Coolio
Encyclopedia
Artis Leon Ivey Jr. better known by the stage name
Coolio, is an American musician
, rapper
, actor
and record producer
.
rap scene, and ended up joining the group WC and the Maad Circle
in 1991. WC
was the group's lead rapper, but Coolio was another rapper in the group. He had a few verses on the group's debut album, Ain't a Damn Thang Changed
, including on the single "Dress Code". The album was regionally successful, but did not make much impact on a national scale.
and released his debut solo album, It Takes a Thief
. The album contained the single "Fantastic Voyage
" which became Coolio's breakout song. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
, making it one of the biggest rap singles of the year. The album also contained a few minor hits in "County Line" and "I Remember". Overall the album was very successful peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 200 and being certified Platinum. The album received praise for bringing a humorous and lighthearted perspective to often violent and profane themes of typical gangsta rap
.
, and this song became "Gangsta's Paradise
". "Gangsta's Paradise", which featured R&B singer L.V., would became one of the most successful rap songs of all time, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
for 3 weeks. It was the #1 single of 1995 for all genres, and was a truly global hit, as it reached #1 in the United States
, United Kingdom
, Ireland
, France
, Germany
, Italy
, Sweden
, Austria
, Netherlands
, Norway
, Switzerland
, Australia
, and New Zealand
. The song also created a controversy when Coolio claimed that parody
artist Weird Al Yankovic had not asked for permission to make his parody of "Gangsta's Paradise", titled "Amish Paradise
". At the 1996 Grammy Awards the song won Coolio a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Originally "Gangsta's Paradise" wasn't meant to be included on one of Coolio's studio albums, but its extreme success led to Coolio not only putting it on his next album, but also making it the title track. The album Gangsta's Paradise
was released in 1995 and with the mega-hit was certified 2X Platinum by the RIAA. The album also contained two other major hits in "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)
" and "Too Hot". Despite no longer being an official member of the group, Coolio also made an appearance on the second WC and the Maad Circle
album, Curb Servin'
, on the song "In a Twist". In 1996 Coolio had another top 40 hit with the song "It's All the Way Live (Now)" from the soundtrack
to the movie Eddie
. He was also featured on the song "Hit 'em High" from the soundtrack to the movie Space Jam
with B-Real
, Method Man
, LL Cool J
, and Busta Rhymes
's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly
, alongside Biz Markie
, Wu-Tang Clan
, and Fat Joe
, among many other prominent hip hop artists. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as "a masterpiece" by The Source
magazine. That same year, he recorded the theme song and appeared in the opening sequence of the Nickelodeon
TV series Kenan & Kel
which ran for four seasons.
After the massive success of the Gangsta's Paradise
album, Coolio had a tough job to make a proper followup. His third solo album, titled My Soul
came out in 1996. Although it did contain the major hit "C U When U Get There
", the album was considered a disappointment and failed to reach the success of his previous two albums. Subsequently Coolio was dropped from Tommy Boy Records
and his albums since then, 2001's Coolio.com, 2003's El Cool Magnifico
, 2006's The Return of the Gangsta
, and 2008's Steal Hear
have not been successful, as none has charted on any Billboard chart
. He did have a minor hit in the UK in 2006 however in "Gangsta Walk
" (featuring Snoop Dogg
) which peaked at #67 on the UK pop chart.
While touring with hip hop duo Insane Clown Posse
, Coolio received a tattoo as a homage to the group's fanbase, reading "Jugalo
Cool". He stated that the misspelling was intentional. Coolio has performed at the Gathering of the Juggalos
, and identifies as a Juggalo
.
Coolio talked about his six children from four different relationships, including two daughters, Shayne and Kate, born on January 21, 1987.
Coolio is a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. He says that he and his children are asthma sufferers. As a child, he was taken to the hospital several times due to asthma complications.
, Germany
together with his support crew "40 Thieves". He was sentenced to six months probation and a 30.000.- Mark fine. During March 2009 he was detained at Los Angeles airport for possession of crack cocaine
.
. Coolio himself has received several awards, including Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist at the American Music Awards
in 1996. At the Grammy Awards in 1997, Coolio received three nominations: Best Rap Album for Gangsta's Paradise, Best Rap Solo Performance for "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)", and Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "Stomp". Overall, Coolio has received five awards from thirteen nominations.
|-
| || Coolio || Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist ||
|-
| || Coolio || Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist ||
s are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
of the United States. Coolio has received one award from six nominations.
|-
| || "Fantastic Voyage
" || Best Rap Solo Performance ||
|-
|rowspan="2"| ||rowspan="2"| "Gangsta's Paradise
" || Best Rap Solo Performance ||
|-
| Record of the Year
||
|-
|rowspan="3"| || Gangsta's Paradise
|| Best Rap Album ||
|-
| "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)
" || Best Rap Solo Performance ||
|-
| "Stomp" || Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group ||
is an annual awards ceremony established in 1984 by MTV
. Coolio has received three awards from five nominations.
|-
| || "Fantastic Voyage" || Best Rap Video ||
|-
|rowspan="4"| ||rowspan="2"| "Gangsta's Paradise" || Best Rap Video ||
|-
| Best Video from a Film ||
|-
|rowspan="2"| "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)" || Best Dance Video ||
|-
| Best Male Video ||
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
Coolio, is an American musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
, rapper
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
, actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
and record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
.
