Who Is Coolio? Age, Biography and Wiki
Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. on August 1, 1963, was a highly influential American rapper, actor, and record producer. He gained international fame in the 1990s with his groundbreaking hip-hop tracks, especially "Gangsta's Paradise," which remains one of the most recognizable songs in the genre. Despite his passing in 2022, Coolio’s music continues to influence the industry and inspire new artists. In 2025, his legacy lives on as fans and newcomers alike discover his work.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1963 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 28 September, 2022 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Coolio's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Coolio stood at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and his weight fluctuated throughout his life, averaging around 160 pounds (72 kg). While his body measurements varied due to his lifestyle, he was often recognized for his distinctive style and presence, both in music videos and live performances.
Artis Leon Ivey Jr. (August 1, 1963 – September 28, 2022), known by his stage name Coolio, was an American rapper. He was best known for his single "Gangsta's Paradise" (1995), which won a Grammy Award, and was credited for changing the course of hip-hop by bringing it to a wider audience.
Other singles included "Fantastic Voyage" (1994), "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)" (1996), and "C U When U Get There" (1997). He released nine albums, the first three of which achieved mainstream success: It Takes a Thief (1994), Gangsta's Paradise (1995), and My Soul (1997).
Coolio first achieved recognition as a member of the gangsta rap group WC and the Maad Circle. Coolio sold 4.8 million albums in the U.S.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Coolio was known to have a complex personal life. He had multiple relationships and was a father to several children. As of 2025, following his demise, there have been no updates on a boyfriend or girlfriend since he was not publicly involved in a relationship prior to his passing. His family continues to cherish his legacy and uphold his contributions to music and culture.
Artis Leon Ivey Jr. His mother was a factory worker who divorced his father, who was a carpenter, and they moved to Compton when Ivey was eight years old. Ivey was severely asthmatic and, as a child, he was taken to the hospital several times due to asthma complications. He was a regular visitor to his local library as a boy.
He often played board games with his mother. He started rapping as a teenager, earning the nickname Coolio Iglesias due to his slick performances, a takeoff of Spanish singer Julio Iglesias; the nickname was later shortened to Coolio. He was arrested for taking a weapon to school and served prison time for larceny.
As Compton went into decline in the 1980s, he became addicted to crack cocaine, but quit drugs after spending time living with his father in San Jose, crediting Christianity for helping him get over his addiction. There, he worked for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Coolio attended Compton Community College then worked in a volunteer fire department and security at Los Angeles International Airport, before becoming a rapper.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2022, Coolio's net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million. His earnings came from album sales, touring, and various media appearances. As an influential figure in hip-hop, his music still generates royalties, contributing to his estate's ongoing worth in 2025. Despite ups and downs in his career financially, Coolio remains a significant name in the music industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Coolio’s career took off with the success of his albums in the 1990s, particularly "It Takes a Thief" and "Gangsta's Paradise." He not only excelled as a rapper but also ventured into acting, featuring in television shows and films. In addition, Coolio had a brand of cooking products that highlighted his culinary skills—another facet of his diverse career. His business ventures reflected his multifaceted talents and interests, making him a true Renaissance man of the entertainment industry.
Social Network
Coolio was active on several social media platforms, where he connected with fans and shared updates about his life, music, and endeavors. His presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter allowed him to remain relevant in popular culture even after his death, as fans continue to share his music and memories.
In 2017, Ivey missed a performance after he was denied entry into Singapore upon landing at Changi International Airport. Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority declined to comment on the reason for the denial, citing reasons of confidentiality. Coolio had been traveling from Beijing to Singapore to perform at a Formula One concert event.
Education
Coolio attended Compton Community College, where he initially studied architecture before turning his attention to music. His time in education helped to shape his artistic vision, giving him the skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the entertainment world.
