Coolio

Coolio was an American rapper, producer and actor who became one of hip-hop's most recognizable voices of the 1990s. Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Los Angeles County, California, he began his career as a member of WC and the MAAD Circle before launching a solo career with his 1994 debut album It Takes a Thief, powered by the hit «Fantastic Voyage».

His breakthrough came with the 1995 album Gangsta's Paradise, whose Grammy-winning title track — built around a sample of Stevie Wonder's «Pastime Paradise» — became one of the defining rap singles of the decade, topping charts internationally and reaching a mainstream audience far beyond hip-hop. The song's cinematic, gospel-tinged menace, paired with Coolio's laid-back delivery, set it apart from the harder gangsta rap of the era.

He followed up with the 1997 album My Soul, featuring «C U When U Get There», and continued releasing music independently after leaving major labels. Beyond music, Coolio was known for television work, including the theme song for Kenan & Kel, and later a career as a chef and reality TV personality.