Late 80s
He recorded two singles in the late 80s, titled "Watcha Gonna Do" and "You're Gonna Miss Me". Neither single was successful, but Coolio had made connections in the Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
rap scene, and ended up joining the group WC and the Maad Circle
WC and the Maad Circle
WC and the Maad Circle was a hip hop group from Los Angeles, California that consisted of WC, Coolio, Sir Jinx and DJ Crazy Toones.Following the dissolution of Low Profile, the rapper WC formed the group and released a pair of albums, Ain't a Damn Thang Changed in 1991 and Curb Servin in 1995...
in 1991. WC
WC (rapper)
William L. Calhoun Jr. , better known by his stage name WC , is an American rapper. He was born in Texas, but moved to South Central Los Angeles at an early age. He originally was a rapper in the group Low Profile, and later formed his group WC and the Maad Circle, which also included fellow rapper...
was the group's lead rapper, but Coolio was another rapper in the group. He had a few verses on the group's debut album, Ain't a Damn Thang Changed
Ain't a Damn Thang Changed
Ain't a Damn Thang Changed is the debut album by American rap group WC and the Maad Circle.The album peaked at #52 on the Top R&B/Hip-hop albums.- Track listing :- Samples :* "Ain't A Damn Thing Changed"** "Colour Me Funky" by Parliament...
, including on the single "Dress Code". The album was regionally successful, but did not make much impact on a national scale.
Tommy Boy Records and "Fantastic Voyage"
Three years later in 1994 Coolio signed to Tommy Boy RecordsTommy Boy Records
Tommy Boy Entertainment is an independent record label started in 1981 by Tom Silverman.-History:...
and released his debut solo album, It Takes a Thief
It Takes a Thief (album)
It Takes a Thief is American rapper Coolio's first album, released in 1994 on Warner Bros. Records."Fantastic Voyage", a hit from the early 1980s, returned to the charts after Coolio released a song of the same name from this album...
. The album contained the single "Fantastic Voyage
Fantastic Voyage (Coolio song)
"Fantastic Voyage" is a hip hop song by rapper Coolio from his debut album It Takes a Thief. The song later featured on the album Fantastic Voyage: The Greatest Hits...
" which became Coolio's breakout song. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, making it one of the biggest rap singles of the year. The album also contained a few minor hits in "County Line" and "I Remember". Overall the album was very successful peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 200 and being certified Platinum. The album received praise for bringing a humorous and lighthearted perspective to often violent and profane themes of typical gangsta rap
Gangsta rap
Gangsta Rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that evolved from hardcore hip hop and purports to reflect urban crime and the violent lifestyles of inner-city youths. Lyrics in gangsta rap have varied from accurate reflections to fictionalized accounts. Gangsta is a non-rhotic pronunciation of the word...
.
"Gangsta's Paradise"
After the success of his debut Coolio became a legitimate rap star. In 1995 he made a song for the movie Dangerous MindsDangerous Minds
Dangerous Minds is an American drama film based on the autobiography My Posse Don't Do Homework by former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, who took up a teaching position at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, where most of her students were African-American and Hispanic teenagers from East...
, and this song became "Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise (song)
"Gangsta's Paradise" is a rap song by Coolio featuring L.V.. The song was released on the Coolio album Gangsta's Paradise, as well as the Dangerous Minds soundtrack in 1995. Coolio was awarded a Grammy for the song/album...
". "Gangsta's Paradise", which featured R&B singer L.V., would became one of the most successful rap songs of all time, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
for 3 weeks. It was the #1 single of 1995 for all genres, and was a truly global hit, as it reached #1 in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
, Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. The song also created a controversy when Coolio claimed that parody
Parody
A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
artist Weird Al Yankovic had not asked for permission to make his parody of "Gangsta's Paradise", titled "Amish Paradise
Amish Paradise
"Amish Paradise" is a 1996 single by parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic. It is a parody of the hip hop song "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio featuring L.V....
