Professionally known as Coolio, Artis Leon Ivey Jr. (August 1, 1963 – September 28, 2022) was an American rapper.
In the mid-to-late 1990s, Coolio found worldwide popularity as a solo artist with his albums It Takes a Thief (1994), Gangsta’s Paradise (1995), and My Soul. Coolio first gained notoriety as a member of the gangsta rap group WC and the Maad Circle (1997).
Coolio released his first single, “Whatcha Gonna Do?” in 1987. In 1988, he also recorded “What Makes You Dance (Force Groove)” with Nu-Skool. Coolio made connections in the Los Angeles rap scene and ended up joining the group WC and the Maad Circle, led by rapper WC, in 1991. He is a credited co-contributor on the group’s debut album Ain’t a Damn Thang Changed, including on the single “Dress Code”.
Coolio signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1994 and released his debut solo album It Takes a Thief. The lead single, “Fantastic Voyage,” was heavily played on MTV and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Fantastic Voyage” would go on to become one of the year’s biggest rap singles. “County Line” and “I Remember” are two other minor hits from the album. It Takes a Thief peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, earning it Platinum certification. The album was praised for taking a humorous and lighthearted approach to the often violent and profane themes of typical gangsta rap.
Who is Coolio wife Josefa Salinas?
Josefa Salinas is the ex-wife of Gangsta’s Paradise rapper Coolio. She met Coolio in 1987 and dated him for nearly ten years before marrying him. Josefa had made a name for herself in the California music industry and was well-known as a media personality.
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