Coolio Musician Age, Height, Net Worth, Songs, and Wiki/Bio
Coolio was an iconic American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his massive 1990s hits like “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage.” His real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr. He was born on August 1, 1963, and he passed away on September 28, 2022.
He was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania. He was later raised in Compton, California. His height was 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m). His weight was approximately 80 kg (176 lbs). He was a Grammy-winning artist who sold over 4.8 million albums in the U.S. alone.
His net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be $1.5 million. He released nine studio albums over his career. His most famous songs include “Gangsta’s Paradise,” “Fantastic Voyage,” and “C U When U Get There.” He recorded under Tommy Boy Records and Warner Bros. Records for his most successful releases. This article shares his full biography, music, and legacy.
Coolio Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Artis Leon Ivey Jr. |
| Stage Name | Coolio |
| Age | 59 (at death in 2022) |
| Birth Date | August 1, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Monessen, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Death Date | September 28, 2022 |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m / 173 cm) |
| Weight | 176 lbs (80 kg) |
| Profession | Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor |
| Career Start | 1987 |
| Famous Works / Songs | “Gangsta’s Paradise,” “Fantastic Voyage,” “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New),” “C U When U Get There” |
| Albums | 8 studio albums including It Takes a Thief (1994), Gangsta’s Paradise (1995), My Soul (1997) |
| Record Label | Tommy Boy Records, Warner Bros. Records |
| Family | Parents: Artis Leon Ivey Sr. (carpenter) and Jackie Slater (factory worker); Siblings: Malieek Straughter (half-brother, actor) |
| Marital Status | Divorced; married to Josefa Salinas (1996–2000); later married Mimi Ivey |
| Children | 10 children, including Artisha, Brandi, Jackie, Artis III, Milan, Darius, Zhane, and twins Kate and Shayne |
| Achievements | Grammy Award, American Music Award, 3 MTV Video Music Awards, 2 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, World Music Award, 6 Grammy nominations |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (at time of death) |
| Income Sources | Music sales, touring, acting, television shows, cookbook |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Average |
| Skin Tone | Dark |
Coolio Real Name
Coolio’s full birth name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr.. He has never used a stage name, performing under a shortened version of his birth name. His middle name, Leon, reflects his family heritage.
Many fans only know him as Coolio. But his real name appears on all his albums. He signed contracts using Artis Leon Ivey Jr. The name Ivey reflects his African-American heritage. His real name adds a personal touch to his legendary status.
He is proud of his name and his roots. He used Coolio as his professional brand. His real name is associated with musical excellence and the global rise of hip-hop.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Artis Leon Ivey Jr. |
| Name Origin | African-American |
Coolio Early Life and Education
Coolio was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Artis Leon Ivey Sr., a carpenter, and Jackie Slater, a factory worker. His parents divorced when he was young. He moved to Compton, California with his mother at the age of eight.
As a child, he suffered from severe asthma. This forced him to stay indoors and spend much of his time reading. He was a highly intelligent student, ranking among the top four in his elementary school. He dreamed of attending Harvard University one day.
His life took a difficult turn when he was promoted from fifth to seventh grade. He struggled to fit in with older students. He joined a gang called the Baby Crips and began bringing weapons to school. At age 17, he spent a few months in prison after being charged with larceny.
Despite these challenges, he attended Compton Community College. He worked various jobs, including as a volunteer firefighter and security guard at Los Angeles International Airport. He also battled a drug addiction and checked himself into a rehabilitation facility.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Monessen, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Raised In | Compton, California, USA |
| Parents | Artis Leon Ivey Sr. (carpenter) and Jackie Slater (factory worker) |
| Childhood | Severe asthma, gifted student |
| Early Struggles | Gang involvement, larceny charge |
| College | Compton Community College |
| Early Jobs | Volunteer firefighter, airport security |
Coolio Parents and Siblings
Coolio’s father was Artis Leon Ivey Sr. He was a carpenter by trade. His mother was Jackie Slater (maiden name Jones). She worked as a factory worker to support the family.
His parents divorced when he was a child. His mother then moved the family to Compton, California, when Coolio was eight years old. He has a half-brother named Malieek Straughter, who is an actor and filmmaker.
Coolio rarely discussed his family publicly. He was private about his personal life. His family background is hardworking and resilient. His parents’ divorce deeply affected his childhood.
| Family Member | Relationship | Occupation / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Artis Leon Ivey Sr. | Father | Carpenter |
| Jackie Slater | Mother | Factory worker【6L†30】 |
| Malieek Straughter | Half-brother | Actor, filmmaker |
Coolio Wife or Girlfriend
Coolio was married twice. His first wife was Josefa Salinas. They were married from 1996 to 2000. They had four children together: daughters Artisha, Brandi, Jackie, and son Artis Ivey III.