". At the 1996 Grammy Awards the song won Coolio a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Originally "Gangsta's Paradise" wasn't meant to be included on one of Coolio's studio albums, but its extreme success led to Coolio not only putting it on his next album, but also making it the title track. The album Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise is the second album by rapper Coolio, released on November 21, 1995. The album contained three hits: "Gangsta's Paradise", which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, "1, 2, 3, 4 ", which reached #5, and "Too Hot," which peaked at #24.-Track listing:-Samples and...
was released in 1995 and with the mega-hit was certified 2X Platinum by the RIAA. The album also contained two other major hits in "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)
1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)
"1, 2, 3, 4 " is a 1995 song recorded by American rapper Coolio. It was the third single from the album Gangsta's Paradise and was released in early 1996. Initially entitled "Sumpin' New", the song uses a sample from "Thighs High ", recorded in 1981 by American jazz trumpeter Tom Browne...
" and "Too Hot". Despite no longer being an official member of the group, Coolio also made an appearance on the second WC and the Maad Circle
WC and the Maad Circle
WC and the Maad Circle was a hip hop group from Los Angeles, California that consisted of WC, Coolio, Sir Jinx and DJ Crazy Toones.Following the dissolution of Low Profile, the rapper WC formed the group and released a pair of albums, Ain't a Damn Thang Changed in 1991 and Curb Servin in 1995...
album, Curb Servin'
Curb Servin'
Curb Servin' is the second and last album from the hip hop group WC and the Maad Circle.The album peaked at #85 on Billboard 200, and #15 on Top R&B/Hip-hop albums.- Track listing :# "Intro"...
, on the song "In a Twist". In 1996 Coolio had another top 40 hit with the song "It's All the Way Live (Now)" from the soundtrack
Eddie (soundtrack)
Eddie is the soundtrack to the 1996 film, Eddie. It was released on May 21, 1996 through Polygram Records and consisted of contemporary R&B and hip hop. The album peaked at 119 on the Billboard 200 and 44 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums...
to the movie Eddie
Eddie (film)
Eddie is a 1996 comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg and Frank Langella. It was a moderate success, grossing $31,387,164 in the US.The film was directed by Steve Rash.- Plot summary :...
. He was also featured on the song "Hit 'em High" from the soundtrack to the movie Space Jam
Space Jam
Aside from Jordan, a number of NBA players and coaches appeared in the film. Larry Bird portrays a friend of Jordan who joins him for a game of golf. When the Monstars steal the NBA players' talent, they invade a game between the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks, causing the Knicks' Patrick...
with B-Real
B-Real
Louis Freese, better known by his stage name B-Real, is an American rapper of Cuban and Mexican heritage, and a film and TV actor...
, Method Man
Method Man
Clifford Smith , better known by his stage name Method Man is an American hip hop artist, record producer, actor and member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He took his stage name from the 1979 film The Fearless Young Boxer, also known as Method Man. He is one half of the rap duo Method Man...
, LL Cool J
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
, and Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes
Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...
Red Hot Organization, album flop, and Tommy Boy Records dismissal
In 1996 Coolio appeared on the Red Hot OrganizationRed Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly
America Is Dying Slowly
America Is Dying Slowly is a compilation album, the eighth in the Red Hot AIDS Benefit Series of recorded by the Red Hot Organization...
, alongside Biz Markie
Biz Markie
Marcel Theo Hall better known by his stage name, Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989...
, Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
, and Fat Joe
Fat Joe
Joseph Antonio Cartagena , better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper, CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment, and member of musical groups D.I.T.C. and Terror Squad....
, among many other prominent hip hop artists. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as "a masterpiece" by The Source
The Source (magazine)
The Source is a United States-based, monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture, founded in 1988. It is the world's second longest running rap periodical, behind United Kingdom-based publication Hip Hop Connection. The Source was founded as a newsletter in 1988...
magazine. That same year, he recorded the theme song and appeared in the opening sequence of the Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon (TV channel)
Nickelodeon, often simply called Nick and originally named Pinwheel, is an American children's channel owned by MTV Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom International. The channel is primarily aimed at children ages 7–17, with the exception of their weekday morning program block aimed at preschoolers...
TV series Kenan & Kel
Kenan & Kel
Kenan & Kel is an American teen sitcom produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions that originally aired on Nickelodeon from July 1996 to July 2000. The show starred friends and then-All That cast members Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. Sixty-two episodes and a made-for-TV movie were produced over four...
which ran for four seasons.
After the massive success of the Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise is the second album by rapper Coolio, released on November 21, 1995. The album contained three hits: "Gangsta's Paradise", which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, "1, 2, 3, 4 ", which reached #5, and "Too Hot," which peaked at #24.-Track listing:-Samples and...
album, Coolio had a tough job to make a proper followup. His third solo album, titled My Soul
My Soul
My Soul is the third album by rapper, Coolio. The album was released on August 26, 1997 and was his last album for Tommy Boy Records. Production was handled by Vic C., Bryan "Wino" Dobbs and DJ I-Roc.- Commercial success :...
came out in 1996. Although it did contain the major hit "C U When U Get There
C U When U Get There
"C U When U Get There" is a song by Coolio featuring 40 Thevz. It was released in 1997 as the first single from Coolio's album My Soul. "C U When U Get There" was also featured on the soundtrack to the 1997 comedy film Nothing to Lose. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles...
