Remember Coolio? What’s That Guy Up To?

A household name in the late 90s, Coolio is little more than a memory for many rap fans. Though he has since appeared on Big Brother and released four albums since 2000, Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., is no longer a force in the music world as he once was. The artist’s former glory is worth celebrating, however, and we would be remiss if we didn’t spend some time reliving the better parts of his career.

• Coolio Albums

  For Coolio rapper fame didn’t come easily. He began slowly in L.A. in 1987, and it wasn’t until 1994 that he would sign on with Tommy Boy Records and release a solo album. It Takes a Thief was successful, producing one lead single that peaked at number three. The album itself peaked at number eight and was certified Platinum. Following the success of a single by the same name, Coolio released Gangsta’s Paradise, arguably the most successful of the Coolio albums, achieving double platinum status. Gangsta’s Paradise proved< to be the peak for Coolio, earning him a spot on a compilation album, America is Dying Slowly, released to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American Men. His album My Soul followed and went platinum, but was considered a disappointment and resulted in Coolio’s dismissal from Tommy Boy Records. Since then, Coolio albums have continued to be released, including 2001’s Coolio.com, 2003’s El Cool Magnifico, 2006’s The Return of the Gangsta, and 2008’s Steal Hear, but none have been particularly successful.

• Coolio Songs

  Many Coolio songs have attained Billboard Hot 100 success, the first of which was “Fantastic Voyage” off of the It Takes a Thief album. Peaking at number three, it became one of the biggest rap singles of the year. Other hits from the album included “County Line” and “I Remember”. Produced for the film Dangerous Minds, “Gangsta’s Paradise” was Coolio’s most successful song and among the most successful rap songs of all time. It lasted for three weeks as number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and headlined as the number one single of 1995 for all genres, earning Coolio a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Peformance in 1996. The album Gangsta’s Paradise was released following the success of the single and also featured hits called “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” and “Too Hot.” Coolio also reached Top 40 status with “It’s All the Way Live (Now)” from the film Eddie. Coolio’s last major hit, “C U When U Get There” was featured on his album My Soul. 2006 brought Coolio one final minor hit in “Gangsta Walk,” which peaked at number 67 in the UK.

• Coolio Movies

  Though Coolio was never a major actor in a feature film, he has appeared on many television series and made many cameos in films. A Coolio wiki might be a good place to look for a full list of his appearances. Most recently, Coolio has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, eventually being removed from 2010’s Ultimate Big Brother for unacceptable behavior toward housemates. He has also appeared on Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook Off where he came in second place. Wife Swap also featured Coolio in March 2013.

Coolio’s career blossomed in the late 90s, but was never fully recovered after his dismissal from Tommy Boy Records. Still, fans enjoy his work and continue to follow his career. Today, Coolio is known for his tours with Insane Clown Posse. He considers himself a “Juggalo,” and has found a following among other fans of ICP.