The US rapper Coolio is dead. He was only 59 years old. The music scene reacted dismayed to the news.
Update from Thursday, September 29, 1:00 p.m .: The death of rapper Coolio causes deep dismay not only in the music scene. Countless prominent personalities paid their last respects in writing to the interpreter of one of the most successful rap songs of all time. “I watched your way to the top from the front row. Rest in peace,” wrote fellow rapper Ice Cube on Twitter, representing an entire industry. Basketball superstar LeBron James referred to Coolio’s hit in his condolences: “Right where he is now, Gangsta’s Paradise.”
Michelle Pfeiffer, on whose soundtrack “Dangerous Minds” the song “Gangsta’s Paradise” was released, also shared her feelings with millions of users on social networks. “As some of you know, I got to work with him on Dangerous Minds 1995. He won a Grammy for his brilliant song – which I think was the reason the film was so successful. I only knew him as a gracious man. 30 years later, I still get goosebumps when I hear the song,” Pfeiffer wrote.
Coolio is dead: “Peaceful journey, brother”
First report from Thursday, September 29, 4:45 a.m.: Rapper Coolio was found dead in a toilet on Wednesday afternoon (September 28). The singer of the well-known song “Gangsta’s Paradise” was only 59 years old. The US news portal TMZ reports that Artis Leon Ivey Jr., as Coolio’s real name was, was visiting a friend when he was found lifeless. That’s what Coolio’s management said. Paramedics, who pronounced him dead, initially assumed cardiac arrest, but investigations are ongoing. An autopsy should clarify the exact cause of death.
Rapper Coolio is dead – He was 59 years old
Rapper Coolio made a name for himself on the US rap scene in the early 1980s. His first solo album “It takes a thief” was already a success in the USA. In 1995 he released “Gangsta’s Paradise”, initially on the soundtrack of “Dangerous Minds” with Michelle Pfeiffer. The track eventually became one of the most successful rap songs of all time. However, Coolio did not only appear as a rapper: He was seen in several films, series and TV shows – also in Germany: In 2004 he was part of the ProSieben show “Comeback – The Great Chance”. In it he took third place.
Several prominent figures in the music scene reacted with dismay at the news of Coolio’s death. “This is sad news,” wrote rapper Ice Cube on Twitter. Musician Questlove commented on Instagram: “Peaceful journey, brother.” (do with dpa / AFP)