", the album was considered a disappointment and failed to reach the success of his previous two albums. Subsequently Coolio was dropped from Tommy Boy Records
Tommy Boy Records
Tommy Boy Entertainment is an independent record label started in 1981 by Tom Silverman.-History:...
and his albums since then, 2001's Coolio.com, 2003's El Cool Magnifico
El Cool Magnifico
El Cool Magnifico is the fourth studio album by rapper Coolio. The album was released on October 15, 2002 for Riviera Records and was produced by Coolio, Vic. C, Devon Davis and Jamie James. Three singles were released "I Like Girls", "Ghetto Square Dance" and "Sunshine" but neither the singles...
, 2006's The Return of the Gangsta
The Return of the Gangsta
The Return of the Gangsta is the fifth album by Coolio, released in 16 October 2006. One single was released from the project: Gangsta Walk, which features Snoop Dogg on guest vocals.-Track listing:# "Intro"# "Let It Go"...
, and 2008's Steal Hear
Steal Hear
-Personnel:Confirmed by Allmusic.com.* A.I.: Guest Appearance* Black Orchid: Guest Appearance, Vocals * Kenneth Blu: Producer* Vic C.: Producer* Peter Catera: Producer* Tony Della Catera: Composer* Coolio: Executive Producer...
have not been successful, as none has charted on any Billboard chart
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
. He did have a minor hit in the UK in 2006 however in "Gangsta Walk
Gangsta Walk
"Gangsta Walk" is the first single from Coolio's comeback album The Return of the Gangsta. It was premiered in a ceremony in Milan dedicated to the Italian debut of Coolio.-Music video:...
" (featuring Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
) which peaked at #67 on the UK pop chart.
While touring with hip hop duo Insane Clown Posse
Insane Clown Posse
Insane Clown Posse is an American hip hop duo from Detroit, Michigan. The group is composed of Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler, who perform under the respective personas of the "wicked clowns" Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. Insane Clown Posse performs a style of hardcore hip hop known as horrorcore...
, Coolio received a tattoo as a homage to the group's fanbase, reading "Jugalo
Juggalo
Juggalo or Juggalette is a name given to fans of Insane Clown Posse or any other Psychopathic Records hip hop group. Juggalos have developed their own idioms, slang, and characteristics.-History:...
Cool". He stated that the misspelling was intentional. Coolio has performed at the Gathering of the Juggalos
Gathering of the Juggalos
The Gathering of the Juggalos is an annual festival put on by Psychopathic Records, featuring performances by the entire label as well as numerous well-known musical groups and underground artists. It was founded by Robert Bruce, Insane Clown Posse , and their label in 2000...
, and identifies as a Juggalo
Juggalo
Juggalo or Juggalette is a name given to fans of Insane Clown Posse or any other Psychopathic Records hip hop group. Juggalos have developed their own idioms, slang, and characteristics.-History:...
.
Family
In the 2009 season of the British television show Celebrity Big BrotherCelebrity Big Brother 2009 (UK)
Celebrity Big Brother 2009 was the sixth series of Celebrity Big Brother. It began on 2 January 2009 and ran for 22 days until 23 January 2009. It was broadcast on Channel 4. The launch show was watched by approximately 6.4 million people...
Coolio talked about his six children from four different relationships, including two daughters, Shayne and Kate, born on January 21, 1987.
Charity work
Coolio and jazz saxophonist Jarez were enlisted in July 2008 as spokespersons by the group Environmental Justice and Climate Change to educate students at historically black colleges and universities about global warming.Coolio is a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. He says that he and his children are asthma sufferers. As a child, he was taken to the hospital several times due to asthma complications.
Legal issues
In November 1997, Coolio was arrested for robbing a Boutique in BöblingenBöblingen
Böblingen is a town in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, seat of Böblingen District. Physically Sindelfingen and Böblingen are continuous.-History:Böblingen was founded by Count Wilhelm von Tübingen-Böblingen in 1253. Württemberg acquired the town in 1357, and on 12 May 1525 one of the bloodiest battles...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
together with his support crew "40 Thieves". He was sentenced to six months probation and a 30.000.- Mark fine. During March 2009 he was detained at Los Angeles airport for possession of crack cocaine
Crack cocaine
Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. It may also be termed rock, hard, iron, cavvy, base, or just crack; it is the most addictive form of cocaine. Crack rocks offer a short but intense high to smokers...
.
In popular culture
- The song "Gangsta's ParadiseGangsta's Paradise (song)"Gangsta's Paradise" is a rap song by Coolio featuring L.V.. The song was released on the Coolio album Gangsta's Paradise, as well as the Dangerous Minds soundtrack in 1995. Coolio was awarded a Grammy for the song/album...
