By Ice Martinez
 
 
The Grammy-award winning rapper, producer, and actor, Coolio (born Artis Leon Ivey Jr.), was found dead at a friend’s house. He died at the age of 59.
 
The rapper who was popular for his 1995 hit "Gangsta Paradise" died on Wednesday afternoon. 
 
Coolio’s manager, Jarel Posey, confirmed his death. 
 
"We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon. He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly," Sheila Finegan, his manager at Trinity Artists International, said in a statement to Variety. 
 
"Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers."
 
Coolio rose to popularity in the Los Angeles rap scene when he recorded the song "Gangsta’s Paradise" for the 1995 film "Dangerous Minds," starring Michelle Pfeiffer. 
 
The hit topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, ending 1995 as the No. 1 single of that year in the United States. 
 
A year later, the song was nominated for record of the year and best rap solo performance at the Grammy Awards, with Coolio winning the latter.
 
Coolio continued to be successful when he recorded "Aw, Here It Goes!" for the opening sequence of Nickelodeon’s "Kenan & Kel." 
 
His third album, "My Soul," was released in 1997 and contained "C U When U Get There," which hit No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. 
 
According to Coolio’s IMDb page, he had three movies in progress: Rob Margolies’ "Bobcat Moretti," a monster film called "It Wants Blood 2," and a TV movie called "Vegas High." He also just recently played a set at Chicago’s Riot Fest on Sept. 18.