His second wife was Mimi Ivey. They married in 2016. They had two children together, including a son named Artis III and a daughter named Kaliyah.
Coolio had a total of ten children with multiple women. His other children include Milan, Darius, Zhane, and twins Kate and Shayne. He valued his privacy in relationships. He rarely discussed his personal life publicly. He was a devoted father to all his children.
| Relationship Field | Details |
|---|---|
| First Spouse | Josefa Salinas (m. 1996–2000) |
| Second Spouse | Mimi Ivey (m. 2016) |
| Children | 10 children |
Coolio Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Coolio was born on August 1, 1963. He passed away on September 28, 2022, at the age of 59. His height was 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). His weight was approximately 176 lbs (80 kg). He had an average body type.
He had black hair and black eyes. He had a dark skin tone. He is known for his distinctive and charismatic appearance. He often wore sunglasses, hats, and baggy clothing. He was a recognizable figure in the music industry.
He remained active through music and performance until his death. His presence on stage was captivating. He is a style icon in his own right.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 59 years old |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 176 lbs (80 kg) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Average |
| Skin Tone | Dark |
Coolio Before Fame
Before fame, Coolio was a music-obsessed teenager. He grew up in Compton, California. He started rapping as a teenager. He began performing at local rap contests in the Los Angeles area.
It was at these contests that someone called him “Coolio Iglesias”. The name was a playful reference to the singer Julio Iglesias. The nickname eventually stuck, and he shortened it to Coolio.
He recorded his first singles in the late 1980s, including “Whatcha Gonna Do?” and “What Makes You Dance (Force Groove)”. In 1991, he joined the gangsta rap group WC and the Maad Circle. They released the album “Ain’t a Damn Thang Changed” later that year. His hard work finally paid off.
| Before Fame Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Rap Contests | Performed in Los Angeles |
| Nickname Origin | “Coolio Iglesias” |
| First Singles | “Whatcha Gonna Do?” and “What Makes You Dance” |
| Joined WC and the Maad Circle | 1991 |
| Debut with Group | Ain’t a Damn Thang Changed (1991) |
Coolio Career
Coolio’s career spans over three decades. He signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1994. His debut solo album, “It Takes a Thief,” was released in July 1994. It went Platinum in the U.S. and Gold in Canada. The single “Fantastic Voyage” was certified 2x Platinum and reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
His biggest success came in 1995. He recorded the song “Gangsta’s Paradise” with R&B artist L.V. for the film “Dangerous Minds”. The song was 1995’s best-selling single on the Billboard Hot 100. It won a Grammy Award and brought hip-hop to a wider audience. His album, also titled “Gangsta’s Paradise,” was released in November 1995.
He released several more albums, including “My Soul” (1997) , “Coolio.com” (2001) , “El Cool Magnifico” (2002) , “The Return of the Gangsta” (2006) , and “Steal Hear” (2008). He also created the reality show “Coolio’s Rules” and the web series “Cookin’ with Coolio.” He published a cookbook titled “Cookin’ with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price”.
| Career Milestone | Year/Details |
|---|---|
| Signed to Tommy Boy Records | 1994 |
| Debut Album | It Takes a Thief (1994) – Platinum |
| Breakthrough Hit | “Fantastic Voyage” – #3 Billboard |
| Global Superstar | “Gangsta’s Paradise” (1995) – Grammy Winner |
| Follow-up Album | My Soul (1997) – Gold |
| Later Albums | Coolio.com (2001), El Cool Magnifico (2002), The Return of the Gangsta (2006) |
| Television & Web Series | Coolio’s Rules, Cookin’ with Coolio |
| Cookbook | Cookin’ with Coolio (2009) |
Coolio Social Media Presence
Coolio was active on social media before his death. He had accounts on Instagram and Twitter (X) . He used these platforms to promote his music, cooking, and business ventures. He also shared behind-the-scenes content.
He was known for his authentic and engaging posts. He connected directly with his fans. His digital presence was managed by himself and his team. He remained a respected figure online.
His legacy is strong on social media. Fans continue to celebrate his music. He is a true digital icon in the hip-hop community.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| @coolio | Not publicly documented | |
| Twitter (X) | @Coolio | Not publicly documented |
Coolio Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2022, Coolio’s net worth was estimated at $1.5 million. This made him one of the most successful rappers of the 1990s. His wealth came from album sales, touring, and royalties.
He sold over 4.8 million albums in the U.S.. His debut album It Takes a Thief went Platinum. His album Gangsta’s Paradise was a massive commercial success. He also earned income from acting and television appearances. His cookbook also generated revenue.
