Artis Leon Ivey Jr., known as Coolio, was a Grammy-winning American rapper celebrated for his hit single "Gangsta's Paradise" (1995). This song significantly broadened hip hop's appeal, reaching a wider audience. His successful career included other popular tracks like "Fantastic Voyage," "1, 2, 3, 4," and "C U When U Get There." Prior to his solo career, he was part of the group WC and the Maad Circle. Coolio's musical legacy includes nine albums, with his first three achieving mainstream success: *It Takes a Thief*, *Gangsta's Paradise*, and *My Soul*. He sold 4.8 million albums in the U.S.
August 1, 1963: Birth of Artis Leon Ivey Jr.
On August 1, 1963, Artis Leon Ivey Jr., who would later be known as Coolio, was born.
1973: American Music Awards Established
The American Music Awards, created by Dick Clark, held its inaugural ceremony in 1973.
1984: MTV Video Music Awards Launched
MTV established its annual awards ceremony, the MTV Video Music Awards, in 1984.
1987: Coolio's First Single
Coolio's musical journey began in 1987 with the release of his debut single, "Whatcha Gonna Do?"
1988: Collaboration with Nu-Skool
In 1988, Coolio collaborated with Nu-Skool on the track "What Makes You Dance (Force Groove)."
1991: Joining WC and the Maad Circle
A pivotal moment in Coolio's career came in 1991 when he joined the group WC and the Maad Circle, contributing to their debut album.
1994: Debut Album and Breakthrough with "Fantastic Voyage"
Coolio signed with Tommy Boy Records and released his debut album, "It Takes a Thief," in 1994. The album's lead single, "Fantastic Voyage," gained significant popularity, propelling Coolio to fame.
1994: Critical Acclaim for "It Takes a Thief"
Coolio's debut album, "It Takes a Thief," released in 1994, garnered critical acclaim for its unique blend of humor and gangsta rap themes.
1995: Coolio Achieves Breakthrough Success with "Gangsta's Paradise"
Coolio's 1995 hit "Gangsta's Paradise" catapulted him to international fame and earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance and MTV Video Music Awards for Best Rap Video and Best Video from a Film.
1995: Release and Success of "Gangsta's Paradise"
In 1995, Coolio released "Gangsta's Paradise," a song that achieved immense success, topping charts globally and becoming one of the most celebrated rap songs.
1996: Controversy Surrounding "Amish Paradise"
In 1996, Coolio found himself at the center of a controversy involving "Weird Al" Yankovic's parody of "Gangsta's Paradise," titled "Amish Paradise."
1996: Raising Awareness with Red Hot Organization and "Kenan & Kel"
In 1996, Coolio participated in the Red Hot Organization's album aimed at raising AIDS awareness. He also contributed to the opening sequence of Nickelodeon's "Kenan & Kel."
1996: Guest Appearance on "Sabrina the Teenage Witch"
In 1996, Coolio made a guest appearance as himself on the popular television show "Sabrina the Teenage Witch."
1996: Collaboration on Soundtracks and Continued Success
Coolio's music continued to reach a wider audience in 1996 through his contributions to film soundtracks, including "Eddie" and "Space Jam."
1996: Grammy Award and Continued Success
Coolio's success continued in 1996 when he won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for "Gangsta's Paradise."
1996: Coolio Honored with American Music Award
Coolio's exceptional year continued in 1996 when he was recognized as the Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist at the American Music Awards.
1996: Coolio Marries Josefa Salinas
Coolio married Josefa Salinas in 1996.
1997: Coolio Receives Three Grammy Nominations
Coolio's success didn't stop there. In 1997, he received three Grammy Award nominations: Best Rap Album for "Gangsta's Paradise," Best Rap Solo Performance for "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)," and Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "Stomp."
1997: Release of "C U When U Get There" and Subsequent Releases
Coolio's third album, "My Soul," released in 1997, featured the hit single "C U When U Get There." Despite this success, the album didn't reach the heights of his previous works, leading to his departure from Tommy Boy Records. Coolio continued to release albums independently.
1997: Release of "My Soul" Album
In 1997, Coolio released his third studio album, "My Soul."
1998: Guest Appearance on "The Nanny"
Coolio showcased his acting skills in 1998 with a memorable guest appearance on the sitcom "The Nanny."
1998: Coolio Convicted of Shoplifting and Assault
In 1998, Coolio faced legal trouble in Böblingen, Germany, when he was convicted of being an accessory to robbery and causing bodily injury. The charges stemmed from an incident where Coolio and his band members allegedly shoplifted clothing and assaulted the store owner. Coolio maintained that he was promised free clothing in exchange for autographs, but the court sentenced him to six months probation and a $17,000 fine.
2000: Coolio and Josefa Salinas Divorce
After four years of marriage, Coolio and Josefa Salinas divorced in 2000.
2001: Voice Acting Debut as Kwanzaa-bot
Coolio lent his voice to the animated series "Futurama" in 2001, voicing the character Kwanzaa-bot.
