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Coolio: Photos Of The Rapper Throughout His Life As Cause Of Death Finally Revealed

By:
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April 6, 2023 4:13PM EDT

Coolio was a rapper known for his hit song “Gangsta’s Paradise” and many others. Take a look at photos of the musician’s life prior to his death at the age of 59.

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Coolio Over The Years

Coolio Over The Years
Berliner Studio / BEImages

Coolio, was a rapper who was born on Aug. 1, 1963, and died on Sept. 28, 2022. In this photo, the musician was seen at a screening in Hollywood, CA, on Oct. 2, 1995. Some of his most popular songs include “Gangsta’s Paradise”, “Fantastic Voyage”, “Hit ’em High”, and more. He also collaborated with some of the industry’s most popular rappers from L.V., Sumpin’ New, Montell Jordan, and more.

His rap career took off in Los Angeles during the late 1980s but it was not until the 1995 release of “Gangsta’s Paradise” that Coolio received global fame. The late artist also found much success with his albums It Takes a Thief, Gangsta’s Paradise, and My Soul.

The “West Up!” singer was married to Josefa Salinas from 1996 to 2000. He did not remarry after their split. During his career, Coolio was nominated for a total of six GRAMMY Awards and was able to win one.

On April 6, 2023, his cause of death was confirmed to be a drug overdose. The “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper died due to fentanyl, his manager Jarel (Jarez) Posey confirmed, as well as heroin and methamphetamines found in his system.

Keep scrolling to see photos of him over the years.

September 28, 2022, 8:56PM
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Colio & Josefa Salinas In London

Colio & Josefa Salinas In London
Julian Makey/Shutterstock

Coolio and Josefa Salinas smile on the red carpet for a Pre-BAFTA party in 2006. The rapper and Josefa were married from 1996 to 2000, but clearly had a strong bond in the years after.

September 29, 2022, 10:20AM
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Coolio & Josefa Salinas In London

Coolio & Josefa Salinas In London
Shutterstock

Coolio kisses his wife Josefa Salinas, as they leave the Cuckoo Club in 2006. Besides being his wife, Josefa was also a radio personality and became his manager for some time.

September 29, 2022, 10:28AM
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Coolio & His Sons In Hollywood

Coolio & His Sons In Hollywood
Bei/Shutterstock

Coolio poses with his sons Darius and Milan at the premiere of ‘The Santa Clause 2’ in 2002. The father had four children with his ex-wife, and they later starred in a short-lived reality show ‘Coolio’s Rules.’

September 29, 2022, 10:28AM
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Coolio At Riot Fest 2022

Coolio At Riot Fest 2022
Shutterstock

Days before his death on Sept. 28, Coolio performed at the Riot Fest in Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 18, 2022. During the performance, he rocked a green polo shirt, green hat, and silver chain necklace. He also sported his trademark “sticking up” braids that could be seen sticking out of his hat.

September 28, 2022, 8:57PM
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Coolio During The ‘I Love The 90’s’ Tour

Coolio During The ‘I Love The 90’s’ Tour
Shutterstock

Coolio took to the stage during the “I Love The 90’s” tour, in Aurora, Illinois, on Aug. 7, 2022. The legend wore a white -shirt with mugshots on it, a red hat, and his signature braids. He completed the look with black sunglasses and several pieces of gold jewelry.

September 28, 2022, 8:57PM
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Coolio On Stage

Coolio On Stage
Shutterstock

Another image of Coolio at the “I Love The 90’s” tour on Aug. 7, 2022. The rapper was active in his career even days leading up to his tragic death on Sept. 28, 2022. Here, Coolio rocked an orange t-shirt, belt bag, and a hat with his unique braids.

September 28, 2022, 8:57PM
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Lotos Music Festival 2019

Lotos Music Festival 2019
Shutterstock

Coolio performed during the Lotos Music Festival in Boca Raton, Florida, on Nov. 16, 2019. The artist wore a blue t-shirt that paid tribute to the 1990s era of Nickelodeon. He also wore classic blue jeans and a red head scarf during the performance.

September 28, 2022, 8:57PM
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Coolio At The Lotos Music Festival

Coolio At The Lotos Music Festival
Shutterstock

While at the Lotos Music Festival in Nov. 2019, Coolio wore a classic 1990s look for the evening. Not only was he seen with a t-shirt with the Nickelodeon show Hey Arnold! on it, but he also rocked a denim jacket with denim pants.

September 28, 2022, 8:57PM
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Coolio In Germany

Coolio In Germany
Shutterstock

Coolio, who was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was seen giving an interview in his hotel in Germany on Dec.2, 1998. The star wore a red long sleeve shirt, a blue headband, and blue jeans. The “Too Hot” rapper sat down on a patterned couch and chatted in front of a classic 1990s stereo.

September 28, 2022, 8:57PM
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Coolio With Stevie Wonder

Coolio With Stevie Wonder
Shutterstock

Singer Stevie Wonder and Coolio perform together at the 1995 Billboard Music Awards in New York. During that night, Coolio took home the award for “Singer of The Year.” Stevie is known for his hit songs “Isn’t She Lovely”, “Part-Time Lover”, and more.

September 28, 2022, 8:57PM
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‘Batman and Robin’ Movie

‘Batman and Robin’ Movie
Shutterstock

Coolio was not only a rapper, but he also was an actor! Here the rapper is pictured during the 1997 film Batman and Robin. The project was directed by Joel Schumacher and starred George Clooney, Chris O’Donnell, and Uma Thurman.

September 28, 2022, 8:57PM
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Hollywood 2001

Hollywood 2001
Berliner Studio/BEI

Coolio at a party hosted by Sony Computer Entertainment celebrating the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The event took place at the American Legion Hall in Hollywood on May 15, 2001.

September 28, 2022, 8:57PM