His wealth was well-managed throughout his life. He left behind a financial legacy for his children. He is a financial success story.
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Album Sales | 4.8 million+ albums sold in US |
| Touring | Significant |
| Acting & Television | Over 70 film and TV credits |
| Cookbook | Cookin’ with Coolio (2009) |
| Total Net Worth | $1.5 million |
Coolio Legacy and Impact
Coolio is considered one of the most iconic rappers of the 1990s. He is a pioneer who brought hip-hop to a wider audience. His single “Gangsta’s Paradise” changed the course of hip-hop history.
He won a Grammy Award for “Gangsta’s Paradise” in 1996. He also won an American Music Award, 3 MTV Video Music Awards, 2 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, and a World Music Award. He received 6 Grammy nominations during his career.
His influence extends beyond music. He was a cultural icon and a reality TV star. He also authored a cookbook and hosted a cooking web series. His legacy is one of artistic integrity and innovation. He is a true hip-hop legend.
| Legacy Metric | Stat |
|---|---|
| Years Active | 1987–2022 (35 years) |
| Studio Albums | 8 |
| Grammy Award | 1 |
| Grammy Nominations | 6 |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 3 |
| Records Sold | 4.8 million in US |
Coolio Nationality and Religion
Coolio held American nationality. He was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Compton, California. He was proud of his American identity. His ethnicity is African-American.
His religion is not publicly disclosed. He has not spoken about his religious beliefs. He focused on music, cooking, and art. He is known for his private nature.
He is a universal figure in hip-hop. His music transcends boundaries. His faith and heritage are personal matters.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Current Residence | N/A |
Coolio Future Plans and Goals
Coolio passed away in 2022. He has no future plans. However, his estate continues to manage his legacy. His music continues to be streamed and discovered by new generations.
His goal was always musical expression. He achieved that through his timeless songs. His legacy will continue to inspire for decades. His music is immortal.
| Future Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Legacy Preservation | Managed by his estate |
| Musical Influence | Continues through his recordings |
Coolio Awards and Achievements
Coolio received numerous awards and honors. He won a Grammy Award for “Gangsta’s Paradise” in 1996. He won an American Music Award. He won 3 MTV Video Music Awards. He won 2 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. He won a World Music Award.
He received 6 Grammy Award nominations (1994, 1995, and 1996). He also won 2 Billboard Music Awards (1994, 1996). He won 2 ASCAP Awards (1996, 1997). He won 4 American Online Awards (1996).
His awards reflect his versatility and talent. He is one of the most decorated rappers of the 1990s.
| Award / Achievement | Year / Count |
|---|---|
| Grammy Award | 1 (1996) |
| Grammy Nominations | 6 |
| American Music Award | 1 |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 3 |
| Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards | 2 |
| World Music Award | 1 |
| Billboard Music Awards | 2 |
Coolio Business Ventures
Coolio made smart business moves. He owned the rights to his music catalog. He earned substantial royalties from his music. He also earned from touring and merchandise.
He created a cookbook titled “Cookin’ with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price”. He also hosted a web series called “Cookin’ with Coolio”. He appeared in over 70 films and television shows.
He was a smart businessman. His business ventures were diverse and successful. He built a financial empire.
| Business | Role / Ownership |
|---|---|
| Music Catalog | Owner |
| Cookbook | Author |
| Television Shows | Creator/Host |
| Acting | Over 70 credits |
Coolio Fashion and Brand
Coolio is known for his distinctive and iconic fashion. He often wore sunglasses, hats, and baggy clothing. His most famous hairstyle was his high-top fade with a Jheri curl. This became his signature look. He is a style icon in the hip-hop world.
His brand is musical excellence and cultural influence. He is known for his authentic rap style. His music is timeless. He has influenced countless artists. His style remains iconic.
He is a true style pioneer. His fashion is as timeless as his music. He never followed trends. He created his own unique style.
| Fashion Item | Signature |
|---|---|
| High-top Fade with Jheri Curl | Signature hairstyle |
| Sunglasses | Often worn |
| Baggy Clothing | 1990s hip-hop style |
| Style | Iconic |
Coolio Public Image
Coolio is seen as a hip-hop legend. He is known for his powerful and emotional music. He is respected for his talent and integrity. He is a beloved figure in hip-hop history.
He had a larger-than-life public persona. He was known for his energy and dedication to his fans. He is a role model for aspiring rappers. He was also a private individual.