2001: Release of "Coolio.com"
Coolio released the album "Coolio.com" in 2001.
2003: Release of "El Cool Magnifico"
Coolio released the album "El Cool Magnifico" in 2003.
2004: Appearance on "Comeback – Die große Chance"
In 2004, Coolio participated in the German talent show "Comeback – Die große Chance," which aimed to provide artists with a platform for a comeback.
2006: Release of "The Return of the Gangsta" and "Gangsta Walk"
Coolio released "The Return of the Gangsta" in 2006 and experienced a minor hit in the UK with the single "Gangsta Walk," featuring Snoop Dogg.
July 2008: Coolio Champions Environmental and Health Causes
In July 2008, Coolio joined forces with jazz saxophonist Jarez to become spokespersons for Environmental Justice and Climate Change, educating students at historically black colleges and universities about climate change. This commitment to advocacy extended to his role as a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a cause close to his heart as his children have asthma.
2008: Release of "Steal Hear"
Coolio released the album "Steal Hear" in 2008.
2008: Launch of "Coolio's Rules" and Culinary Ventures
In 2008, Coolio entered the world of television with his reality show, "Coolio's Rules." He further explored his passion for cooking through his web series, "Cookin' with Coolio," and even published a cookbook.
2008: Coolio Launches "Cookin' with Coolio"
In 2008, Coolio's passion for cooking led him to host the online cooking show "Cookin' with Coolio." This venture was an extension of his reality show, "Coolio's Rules," which ran for six episodes.
2009: Release of "From the Bottom 2 the Top"
Coolio released the album "From the Bottom 2 the Top" in 2009.
2009: Participation in "Celebrity Big Brother 6"
In 2009, Coolio joined the cast of "Celebrity Big Brother 6" in the UK, finishing in third place.
2010: Appearance on "Ultimate Big Brother"
Coolio returned to the "Big Brother" franchise in 2010 for "Ultimate Big Brother" but decided to leave the show early due to conflicts with other housemates.
January 2012: Appearance on "Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off" and Voice Acting in "Gravity Falls"
Coolio's diverse talents were on display in January 2012 when he participated in the Food Network's "Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off" and lent his voice to the animated show "Gravity Falls."
March 5, 2013: Appearance on "Wife Swap"
On March 5, 2013, Coolio appeared on the reality show "Wife Swap."
June 30, 2013: Appearance on "Tipping Point: Lucky Stars"
Coolio tested his knowledge and luck on the UK game show "Tipping Point: Lucky Stars" on June 30, 2013, where he finished as the runner-up.
October 2014: Collaboration on "Fuck the DJ"
Coolio collaborated with UK rapper Blacklisted MC on the track "Fuck the DJ" in October 2014.
2014: Guest Appearance on "Black Jesus"
Coolio made a guest appearance on the Adult Swim show "Black Jesus" in an episode titled "Gangsta's Paradise" in 2014.
2014: Falling in Reverse Covers "Gangsta's Paradise"
In 2014, the band Falling in Reverse released a cover of "Gangsta's Paradise," featuring a cameo appearance by Coolio in the music video.
July 2016: Coolio Performs on ABC's Greatest Hits
In July 2016, Coolio made a television appearance, performing on the ABC series "Greatest Hits."
2016: Coolio Arrested for Firearm Possession at LAX
Coolio faced legal issues again in 2016 when he was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for possessing a loaded firearm in his bag. While his bodyguard initially claimed ownership, Coolio later admitted the bag was his and received a sentence of three years probation and 45 days of community service.
2017: Release of "Long Live the Thief"
Coolio released his final studio album, "Long Live the Thief," in 2017.
2017: Coolio Denied Entry into Singapore
In 2017, Coolio missed a scheduled performance in Singapore after he was denied entry upon arrival at Changi International Airport. The Singaporean authorities did not disclose the reason for the denial, citing confidentiality.
January 2019: Coolio Ends Presidential Campaign with Cherie DeVille
Coolio's foray into politics, serving as the running mate for adult film actress Cherie DeVille's Democratic presidential campaign, came to an end in January 2019.
2019: Coolio Collaborates with Irish Rap Group Versatile
Coolio's career continued to thrive in 2019 when he collaborated with the Irish rap group Versatile on their track "Escape Wagon."
2020: Coolio Runs for President with Cherie DeVille
Coolio was the running mate for pornographic film actress Cherie DeVille's Democratic presidential run in the 2020 United States presidential election.
2021: Coolio Featured on Versatile's Album "Fuck Versatile"
Building on their previous collaboration, Coolio was featured on Versatile's 2021 album, "Fuck Versatile," on the track "Coolio Interlude."
March 2022: Coolio Reveals Five Grandchildren in Interview
During an appearance on Australia's "Today Extra" in March 2022, Coolio shared that he had five grandchildren.
September 28, 2022: Death of Coolio
On September 28, 2022, Coolio passed away.