Coolio is an accomplished American rapper, actor, record producer, and chef. This 54-year-old musician has sold over 17 million records worldwide. The Grammy Award-winning rapper is best known for his 1995 single hit “Gangsta’s Paradise” for the film Dangerous Minds, as well as the theme song for Nickelodeon’s 1990s series Kenan & Kel.
Quick Facts
| Celebrated Name: | Coolio |
|---|---|
| Real Name/Full Name: | Artis Leon Ivey Jr. |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age: | 61 years old |
| Birth Date: | 1 August 1963 |
| Birth Place: | Compton, California, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 1.73 m |
| Weight: | 70 kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Divorced |
| Wife/Spouse (Name): | Josefa Salinas (m. 1996–2000) |
| Children: | Yes ( Grtis Ivey, Artisha Ivey, Brandi Ivey, Darius Ivey, Zhaneand Ivey, Shayne Ivey, Jackie Ivey, Milan Ivey, Artis Ivey, Kate Ivey) |
| Profession: | American rapper, actor, chef, and record producer |
| Net Worth in 2022: | $300 thousand |
| Brands | NA |
Coolio Biography
Artis Leon Ivey Jr was born on August 1, 1963, in Compton, California. Artis Leon Ivey Sr., his father, was a carpenter, and his mother, Jacki Slater, worked in a factory. He comes from a broken family; his parents divorced when he was 11 years old. While in school, he joined the Baby Crips street gang and caused havoc in the school.
He went to Compton Community College, where he renewed his high school interest in rap. He was sentenced to prison for several months for money theft when he was 17 years old. Coolio also developed a crack cocaine addiction, for which he sought treatment. He did odd jobs to distract himself from his addiction while returning to his music career.
Malieek Straughter, Coolio’s brother, is also an actor. He began dating Josefa Salinas in 1987 and married her nine years later in 1996. Artisha, Brandi, Artis, and Jackie are their four children. In 2000, the couple divorced.
Coolio Age, Height, Weight
Coolio was born on August 1, 1963, and is 61 years old as of 2024. His height is 1.73 meters and his weight is 70 kilograms.
Career
Coolio began performing in high school and was frequently featured on KDAY, a Los Angeles rap radio station. In 1987, he released his first singles, “Watch Gonna Do” and “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” to a cold reception. He then joined the L.A. rap group WC and the Maad Circle to help them release their first successful album.
Later, in 1994, he released his first solo album, “It Takes a Thief,” from which the single “Fantastic Voyage” became a huge success. In 1995, Coolio and R&B singer LV collaborated on “Gangsta’s Paradise,” one of the unbeaten raps of all time. In 1996, he recorded a theme song for the four-season Nickelodeon TV show Kenan & Kel. Coolio’s albums from 2001 to 2008 did not chart, except a single “Gansta Walk” with Snoop Dogg in 2006.
Aside from performances, Coolio has appeared in several HBO films and series. His reality shows “Coolio Rules” and cooking web series “Cooking with Coolio” performed exceptionally well in his numerous television appearances. He was successful, as evidenced by appearances on shows such as “Celebrity Cook-Off” and “Celebrity Chopped.”
Coolio’s Net Worth in 2024
Coolio has an estimated net worth of $300,000 as of March 2024, which may surprise some people. Only a few songs from Coolio’s nine studio albums topped the charts. He also appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother in 2009, and then on Ultimate Big Brother in 2010. In 2012, he finished second in the reality series Rachel vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off. He was awarded $10,000.
Coolio Awards And Accomplishments
Coolio’s unwavering attitude has earned him numerous awards. He was nominated for six Grammy Awards, winning one in 1996 for Best Rap Solo Performance. In 1996 and 1997, he received three MTV Video Awards, four American Online Awards, and two ASCAP Awards. He also won the 1997 Playboy Music poll and the 1996 and 1997 Billboard Music Awards.
Coolio Wife, Marriage
Coolio has been married to four different women, with whom he has six children. He is said to have set a poor example for his children. Despite his difficult personal life, the philanthropist within him is unaffected. He is a representative for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, as well as for Climate Change, to raise awareness of its effects in schools.
