Rapper. Emerging from the L.A. rap scene of the late 1980's, he became a member of the hip hop group, WC and the Maad Circle. Three years after joining the group, he left to pursue a solo career, releasing his inaugural album, 1994's "It Takes a Thief." The moderate success of the album and its lead single, "Fantastic Voyage," launched his career, taking him from a regional success to national recognition. The following year he released what was perhaps his most recognized hit, "Gangsta's Paradise." The song, originally written as part of the soundtrack to the film "Dangerous Minds," topped Billboard's Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks, becoming 1995's most successful single released by any artist within the United States. The following year Coolio was honored with a Grammy for the Best Rap Solo Performance for the song. Seizing upon the success of "Gangsta's Paradise" he reused the stand alone song on its eponymous album in 1995. The album "Gangsta's Paradise" went double platinum, selling over two million units across the globe. Subsequent work found him partnering with several other well known rappers such as Biz Markie and the Wu-Tang Clan to release a compilation album in support of AIDS awareness in the African American community. Though his third solo album was well received, it never reached the critical acclaim of "Gangsta's Paradise." His next several musical endeavors failed to chart. Other than his musical contributions, he was known for appearances on several well-known television programs including the reality series, "Celebrity Big Brother" and "Wife Swap." Other small roles came in programs such as "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Gravity Falls," and "The Nanny."
Rapper. Emerging from the L.A. rap scene of the late 1980's, he became a member of the hip hop group, WC and the Maad Circle. Three years after joining the group, he left to pursue a solo career, releasing his inaugural album, 1994's "It Takes a Thief." The moderate success of the album and its lead single, "Fantastic Voyage," launched his career, taking him from a regional success to national recognition. The following year he released what was perhaps his most recognized hit, "Gangsta's Paradise." The song, originally written as part of the soundtrack to the film "Dangerous Minds," topped Billboard's Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks, becoming 1995's most successful single released by any artist within the United States. The following year Coolio was honored with a Grammy for the Best Rap Solo Performance for the song. Seizing upon the success of "Gangsta's Paradise" he reused the stand alone song on its eponymous album in 1995. The album "Gangsta's Paradise" went double platinum, selling over two million units across the globe. Subsequent work found him partnering with several other well known rappers such as Biz Markie and the Wu-Tang Clan to release a compilation album in support of AIDS awareness in the African American community. Though his third solo album was well received, it never reached the critical acclaim of "Gangsta's Paradise." His next several musical endeavors failed to chart. Other than his musical contributions, he was known for appearances on several well-known television programs including the reality series, "Celebrity Big Brother" and "Wife Swap." Other small roles came in programs such as "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Gravity Falls," and "The Nanny."
Bio by: The Kentucky Hill Hunter
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