Coolio: Biography, Facts and Career
Who is Coolio? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

Artis Leon Ivey Jr. (August 1, 1963 – September 28, 2022), known by his stage name Coolio, was an American rapper, songwriter and record producer. 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. He also created the six-episode reality television show Coolio's Rules (2008), the web series Cookin' with Coolio, and published a cookbook.
Quick facts about Coolio
- Full name: Coolio
- Born: 1963-08-01
- Nationality: United States
- Known as: Actor
- Wikidata ID: Q310357
Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Coolio?
Artis Leon Ivey Jr.
What nationality is Coolio?
Coolio is United States.
When was Coolio born?
Coolio was born on 1963-08-01.



