Known for "Gangsta's Paradise", as well as Fantastic Voyage and more, His Family and Friends as well as the Hip Hop Universe mourns the passing of Coolio!!

Born in 1963 on August 1, Artis Leon Ivey Jr., who we know better as Coolio, was set on a path to touching millions. He achieved mainstream success in 1994 with his album, "It takes a thief". While he was well know in the Hip Hop circle, it wasnt until "Gangsta's Paradise that he received a Grammy as well as the number one biggest selling single of 1995 on US Billboard. Its currently listed as the 85th Greatest songs of ALL TIME on Billboards Greatest songs of all Time. Gangsta Paradise will forever be in the Classic realm, not for just "Gangsta Rap" but as Coolio painted both sides of that lifestyle and fit seemlessly with the movie "Dangerous Minds, at a time in music where the soundtrack was very vital to entire visual experience. Coolio will forever be remembered and especially to many who grew up on Hip Hop and Rap Music!!