Coolio, rapper of 'Gangsta's Paradise,' dies at 59

Coolio, the rapper best known for the hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” has died at 59.

The news was first reported by TMZ and confirmed to various American news websites by Coolio’s long-time manager Jarez Posey. No cause of death was given.

According to reports, Coolio went to the bathroom at his friend’s house in Los Angeles. When he didn’t come out for a while, the friend kept calling for him, eventually breaking open the door. He was found laying on the floor.

Paramedics were called to the house and the rapper was pronounced dead. There were no signs of foul play.

The entertainment website added that no drugs or drug paraphernalia were found on the scene and that an autopsy and toxicology test will be done to determine the official cause of death.

Raised in Compton, the rapper born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., entered the hip-hop scene in the late ‘80s.

“Gangsta’s Paradise,” Coolio’s Grammy-winning hit from 1995 was also used in the Michelle Pfeiffer film “Dangerous Minds.”

His song “Aw, Here it Goes!” was used as the opening song for the Nickelodeon series “Kenan and Kel.” He also released a cooking show and cookbook both titled “Cookin’ with Coolio.”

Coolio’s other hit singles include “Fantastic Voyage,” “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New),” and “C U When U Get There.” —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA News