Coolio was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. on August 1, 1963 in Pennsylvania. His family moved to Compton California where he grew up in the shadow of the gangs. He was otherwise an intelligent and motivated student who learned how to read from the Pelton Power Program for Kids. After graduating from high school, he went on to a community college, but by then he was already rapping and knew the direction of his future life. He was able to find a regular spot on an LA rap station, the release of his first single, "Watcha Gonna Do," becoming a local hit. After brief drug addiction he straightened himself out and became a forest fire fighter, then returned to the rap scene with renewed intensity. Acquiring a record label contract, he released his debut album in 1994, called "It Takes a Thief." One single from the album, "Fantastic Voyage," rose to number #3 on the pop charts, and pulled the album up along with it into the Top Ten. Eventually, "It Takes A Thief" went platinum and was became popular with a wide ranging audience including hardcore rappers, and those who wanted a more intelligent and smoother sound.

Coolio's second album, "Gangsta's Paradise," was a collaboration with a gospel singer, and was influenced by a Stevie Wonder song, "Pastime Paradise." Gangsta's Paradise was released as a single and became the number #1 hit single of 1995, earning Coolio his first Grammy for best rap solo performance. The album, itself, went triple-platinum and spawned follow-up hits. Coolio became an International star with his gentler, more thoughtful approach to the art and soon he was in front of the camera, debuting in a comedy film, "Phat Beach" (1996). Within a short period of time, Coolio was conquering the Award ceremonies. He had three Grammy nominations over a three-year period, won an American Music Award, captured three MTV awards, two Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, as well as two ASCAP Awards in 1996 and 1997, two Billboard Awards, and four American Online Awards. In 1997, he won a Magazine Music Poll (Playboy). Coolio has since made numerous guest appearances on television, appearing on the silver screen in major feature films, including "Judgement Day," "Batman and Robin," and "Daredevil." 15hqqh.

Auctions

Home   History   50 Cent   Aaliyah   Afrika Bambaataa   Akon   Ashanti   Beyonce   Black Eyed Peas   Bonethugs-N-Harmony   Bow Wow   Brooke Valentine   Busta Rhymes   Chris Brown   Ciara   Coolio   D4L   Daddy Yankee   Dem Franchize Boyz   Don Omar   Dr. Dre   DMX   Eminem   Foxy Brown   Fugees   Jboog   Juelz Santana   K-os   Lil Boosie   Lil Fizz   Lil Flip   Lil Kim   Lil Romeo   Lil Wayne   Missy Elliott   Nas   Nelly   Notorious B.I.G.   Omarion   Pretty Ricky   Puff Daddy   Raz-B   R Kelly   Rick Ross   Run-DMC   Sean Paul   2Pac   Twista   Usher   Warren G   Willy Denzey   Young Jeezy   Yung Joc  



Free counters provided by Andale.