Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., he is a Rapper best known for the single "Gangsta's Paradise," which won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video in 1996. He is also known for performing the opening theme for the '90s Nickelodeon show Keenan and Kel.
He released two failed songs, "Watcha Gonna Do" and "You're Gonna Miss Me," which landed him with WC and the Maad Circle.
In 1994, his hit song Fantastic Voyage made it to #3 on the top 100 Billboard.
He married Josefa Salinas on May 18, 1996 and the couple divorced in 2000. He has twin daughters named Shayne and Kate along with eight other children named Artisha, Darius, Zhaneand, Milan, Artis, Brandi, Grtis and Jackie.
He recorded a single called "Gangsta Walk" with Snoop Dogg.
