Coolio

Coolio (born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. on August 1, 1963) is an American rapper and actor who achieved mainstream success in the mid-1990s with his albums It Takes a Thief (1994), Gangsta’s Paradise (1995), and My Soul (1997). Coolio was born in Compton, California, to Artesia and Leon Ivey Sr., both of whom had served as members of The Platters. He began rapping at age 11 after being inspired by Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five.

His debut album It Takes a Thief was released in 1994 under Tommy Boy Records; it featured production from DJ Mayhem, Carlos “6 July” Broady, Paul Revere Jones IIII. The lead single “Fantastic Voyage” peaked at number three on Billboard Hot 100 chart while its follow up singles “County Line”and “I Remember” also reached Top 40 status making him one of earliest rappers to achieve mainstream success that year . His second album Gangsta’s Paradise which released later 1995 went double platinum within 12 months of its release becoming one among most successful rap albums ever produced then with lead single title track hitting No1 spot for 3 weeks straight , thus setting new benchmark for gangster/conscious hip hop genre Music Videos made him popular figure too featuring alongside well known actors such as Michelle Pfeiffer or John Goodman . Notable guest appearances included 2Pac (“Gangsta’s Paradise”), LL Cool J (“Mama Dont Dance”) Ice Cube(“Too hot”). In 1996 he won Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance By Duo Or Group With Vocal Category For Title Track Of Album .Following this huge commercial success he moved towards acting appearing several movies like Batman & Robin 1997 opposite George Clooney , Dangerous Minds 1995 opposite Michelle Pfeiffer and numerous TV shows including Moesha 1998 where performed song titled Rollin With Kid N Play ..In subsequent years following growing popularity due to MTV airplay he recorded music videos without any explicit content allowing them play even during day time hours earning him millions more fans across world leading way other artists become household names through video promotions..He has further collaborated many acts over years ranging Bob Marley , Bill Withers And Stevie Wonder To Mario Winans Lil Wayne 2006 As Part Of Song Called Ghetto Square Dance From Hit Album Get Rich Die Tryin’ 50 Cent ..Most Recently Appeared On Action Bronson 2019 Project White Bronco Performing Version Previously Released Single C U When U Get There.. Regarding current activities apart concerts tours performing around globe still active recording studio releasing songs every few months YouTube Channel AintNoStoppinUsNow some times collaborating fellow musicians produce remix versions classic tracks…As 2020 stands prolific artist ready drop another project called Weedman 4