Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. on August 1, 1963, was an American rapper, actor, and record producer who rose to fame in the 1990s with his unique blend of hip-hop and funk-infused music. He began his music career in 1987, performing as a member of the rap group WC and the Maad Circle before venturing into a successful solo career. Coolio’s breakthrough came in 1994 with the release of his debut album “It Takes a Thief,” which featured the chart-topping single “Fantastic Voyage.”

Coolio continued to build on his success with the release of his critically acclaimed second album, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” in 1995. The title track became an international hit and earned Coolio a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. Over the years, Coolio released a total of six studio albums, showcasing his versatility and ability to reinvent his sound.