California Hip Hop Artist Coolio, mostly known for his 1995 hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” passed away on Wednesday in Los Angeles. His manager Jarez Pozey confirmed the sad news earlier. The cause of death hasn’t been officially disclosed yet, but it is said to be due to a cardiac arrest. According to reports, Pozey told NBC News, “As far as what I know now is that he was at a friend’s house and was in his bathroom and had a heart attack.”
The six time Grammy nominee started his career in the ‘80s. “Fantastic Voyage,” the opening track from his 1994 debut album It Takes a Thief, was the first song to earn him acclaim and recognition. The rapper later rose to prominence with the No. 1 hit “Gangsta Paradise.”
The song that sampled Stevie Wonder’s 1976 “Pastime Paradise” was from the soundtrack of the movie Dangerous Minds, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, who was overcome with emotions amid the tragic death: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio. A life cut entirely too short … I remember him being nothing but gracious. 30 years later I still get chills when I hear (Gangsta’s Paradise).”
Coolio, who received a Grammy for best solo rap performance for “Gangsta Paradise,” had said the track was “…one of those kinds of songs that transcends generations,I didn’t use any trendy words…I think it made it timeless.” It’s saddening now to hear back the lyrics: “As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death/ I take a look at my life and realize there’s nothin’ left/ ‘Cause I’ve been blastin’ and laughin’ so long/ That even my momma thinks that my mind is gone.”
The music clip for “Gangsta’s Paradise” hit one billion views on YouTube. Coolio had shared a video saying: “I want to thank everybody for all the years of love and being there for me,I hope I got you through some good times and got you through some bad times.”
Watch the iconic “Gangsta’s Paradise” Music Video here: