Coolio – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

Coolio Biography

Artis Leon Ivey Jr., better known as Coolio, is an American rapper, musician, record producer, and actor. With his albums It Takes a Thief (1994), Gangsta’s Paradise (1995), and My Soul (1996), Coolio found widespread popularity in the mid-to-late 1990s (1997). He is best known for the Grammy Award-winning hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise” from 1995, as well as the singles “Fantastic Voyage” from 1994, “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” from 1996, and “C U When U Get There” from 1997.

He was also recognized for rapping the theme song for the Nickelodeon show Kenan & Kel in the late 1990s (“Aw, Here It Goes!”). Coolio has now gone on to independently produce albums and has also taken up cooking, hosting a web series called Cookin’ with Coolio and publishing a cookbook. Along with WC and his brother, Crazy Toones, Coolio rose to fame as a member of the gangsta rap ensemble WC and the Maad Circle.

Coolio was born in Compton, California, on August 1, 1963. Before becoming a rapper, he worked in jobs as volunteer firefighting and security at the Los Angeles International Airport after graduating from Compton Community College. In 1987, he released his first song, “Whatcha Gonna Do?” In 1988, he collaborated with Nu-Skool on the song “What Makes You Dance (Force Groove).” Coolio gained ties in the Los Angeles rap scene and joined the group WC and the Maad Circle in 1991, which was led by rapper WC. He appeared on the group’s debut album Ain’t a Damn Thing Changed as a co-contributor, including on the tune “Dress Code.” The record was well-received in its own country.

It Takes a Thief, Coolio’s debut solo album, was released in 1994 on Tommy Boy Records. “Fantastic Voyage,” the lead single, was heavily played on MTV and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Fantastic Voyage” would go on to become one of the year’s biggest rap singles, while the album also had lesser hits like “County Line” and “I Remember.” It Takes a Thief reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200, earning Platinum certification. The album was praised for giving a comical and cheerful perspective to gangsta rap’s generally violent and obscene topics.

Coolio released “Gangsta’s Paradise” in 1995 for the film Dangerous Minds, which featured R&B artist L.V. It would go on to become one of the most popular rap singles of all time, spending three weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It was the most popular single in the United States in 1995, topping the charts in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United Kingdom, “Gangsta’s Paradise” was the second best-selling song of 1995.

The song also sparked debate when Coolio claimed that comedy artist “Weird Al” Yankovic had not sought permission to make his “Amish Paradise” parody of “Gangsta’s Paradise.” Coolio received a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance for the song at the 1996 Grammy Awards.

Coolio maintained his popularity over the years, with his songs appearing on the Billboard list. He has also been on television in a variety of shows and films. He continues to be active to this day.

Coolio Discography

From the Bottom 2 the TopSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Steal HearSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
The Return of the GangstaSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
El Cool MagnificoSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
My SoulSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Gangsta’s ParadiseSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
It Takes a ThiefSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind Of Singer Was Coolio?

Coolio was an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his 1995 hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise”, as well as several other songs including “Fantastic Voyage” (1994), “C U When U Get There” (1997) and “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” (1996). Coolio has released 11 albums and has sold over 17 million records worldwide.

Who Originally Wrote Gangsters Paradise Of Coolio?

The song gangsters paradise was originally written and performed by coolio. It was later covered by other artists, such as 2pac and Stevie Wonder. The song is about the struggles of life in the inner city, and how easy it is to get caught up in crime and violence. Coolio’s original version of the song was a huge hit, and its message is still relevant today.

What Is The Name Of Coolio’S Famous Album?

The name of coolio’s famous album is “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The album was released in 1995 and was a huge success, selling over six million copies in the United States alone. It featured the hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which topped the charts in several countries.

Who Owns The Rights To Gangsta’S Paradise?

The song Gangsta’s Paradise was written and performed by American rapper Coolio, featuring singer L.V.. The song was released on Coolio’s album of the same name, as well as being featured on the soundtrack for the 1995 film Dangerous Minds. It achieved massive commercial success, spending 12 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. The song has sold over 6 million copies in the United States alone.

Who Is The Girl In Gangsta Paradise?

The girl in Gangsta Paradise is a mystery to many. She is seen in the music video for the song, but her identity is not known. She is believed to be a model or actress, but her name has not been released. She is beautiful and intriguing, and many people want to know more about her.

Most Searched For Coolio Songs

Gangsta’s ParadiseSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
C U When U Get ThereSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Fantastic VoyageSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
I Like GirlsSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Gangsta WalkSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Too HotSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
The WinnerSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Ooh La LaSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Rollin’ With My HomiesSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon