a co-contributor to their debut album.
In 1994, Coolio released "Fantastic Voyage," one of his most successful singles. Also in 1994, he released his debut album, It Takes a Thief.
In 1994, Coolio signed a recording contract with Tommy Boy Records and released his debut solo album, 'It Takes a Thief'.
In 1995, Coolio released "Gangsta's Paradise" for the film Dangerous Minds, which became a global hit and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks.
In 1995, Coolio released "Gangsta's Paradise", which became a Grammy Award-winning hit, helping bring hip hop to a wider audience. Also in 1995, he released the album Gangsta's Paradise which was certified two-times Platinum.
At the 1996 Grammy Awards, Coolio won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for "Gangsta's Paradise".
In 1996, Coolio appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation CD and recorded "Aw, Here It Goes!" for Kenan & Kel.
In 1996, Coolio had another top 40 hit with the song "It's All the Way Live (Now)" from the soundtrack to the movie Eddie, also featured on "Hit 'em High" from Space Jam.
In 1996, Coolio made a guest appearance as himself on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, showcasing his presence in popular culture.
In 1996, Coolio married Josefa Salinas, marking a significant event in his personal life.
In 1996, Coolio received the Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist award at the American Music Awards.
In 1996, Coolio released the single "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)", which was one of his well known hits.
At the Grammy Awards in 1997, Coolio received three nominations, marking further recognition for his work.
In 1997, Coolio released his third solo album, My Soul, which contained the hit "C U When U Get There" but did not reach the same level of success as his previous albums.
In 1997, Coolio released the single "C U When U Get There", which was part of his success in the music industry.
In 1998, Coolio appeared in an episode of The Nanny, portraying a nerdy character transformed into a rapper, displaying his versatility.
In 1998, Ivey was sentenced to six months probation and fined $17,000 after being convicted of being an accessory to robbery and causing bodily injury, marking a legal challenge.
In 2000, Coolio divorced Josefa Salinas, ending their marriage.
In 2001, Coolio released the album Coolio.com, which did not chart on any Billboard chart.
In 2001, Coolio voiced Kwanzaa-bot in Futurama, beginning his role in spreading awareness about Kwanzaa through animation.
Coolio appeared in a 2002 episode of Charmed, playing the role of a Lazarus Demon, adding to his acting roles.
In 2003, Coolio released the album El Cool Magnifico, which did not chart on any Billboard chart.
In 2004, Coolio appeared as a contestant on Comeback – Die große Chance, a German talent show, seeking a career resurgence.
In 2006, Coolio released the album The Return of the Gangsta, which did not chart on any Billboard chart.
In July 2008, Coolio became a spokesperson for Environmental Justice and Climate Change, educating students about climate change.
In 2008, Coolio created and released the reality television show Coolio's Rules, marking his entry into television production.
In 2008, Coolio hosted the online cooking show Cookin' with Coolio, showcasing his culinary talents.
In 2008, Coolio released the album Steal Hear, which did not chart on any Billboard chart.
In 2009, Coolio appeared as a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother 6, where he placed 3rd, showcasing his personality on reality TV.
In 2009, Coolio released the album From the Bottom 2 the Top, which did not chart on any Billboard chart.
In 2010, Coolio appeared on the UK's Ultimate Big Brother, voluntarily leaving after confrontations, highlighting challenges in reality TV.
In January 2012, Coolio participated in Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off, representing the Music Saves Lives Organization, showing his culinary skills and charitable involvement.
On March 5, 2013, Coolio was featured on Wife Swap, but his girlfriend left him after the show was taped, creating personal challenges.
On June 30, 2013, Coolio appeared on the UK game show Tipping Point: Lucky Stars, where he came in second, showcasing his participation in UK television.
In October 2014, Coolio was featured on the international collaboration track "Fuck the DJ" by UK rapper Blacklisted MC, along with other artists.
In 2014, Coolio guest starred on an episode of the Adult Swim show Black Jesus, further expanding his acting portfolio.
In 2014, the band Falling in Reverse covered "Gangsta's Paradise" for Punk Goes 90s Vol. 2, featuring a cameo by Coolio in the music video, showing the song's lasting impact.
In July 2016, Coolio performed on ABC's Greatest Hits, celebrating his musical legacy.
In 2016, Ivey and his crew were arrested for having a loaded firearm at Los Angeles International Airport, leading to probation and community service.
In 2017, Coolio released the album Long Live the Thief, which did not chart on any Billboard chart.
In 2017, Ivey was denied entry into Singapore, causing him to miss a performance, presenting a logistical challenge.
In January 2019, Ivey and Cherie DeVille ended their campaign for the 2020 United States presidential election.
In 2019, Coolio appeared on the Irish rap group Versatile's track "Escape Wagon", collaborating with international artists.
In 2020, Ivey was the running mate for pornographic film actress Cherie DeVille's Democratic presidential run in the United States presidential election.
In 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivey started working on 'The Evolution of Hip-Hop', a big-budget Las Vegas show.
In 2021, Coolio was featured on Versatile's album, Fuck Versatile, on the track "Coolio Interlude", continuing his collaborations.
In March 2022, Coolio revealed he had five grandchildren, highlighting his family life.
September 28, 2022, marks the date of Coolio's death. He was known for his impact on hip hop and his hit song "Gangsta's Paradise".
In 2022, Moseley and Ivey completed 'The Evolution of Hip-Hop' project. The script, choreography, compositions, outline, and behind the scenes video are to be sent to the Moon in 2026 by Quantum Aerospace and SpaceX, aboard the new SpaceX Starship, as a tribute to Ivey.
In 2023, Coolio's final appearance as Kwanzaa-bot in Futurama aired, with the episode dedicated to him.