His public image is positive overall. He is not a controversial figure. He focused on music, cooking, and art. He is a treasured hip-hop icon.
| Public Perception | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Musical Talent | 10 |
| Integrity | 10 |
| Influence | 10 |
| Controversy Level | 1 |
| Fan Respect | 10 |
Coolio Category Section
Coolio is a rapper, songwriter, and record producer. According to the category rule, he falls under Singer / Music Artist. Therefore, we present his songs and discography in bullet points.
Coolio Songs List
- “Gangsta’s Paradise” (feat. L.V.) (1995)
- “Fantastic Voyage” (1994)
- “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” (1996)
- “C U When U Get There” (feat. 40 Thevz) (1997)
- “Too Hot” (1995)
- “Gangsta Walk” (feat. Snoop Dogg) (2006)
- “Sumpin’ New” (1996)
- “Ooh La La” (1997)
- “Geto Highlites” (1997)
- “Smilin'” (1997)
- “For My Sistas” (1997)
- “One Mo” (2001)
- “Knight Fall” (2001)
- “The Devil Is Dope” (2001)
- “Hit ‘Em” (2001)
- “2 Minutes & 21 Seconds of Funk” (1997)
- “From the Bottom 2 the Top” (2009)
- “Whatcha Gonna Do?” (1988)
- “What Makes You Dance (Force Groove)” (1988)
- “Can U Dig It?” (2009)
Coolio Albums / Discography
Studio Albums:
- It Takes a Thief (1994)
- Gangsta’s Paradise (1995)
- My Soul (1997)
- Coolio.com (2001)
- El Cool Magnifico (2002)
- The Return of the Gangsta (2006)
- Steal Hear (2008)
- From the Bottom 2 the Top (2009)
Compilation Albums:
- Very Best (2001)
- Fantastic Voyage: The Greatest Hits (2001)
Coolio Movies / TV Shows
- Dangerous Minds (1995) – Soundtrack (“Gangsta’s Paradise”)
- Space Jam (1996) – Soundtrack
- The Nanny (1996) – Guest appearance
- Batman & Robin (1997) – Soundtrack
- Judgment Day (1999) – Film
- Leprechaun in the Hood (2000) – Film
- Three Days to Vegas (2007) – Film
- Coolio’s Rules (2008) – Reality TV Show
- Cookin’ with Coolio (2008) – Web Series
Coolio Hobbies
- Cooking and creating recipes
- Writing new songs
- Recording music in the studio
- Performing live concerts
- Spending time with his family
- Reading books
- Traveling the world
- Listening to music
Coolio Favorite Things
- Food: Soul food, gourmet cooking
- Color: Not publicly known
- Movie: Not publicly known
- Musician: Not publicly known
- Instrument: Vocals
- Pastime: Making music and cooking
- Drink: Not publicly known
Coolio Interesting Facts
- Coolio was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania, but raised in Compton, California.
- He was a highly intelligent child, ranking among the top four in his elementary school.
- He suffered from severe asthma as a child.
- He spent a few months in prison at age 17 for larceny.
- He worked as a volunteer firefighter and airport security guard before fame.
- His stage name came from being called “Coolio Iglesias” at a rap contest.
- “Gangsta’s Paradise” was 1995’s best-selling single in the US.
- He won a Grammy Award for “Gangsta’s Paradise”.
- He authored a cookbook titled Cookin’ with Coolio.
- He had 10 children from multiple relationships.
FAQs
1. What is Coolio’s real name?
His real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr.
2. How old was Coolio when he died?
He was 59 years old. He died on September 28, 2022.
3. How tall was Coolio?
His height was 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm).
4. What was Coolio’s net worth?
His net worth was estimated at $1.5 million at the time of his death.
5. Was Coolio married?
Yes, he was married twice: to Josefa Salinas (1996–2000) and Mimi Ivey (m. 2016).
6. What are Coolio’s most famous songs?
His most famous songs include “Gangsta’s Paradise,” “Fantastic Voyage,” and “C U When U Get There”.
7. Did Coolio have children?
Yes, he had 10 children.
Conclusion
Coolio, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr., is a true hip-hop legend. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 59. He was born on August 1, 1963 in Monessen, Pennsylvania. His height was 5 feet 8 inches and his weight was 176 lbs. His career started in 1987 and he released his debut solo album in 1994.
He recorded iconic albums like “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “It Takes a Thief” under Tommy Boy Records and Warner Bros. Records. His estimated net worth was $1.5 million. He won a Grammy Award and was nominated for 6 Grammys during his career. He was a pioneer of 1990s hip-hop.
Coolio will be remembered as one of the greatest rappers of all time. His music and cultural impact have inspired millions. His legacy of integrity and authenticity will continue to inspire generations. He is a true legend.
