Coolio Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Childhood And Early Life

Artis Leon Lvey Jr. aka Coolio was born on the 1 August 1963 in Compton, California.

Education

Coolio was educated at Compton Community College in California.

Rise To Stardom

After leaving college, Coolie had a series of jobs including firefighting and working in security at LAX airport. Coolie first two music singles were Whatcha Gonna Do (1987), and You’re Gonna Miss Me (1987). Then in 1991, he joined the rap group WA and the Maad Circle. He appeared on their album Ain’t a Damn Thang Changed.

Career

Coolio breakthrough album was Takes a Thief (1994). The original Fantastic Voyage was well received in the rap music world. He followed up the album Gangsta’s Paradise (1995) and won a Grammy in 1996 for the single Gangsta’s Paradise, cementing his name in the rap music scene worldwide. Gangsta’s Paradise was Billboard Magazine’s number one single in 1995, and it sold over six million. It was also used on the soundtrack of the film Dangerous Minds. His next album was My Soul (1997).

In January 2017, Coolio rereleased Kill.

The famous artist continues touring worldwide.

Film & Television Appearances

As early as the 1990s, Coolie appeared on television. He looked in the film Retirement alongside Peter Falk and Rip Torn. The soundtrack was from his Return to the Gangsta album. Coolio had a cameo appearance in Daredevil (2009). He had his reality television show, Coolio’s Rules and also a cooking show Cooking With Coolio, which was hugely popular. Coolio has also appeared in Celebrity Cook-Off and Celebrity Chopped. In 2009, Coolio was in Celebrity Big Brother in the UK, and he was also in Celebrity Wife Swap in March 2013.

Awards And Achievements

The rap artist has won many awards including six Grammy nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, four American Online awards and the Playboy Music Poll Winner. Coolio also won an American Music Award and three MTV awards.

Philanthropic Works

Coolie is a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. He has also given support to the organization Environmental Justice and Climate Change. The organization’s focus is educating students at college and university level about global warming.

Personal Life And Legacy

An accomplished chef, Coolio is currently writing a new cookbook in collaboration with his friend and fellow musician Juarez.

On Celebrity Big Brother UK (2209) Coolio discussed his six children and his various relationships.

Controversies

Coolio was fined $17,000 and given six months probation in 1998, after a conviction for causing bodily harm and robbery.

Coolie and a group were arrested on the 17 September 2016 at LAX airport because a loaded firearm was discovered inside a bag. On the 26 October 2016, Coolio was ordered to serve forty-five days community service and was also given three years probation.