What was Coolio's Net Worth?
Coolio was a Grammy-winning American rapper and actor who had a net worth of $1.5 million at the time of his death. Unfortunately, Coolio died on September 28, 2022, at the age of 59. Coolio was an icon of 1990s pop culture. He became a superstar in 1994 with his debut single, "Fantastic Voyage," which became an instant hit. His 1995 single "Gangsta's Paradise" reached #1 in 10 countries. Coolio released eight studio albums, including hit singles such as "Too Hot" and "C U When U Get There." During his career, Coolio sold over 70 million records and had notable film and television roles.
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Early Life
Coolio was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. on August 1, 1963, in Compton, California. His parents divorced when he was 11 years old, which deeply affected him. He joined a gang called the Baby Crips and carried weapons to school. At age 17, he was jailed for larceny. Coolio attended Compton Community College and got involved in the hip-hop scene as "Coolio Iglesias," frequently appearing on Los Angeles radio.
Music Career
Coolio's early singles included "Whatcha Gonna Do?" and "What Makes You Dance (Force Groove)," followed by joining the group WC and the Maad Circle. In 1994, his first solo album "It Takes a Thief" was released, which included the Platinum single "Fantastic Voyage." In 1995, he won a Grammy for "Gangsta's Paradise," solidifying his place in music history. He released several more albums including "Gangsta's Paradise," "My Soul," and "Coolio.com." His tracks also featured in movie soundtracks like "Clueless" and "Space Jam." Posthumously, the album "Long Live Coolio" was announced, featuring the new single "Tag, You It."
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Film and Television Career
Coolio began acting in 1995 with an appearance on "The Parent 'Hood." He went on to feature in "Sabrina The Teenage Witch," "Duckman," and more. He also sang the theme song for Nickelodeon's "Kenan and Kel." His movie roles included "Batman & Robin" and "Belly." Coolio ventured into reality TV, appearing on "Fear Factor" and "Celebrity Big Brother," among others. He had his own shows, "Coolio's Rules" and "Cookin' with Coolio." More recently, he appeared on "Black Jesus" and voiced characters on "Squidbillies."
Personal Life
Coolio was married to Josefa Salinas from 1996 to 2000 and had ten children with four different women. He served as a spokesperson for Environmental Justice and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. In 2013, he faced legal issues including a default judgment for a lawsuit and misdemeanor domestic battery charges.
In 1998, Coolio was sentenced to probation and fined for an altercation with a store owner. In 2016, he was again sentenced to probation after a loaded gun was found in his carry-on bag by TSA agents.
Coolio passed away in September 2022 due to an overdose of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. He did not have a will, and his estate was inherited by his seven children.
Awards and Nominations
Coolio earned six Grammy nominations, winning Best Rap Solo Performance for "Gangsta's Paradise" in 1996. He also won an American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist and three MTV Video Music Awards in 1996: Best Rap Video, Best Video from a Film for "Gangsta's Paradise," and Best Dance Video for "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)."