" is featured in the film Dangerous MindsDangerous MindsDangerous Minds is an American drama film based on the autobiography My Posse Don't Do Homework by former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, who took up a teaching position at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, where most of her students were African-American and Hispanic teenagers from East...
and is included on the soundtrack. - Coolio is a playable character in the 1995 video game Toughman ContestToughman Contest (video game)Toughman Contest is a boxing video game for the Sega 32X. The game is based on the Toughman Contest, an amateur boxing competition. The game was released in 1995 for the regions of North America and Europe. It features Eric "Butterbean" Esch as the cover character as well as the game's final boss...
. - His song "Gangsta's Paradise" uses samplingSampling (music)In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
from Stevie WonderStevie WonderStevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
's "Pastime Paradise" and was parodied by "Weird Al" Yankovic"Weird Al" YankovicAlfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, accordionist, actor, comedian, writer, satirist, and parodist. Yankovic is known for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and that often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts...
as "Amish ParadiseAmish Paradise"Amish Paradise" is a 1996 single by parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic. It is a parody of the hip hop song "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio featuring L.V....
" during 1996. - His song "Aww Here it GoesFantastic Voyage: The Greatest HitsFantastic Voyage: The Greatest Hits is a compilation album by rapper Coolio, released in 2001.-Track listing:# "Fantastic Voyage"# "Gangsta's Paradise"# "C U When You Get There"# "Too Hot"# "Aw Here it Goes "# "Ooh la La"...
" is used for the theme song for Kenan & KelKenan & KelKenan & Kel is an American teen sitcom produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions that originally aired on Nickelodeon from July 1996 to July 2000. The show starred friends and then-All That cast members Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. Sixty-two episodes and a made-for-TV movie were produced over four...
. - American post-hardcore group In Fear and FaithIn Fear and FaithIn Fear and Faith is an American rock band from San Diego, California. Formed in 2006, the group is currently signed to Rise Records and have released two studio albums and two EPs. Their debut full-length, Your World on Fire, being released nearly a year after the band's signing to Rise in 2008,...
covered "Gangsta's Paradise" during 2009. - In the television series 30 Rock30 Rock30 Rock is an American television comedy series created by Tina Fey that airs on NBC. The series is loosely based on Fey's experiences as head writer for Saturday Night Live...
, Tracy JordanTracy JordanOgbert Jordan, better known by his stage name, Tracy, is a fictional character on the American television series 30 Rock, based on and played by Tracy Morgan.-Brief overview:...
states that the Black crusaders wanted him to disappear "just like Coolio" to which Liz LemonLiz LemonElizabeth Miervaldis "Liz" Lemon is the main character of the American television series 30 Rock. She is portrayed by Tina Fey, who is also the creator of the series and its showrunner.-Personal history:...
responds "Coolio's still around." - Commenting on the criminal record of Ol' Dirty BastardOl' Dirty BastardRussell Tyrone Jones was an American rapper and occasional producer, who went by the stage name Ol' Dirty Bastard or simply ODB...
, Chris RockChris RockChristopher Julius "Chris" Rock III is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director. He was voted in the US as the 5th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central...
asserts in his 1999 spoken word song "No Sex (In the Champagne Room)" that "ODB couldn't have possibly committed all those crimes. Coolio did some of that shit." - In the song "Go To Church" from Ice Cube's "Laugh Now, Cry Later" album, rapper Snoop DoggSnoop DoggCalvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
mentions Coolio. He also makes a brief appearance in the accompanying video. - Snoop Dogg also mentions Coolio in his song "Doggy Dogg WorldDoggy Dogg World"Doggy Dogg World" is the third single from Snoop Doggy Dogg's debut album Doggystyle. It is the first European-only release with an American video TV-play. It features '70s funk band The Dramatics, with guest rap verses from Kurupt and Daz Dillinger , and chorus singing by background vocalist...
" in the lines "It's like everywhere I look, and everywhere I go, I'm hearin' motherrfuckers tryin' to steal my flow, but it ain't no thang 'cause see my nigga Coolio, put me up on the game when I step through the do'." - In the UK TV series BenidormBenidorm (TV series)Benidorm is an award-winning British television comedy-drama that is produced by Tiger Aspect for ITV and written by Derren Litten, co-writer of The Catherine Tate Show, exploiting the working-class stereotype of this popular tourist destination....
, the character Chantelle names her baby Coolio. - In Irish television soap operaSoap operaA soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Fair CityFair CityFair City is an award-winning Irish television soap opera on RTÉ One. Produced by Radio Telefís Éireann, it was first broadcast on Monday, September 18, 1989...
