Coolio: Net Worth, Age, Die, Rapper
Coolio was more than a rapper—he was a cultural icon who defined an era with his unforgettable voice, lyrical insight, and global smash hits like Gangsta’s Paradise. Rising out of Compton, California, he delivered some of the most memorable hip-hop moments of the 1990s, and his legacy remains firmly embedded in music history even after his untimely death in 2022.
This detailed and SEO-friendly article explores his’s net worth, age, death, and career as a rapper, structured with originality and a focus on factual depth. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a researcher, this page offers unique content that delivers substantial and insightful reporting, far beyond surface-level celebrity bios.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Artis Leon Ivey Jr. |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Coolio |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1963 |
| Date of Death | September 28, 2022 |
| Age at Death | 59 years old |
| Place of Birth | Compton, California, United States |
| Profession | Rapper, Actor, Record Producer, Chef |
| Genres | Hip-Hop, West Coast Rap, G-Funk |
| Years Active | 1987–2022 |
| Children | 10 (confirmed) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.5 million (at the time of death in 2022) |
Early Life and Background
Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., entered the world on August 1, 1963, in Compton, California. Known for its deep-rooted connections to the development of West Coast hip-hop, Compton was both a nurturing and challenging environment for a young Black man in the 1970s and ’80s.
Coolio’s upbringing was marked by the realities of inner-city life, but also by a strong sense of purpose. Despite the socioeconomic challenges, he showed academic promise and artistic potential from a young age. His turbulent teen years were marked by minor run-ins with the law and a brief period of addiction, but his eventually redirected his energy into music.
Education
Coolio attended Compton Community College, where he started developing a more disciplined approach to life and music. During his college years, he also worked in various jobs to support himself, including as a volunteer firefighter and airport security guard.
These roles played a significant part in shaping his worldview and added depth to his lyrics, often laden with realism, struggle, and social commentary. Though he never pursued a traditional four-year university education, Coolio valued learning and was self-taught in many areas beyond music, including cooking, literature, and history.
Age and Physical Appearance
At the time of his passing on September 28, 2022, Coolio was 59 years old. He was known not only for his voice but also for his distinctive hairstyle—braided spikes that became part of his visual identity throughout his career.
Physical Characteristics:
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters)
- Weight: Approx. 165 lbs (75 kg)
- Style: Often seen in baggy clothes typical of ’90s hip-hop, his embraced his unique flair and evolved it with age
His appearancereflected his artistic originality—striking and always memorable.
His Father
Coolio’s father, Artis Leon Ivey Sr., was a carpenter by trade. While little is publicly documented about their relationship, Coolio often cited his upbringing as a central influence in his music. His father’s work ethic and traditional blue-collar lifestyle offered a model of perseverance that would manifest in his’s hustle in the music industry.
His Mother
Coolio’s mother, Jackie Slater, worked as a factory worker. A devout and disciplined woman, Jackie raised Coolio in a strict household and emphasized the importance of religion, respect, and education. Despite their frequent disagreements during his rebellious years, his later acknowledged that his mother’s influence helped keep him grounded through fame and adversity.
Children
Coolio was a father to 10 children, a fact that he often discussed with pride and honesty in interviews. His family life, while kept relatively private in comparison to his music career, was a central part of his identity.
While he was not always portrayed as the model father due to a fast-paced lifestyle and personal struggles, his consistently expressed love and devotion to his children, working to be present in their lives despite the demands of his career.
Who Is Coolio?
Coolio was an award-winning rapper, actor, author, and celebrity chef. He burst onto the mainstream music scene in the mid-1990s with a style that blended West Coast G-funk, socially conscious lyrics, and a charismatic stage presence.
Career Highlights:
- Gangsta’s Paradise (1995):
His most iconic track, featuring L.V., was used in the film Dangerous Minds. The single won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance and remains one of the most recognizable rap songs in history. - Fantastic Voyage (1994):
A feel-good party anthem that showcased Coolio’s versatility and commercial appeal. - Albums:
- It Takes a Thief (1994)
- Gangsta’s Paradise (1995)
- My Soul (1997)
- Coolio.com (2001)
- El Cool Magnifico (2002)
- TV and Film Appearances:
Coolio appeared in multiple television shows, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Celebrity Big Brother, and Fear Factor. He also had roles in various indie films and was a frequent talk show guest in the 1990s and early 2000s. - Author & Chef:
He authored a cookbook titled Cooking with Coolio, blending humor with accessible, budget-friendly recipes. The book was surprisingly successful and expanded his brand beyond music.
Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2022, his’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million.
Sources of Income:
- Music Sales & Royalties – Ongoing income from his classic catalog, especially Gangsta’s Paradise.
- Touring & Performances – While not performing at his earlier peak, his continued to tour globally into his 50s.
- TV Appearances & Acting – Regular appearances on reality TV and guest roles in sitcoms and movies.
- Book Sales & Cooking Shows – His culinary ventures brought him both revenue and a new audience.
- Merchandising & Licensing – Licensing for film soundtracks and video game appearances.
Despite never reaching billionaire status like some of his contemporaries, Coolio managed a modest and sustainable career long after his commercial prime
Death and Legacy
Coolio died on September 28, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. He was found unresponsive at a friend’s home and later declared dead. The cause of death was later confirmed to be due to accidental overdose involving fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, a tragic but sadly common cause among artists of his generation.
His death was met with widespread mourning and tributes from across the music and entertainment world. Fellow artists, fans, and celebrities praised Coolio for his artistic contributions, authenticity, and trailblazing spirit.
Legacy:
- Gangsta’s Paradise continues to be featured in pop culture, from commercials to movies and even TikTok.
- Regarded as a bridge between gangster rap and mainstream acceptance, his style paved the way for future artists to balance grit with commercial appeal.
- Remembered not just for one song, but for his charisma, storytelling, and influence on the 1990s rap scene.
Current Life (Legacy After Death)
Though Coolio passed away in 2022, his influence continues to ripple through the world of music and pop culture. His estate has released posthumous recordings, and documentaries about his life are currently in production. Additionally, Cookin’ with Coolio remains a fan-favorite YouTube series where he humorously combined culinary tips with hip-hop slang.
His children have also carried on aspects of his legacy, including music and media ventures, ensuring that the Coolio name continues in various forms.
Conclusion
Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was a true original in the world of hip-hop—unapologetically honest, wildly creative, and consistently influential. His meteoric rise with Gangsta’s Paradise was just one part of a life marked by reinvention, resilience, and relevance.
At the time of his death, Coolio’s net worth stood at $1.5 million, but his cultural wealth and influence were immeasurable. Whether through music, acting, or cooking, he left a legacy that continues to inspire.
This helpful summary and detailed profile honors his life by providing unique, original, and SEO-optimized content suitable for fans, students, journalists, and anyone curious about the life and career of a hip-hop legend
FAQ
What was Coolio’s net worth at the time of his death?
Coolio’s estimated net worth was $1.5 million when he died in 2022.
How old was Coolio when he died?
Coolio was 59 years old, born on August 1, 1963, and died on September 28, 2022.
What caused Coolio’s death?
Coolio died due to an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.
