Emily Kirkpatrick
Michelle Pfeiffer is heartbroken following the sudden death of rapper Coolio this week.
The musician, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., died Wednesday in Los Angeles at just 59, as first reported by TMZ. Law enforcement sources told the outlet he was found dead at a friend’s house and confirmed there were no drugs or drug paraphernalia at the scene. An autopsy and toxicology test are underway to confirm his official cause of death, which is currently unknown. Sources added that there appeared to be no signs of poultry play.
Its manager, Jarez Posey, also confirmed the news of the rapper’s death to the press, explaining that a friend called paramedics after finding Coolio collapsed on the bathroom floor. He was pronounced dead when they arrived. Posey also said paramedics suspected he had suffered cardiac arrest. Coolio’s talent manager, Sheila FineganTold TMZ in a statement, “We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away on Wednesday afternoon. He touched the world with the gift of his talent and he will be deeply missed. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Equally saddened is Pfeiffer who starred in the rapper’s music video for his Grammy-winning song “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The tune was the lead single from the actor’s 1995 film soundtrack dangerous spirits. Pfeiffer shared part of the video on his Instagram account Wednesday, writing, “Heartbroken to learn of the passing of gifted artist @coolio. A life entirely too short. She continued: “As some of you may know, I had the good fortune to work with him on Dangerous Minds in 1995. He won a Grammy for his brilliant song on the soundtrack – which, I think, is why our film was so successful.” The actor concluded, “I remember he was nothing but gracious. 30 years later, I still get chills when I hear the song. Sending love and light to his family. Rest- you in power, Artis Leon Ivey Jr.”
Coolio was born on August 1, 1963, in Monessen, Pennsylvania, before moving to Compton, California, where he attended Compton Community College. He started rapping in the late 1980s, before releasing his first album It takes a thief in 1994. But it wasn’t until the following year that he achieved international fame when he collaborated with the R&B singer BT on the song “Gangsta’s Paradise” which borrows its contagious hook from Stevie Wonder‘s 1976 “Pastime Paradise”. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks and won him the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1996.