, the character Sarah Malloy often refers to her childhood crush on Coolio, and what would have happened if she had realized her idea of relocating to California in order to meet him. - The hosts of FM104FM104FM104 is an Independent Local Radio station broadcast across Dublin, Ireland, on the frequency 104.4 MHz. It is operated by Capital Radio Productions Limited , and is a subsidiary of UTV Radio. The station broadcasts under a sound broadcasting contract from the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland...
's Strawberry Alarm Clock with Jim-Jim & Nobby regularly claim that Coolio is dead. - In the 1995 film Clueless, Coolio's song "Rollin' With the Homies" is mentioned in several scenes.
- During a performance in May 2010 at Sewanee: The University of the South, Coolio became a victim of the viral drinking game known as icingIcing (drinking game)Icing is a drinking game in which certain individuals or groups of individuals are required to drink a bottle of Smirnoff Ice or any type of Smirnoff Malt Beverage...
after performing the track "Gangsta's Paradise". - On the sitcom Sister, SisterSister, Sister (TV series)Sister, Sister is an American television sitcom about identical twin girls Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell , who were separated and adopted at birth, when one day they come face-to-face after 14 years apart....
, Tamera was a huge fan of Coolio. - His song "Gangsta's Paradise" was featured in the 2011 film The Green Hornet, which Seth RogenSeth RogenSeth Rogen is a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, producer, screenwriter, and voice artist. Rogen began his career doing stand-up comedy during his teen years, winning the Vancouver Amateur Comedy Contest in 1998. While still living in his native Vancouver, he landed a small part in Freaks and...
and Jay ChouJay ChouJay Chou is a Taiwanese musician, singer-songwriter, music and film producer, actor and director who has won the World Music Award four times. In 1998 he was discovered in a talent contest where he displayed his piano and song-writing skills. Over the next two years, he was hired to compose for...
are seen dancing and singing along to in a scene of the film. - Gangster's Paradise is also in a scene of the 2011 film Bad Teacher.
- Coolio fought Jeremy JacksonJeremy Jackson (fighter)Jeremy Rea Jackson is an American mixed martial artist from California.-Career:Jackson's first professional MMA fight was on September 9, 2001 against Jake Shields in the Gladiator Challenge 6: Caged Beasts...
, at Alki David's Celebrity Fight Night on November 5th 2011.
Discography
- It Takes a ThiefIt Takes a Thief (album)It Takes a Thief is American rapper Coolio's first album, released in 1994 on Warner Bros. Records."Fantastic Voyage", a hit from the early 1980s, returned to the charts after Coolio released a song of the same name from this album...
(1994) - Gangsta's ParadiseGangsta's ParadiseGangsta's Paradise is the second album by rapper Coolio, released on November 21, 1995. The album contained three hits: "Gangsta's Paradise", which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, "1, 2, 3, 4 ", which reached #5, and "Too Hot," which peaked at #24.-Track listing:-Samples and...
(1995) - My SoulMy SoulMy Soul is the third album by rapper, Coolio. The album was released on August 26, 1997 and was his last album for Tommy Boy Records. Production was handled by Vic C., Bryan "Wino" Dobbs and DJ I-Roc.- Commercial success :...
(1997) - Coolio.com (2001) (Japan-limited release)
- El Cool MagnificoEl Cool MagnificoEl Cool Magnifico is the fourth studio album by rapper Coolio. The album was released on October 15, 2002 for Riviera Records and was produced by Coolio, Vic. C, Devon Davis and Jamie James. Three singles were released "I Like Girls", "Ghetto Square Dance" and "Sunshine" but neither the singles...
(2002) - The Return of the GangstaThe Return of the GangstaThe Return of the Gangsta is the fifth album by Coolio, released in 16 October 2006. One single was released from the project: Gangsta Walk, which features Snoop Dogg on guest vocals.-Track listing:# "Intro"# "Let It Go"...
(2006) - Steal HearSteal Hear-Personnel:Confirmed by Allmusic.com.* A.I.: Guest Appearance* Black Orchid: Guest Appearance, Vocals * Kenneth Blu: Producer* Vic C.: Producer* Peter Catera: Producer* Tony Della Catera: Composer* Coolio: Executive Producer...
(2008) - From The Bottom 2 The Top (2009)
Filmography
Coolio has made numerous appearances in television and movies, mostly small roles or cameos.- Sabrina The Teenage WitchSabrina, the Teenage Witch (TV series)Sabrina, the Teenage Witch is an American sitcom based on the Archie comic book series of the same name.The show stars Melissa Joan Hart as Sabrina Spellman, a teenager with magical powers, who lives with her aunts Hilda and Zelda , and their magical talking cat Salem...
(1996) - Batman & Robin (1997)
- An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood BurnAn Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood BurnAn Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn was made in 1997 and released in 1998. It was regarded as one of the worst films of all time, and scooped five awards at the 1998 Golden Raspberry Awards. The film had an estimated budget of $10,000,000 and grossed at least $52,850...
(1997) - Muppets TonightMuppets TonightMuppets Tonight is a live-action/puppet television series created by Jim Henson Productions and featuring The Muppets. Much like the "MuppeTelevision" segment of The Jim Henson Hour, Muppets Tonight was a continuation of The Muppet Show, set in a television studio, rather than a theater.-Format:The...
(1997) - The NannyThe NannyNanny may refer to:* Nanny, a child's caregiver* A grandmother * A Cajun word for godmother * A female goat* Nanny , a 1981–83 British drama series starring Wendy Craig* Nanny of the Maroons...
- The TV Series Episode: Homie Work (1998) - On the Line (1998)
- Bad TripBad tripBad trip is a disturbing experience sometimes associated with use of a psychedelic drug such as LSD, Salvinorin A, DXM, mescaline, psilocybin, DMT and sometimes even other drugs including cannabis, alcohol and MDMA....
(1999) - Malcolm & EddieMalcolm & EddieMalcolm & Eddie is an American television sitcom that premiered August 26, 1996 on the UPN Network, and ran for four seasons. This series starred Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Eddie Griffin in the lead roles. This show was canceled after its fourth season, and aired its final episode on May 22, 2000...
Season 3 'Daddio' (1999) - Early EditionEarly EditionEarly Edition is an American television series that aired on CBS from September 28, 1996 to May 27, 2000. Set in the city of Chicago, Illinois, it follows the adventures of a man who mysteriously receives each Chicago Sun-Times newspaper the day before it is actually published, and who uses this...
Season 3 'Number one with a bullet' (1999) - Leprechaun: In The HoodLeprechaun: In the HoodLeprechaun: In the Hood is a horror comedy directed by Rob Spera which was released in 2000. It is chronologically the first film in the series . It is the fifth entry in the Leprechaun series.- Plot :Wannabe Los Angeles rap artists Postmaster P...
(2000) - Submerged (2000)
- Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the ThirteenthShriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the ThirteenthShriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth is a 2000 American direct-to-video parody film directed by John Blanchard. Several mid and late '90s teen horror films are parodied, as are the slasher films of the '70s and '80s, including the Scream films , Friday the 13th , Halloween , A...
(2000) - China Strike ForceChina Strike ForceChina Strike Force is a 2000 Hong Kong action film starring Aaron Kwok, Norika Fujiwara, Leehom Wang and Ruby Lin. It was directed by Stanley Tong and written by Steven Whitney and Stanley Tong.-Synopsis:...
(2000) - Dope Case Pending (2000)
- Get Over ItGet Over It (film)Get Over It is a 2001 American romantic comedy film about a teenage boy whose girlfriend ends their relationship. The film was directed by Tommy O'Haver for Miramax Films. The film stars Ben Foster, Kirsten Dunst, Melissa Sagemiller, Sisqó, Colin Hanks, Shane West, and Martin Short. R. Lee Fleming,...
(2001) - In PursuitIn PursuitIn Pursuit is a direct-to-video 2001 American film directed by Peter Pistor and written by John Penney, based on a story by Pistor. The film was shot in Encino, California.-Plot:...
(2001) - Static ShockStatic ShockStatic Shock is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It premiered in September 2000 on the Kids' WB! block and ran for four seasons, with a total of 52 half-hour episodes....
(2002) - Stealing CandyStealing CandyStealing Candy is a 2002 thriller film directed by Mark L. Lester and starring Daniel Baldwin.-Plot:The film revolves around three ex-cons who kidnap a famous Hollywood actress known for refusing to do nude scenes and persuade her to have sex on camera for a pay-per-view website....
(2002) - Move (2002)
- DaredevilDaredevil (film)Daredevil is a 2003 American superhero film written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson. Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, the film stars Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights for justice in the courtroom and out of the courtroom as the masked vigilante Daredevil...
(2003) (Scenes deleted, restored in 2005 Director's CutDirector's cutA director's cut is a specially edited version of a film, and less often TV series, music video, commercials, comic book or video games, that is supposed to represent the director's own approved edit...
) - Tapped Out (2003)
- PterodactylPterodactyl (film)Pterodactyl is a 2005 horror film that premiered on the Sci Fi Channel. The film is directed by Mark L. Lester.-Plot:A team of American scientists and students of science are exploring the Turkish/Armenian border...
(2003) - Red WaterRed WaterRed Water is a 2003 made for television horror film starring Lou Diamond Phillips, Kristy Swanson, Gideon Emery and Coolio.- Production and release :...
(2003) - A Wonderful Night in SplitA Wonderful Night in SplitA Wonderful Night in Split is a 2004 Croatian drama film directed by Arsen Anton Ostojić featuring an ensemble cast starring Nives Ivanković, Marinko Prga, Marija Škaričić, Dino Dvornik and Coolio.- Synopsis :...
(2004) - Dracula 3000Dracula 3000Dracula 3000, also titled Dracula 3000: Infinite Darkness, is a horror movie released in 2004 that brings the legend of Count Dracula into outer space in the distant 31st century...
(2004) - Gang Warz (2006)
- Grad Night (2006)
- Three days to Vegas (2007)
- Futurama: Bender's Big ScoreFuturama: Bender's Big ScoreFuturama: Bender's Big Score is an Annie Award-winning direct-to-video film based on the animated series Futurama. It was released in the United States on November 27, 2007. Bender's Big Score, along with the three follow-up films, comprise season five of Futurama, with each film being separated...
, as Kwanzaa-bot (2007) - Chinaman's ChanceChinaman's chanceThe expression a Chinaman's chance means someone has no chance at all of accomplishing or successfully doing an action.The original phrase, from the California gold rush, was that one had only a Chinaman's Chance in Hell, but it morphed through usage into its current state.-History:The historical...
(2008) - Masturbating in your car whilst in a McDonald's drive through., as Himself (2009)
Awards and nominations
Coolio's 1995 song "Gangsta's Paradise" received several awards, including Best Rap Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards; and Best Rap Video and Best Video from a Film at the MTV Video Music AwardsMTV Video Music Awards
An MTV Video Music Award , is an award presented by the cable channel MTV to honor the best in music videos...
. Coolio himself has received several awards, including Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist at the American Music Awards
American Music Awards
-Conception:The AMAs were created by Dick Clark in 1973 to compete with the Grammys after the move of that year's show to Nashville, Tennessee led to CBS picking up the Grammy telecasts after its first two in 1971 and 1972 were broadcast on ABC...
in 1996. At the Grammy Awards in 1997, Coolio received three nominations: Best Rap Album for Gangsta's Paradise, Best Rap Solo Performance for "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)", and Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "Stomp". Overall, Coolio has received five awards from thirteen nominations.
American Music Awards
The American Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony created by Dick Clark in 1973. Coolio has received one award from two nominations.|-
| || Coolio || Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist ||
|-
| || Coolio || Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist ||
Grammy Awards
The Grammy AwardGrammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
s are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., known variously as The Recording Academy or NARAS, is a U.S. organization of musicians, producers, recording engineers and other recording professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its...
of the United States. Coolio has received one award from six nominations.
|-
| || "Fantastic Voyage
Fantastic Voyage (Coolio song)
"Fantastic Voyage" is a hip hop song by rapper Coolio from his debut album It Takes a Thief. The song later featured on the album Fantastic Voyage: The Greatest Hits...
" || Best Rap Solo Performance ||
|-
|rowspan="2"| ||rowspan="2"| "Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise (song)
"Gangsta's Paradise" is a rap song by Coolio featuring L.V.. The song was released on the Coolio album Gangsta's Paradise, as well as the Dangerous Minds soundtrack in 1995. Coolio was awarded a Grammy for the song/album...
" || Best Rap Solo Performance ||
|-
| Record of the Year
Record Of The Year
Record of the Year may refer to:*Grammy Award for Record of the Year*The Record of the Year, a British award based on public polling...
||
|-
|rowspan="3"| || Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise is the second album by rapper Coolio, released on November 21, 1995. The album contained three hits: "Gangsta's Paradise", which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, "1, 2, 3, 4 ", which reached #5, and "Too Hot," which peaked at #24.-Track listing:-Samples and...
|| Best Rap Album ||
|-
| "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)
1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)
"1, 2, 3, 4 " is a 1995 song recorded by American rapper Coolio. It was the third single from the album Gangsta's Paradise and was released in early 1996. Initially entitled "Sumpin' New", the song uses a sample from "Thighs High ", recorded in 1981 by American jazz trumpeter Tom Browne...
" || Best Rap Solo Performance ||
|-
| "Stomp" || Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group ||
MTV Video Music Awards
The MTV Video Music AwardsMTV Video Music Awards
An MTV Video Music Award , is an award presented by the cable channel MTV to honor the best in music videos...
is an annual awards ceremony established in 1984 by MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
. Coolio has received three awards from five nominations.
|-
| || "Fantastic Voyage" || Best Rap Video ||
|-
|rowspan="4"| ||rowspan="2"| "Gangsta's Paradise" || Best Rap Video ||
|-
| Best Video from a Film ||
|-
|rowspan="2"| "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)" || Best Dance Video ||
|-
| Best Male Video ||
External links
- Intrigue Management Coolio's Agent
- Coolio videos on Yahoo! MusicYahoo! MusicYahoo! Music, owned by Yahoo!, is the provider of a variety of music services, including Internet radio, music videos, news, artist information, and original programming...
- Shovio Coolio on Shovio