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Coolio Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth1 August 1963

Age59 (at time of death)

BirthplaceTorrance, California, U.S.

ProfessionRapper/Singer; Actor; Chef; Social Activist

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusDivorced

SpouseJosefa Salinas (m. 1996–div. 2000)

FamilyFather: Artis Leon Ivey Sr; Mother: Jakie Slater; Children: 10

Net worth$1.5 million (as of 2022)

Coolio Biography

Artis Leon Ivey Jr., known professionally as Coolio, was an American rapper, actor, chef and activist best known for the 1995 global hit "Gangsta's Palace"

Early life and background

Artis Leon Ivey Jr. was born on August 1, 1963, in Torrance, California. Raised in a household where his mother and stepfather kept an extensive record collection, he developed an early interest in music. As a child he was an avid reader and spent a great deal of time in the local library. He also struggled with asthma as a youngster.

He moved from Torrance to Compton during his youth and for a time became involved with the local gang scene. After witnessing violence among fellow gang members he distanced himself from that life. He has spoken about personal struggles with substance use in his teens and later took steps to change his life, including joining a firefighter program and holding a security position at Los Angeles International Airport for a period.

Career

Coolio began recording in the late 1980s, with an early single dating to 1987. He joined WC and the Maad Circle in his early years as a rapper and later launched a solo career. His debut solo album, It Takes a Thief, achieved Platinum sales and reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200.

He reached worldwide fame with the 1995 single "Gangsta's Paradise," which topped charts across multiple countries and was featured in the film Dangerous Minds. The song earned him major industry recognition, including the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1996 and multiple MTV Video Music Awards honors for his videos.

Coolio expanded into acting and television, appearing on shows such as Martin in the mid-1990s and playing himself in the film Phat Beach. He also worked as a voice actor on the animated series Futurama and maintained a public profile as a television personality and performer.

Outside of music he pursued culinary interests, publishing a cookbook titled Cookin' with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price in 2009, which was noted as a bestseller. He frequently spoke about his passion for cooking and shared recipes and tips in media appearances.

Public profile

Coolio was also active in several public causes. He served as a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, speaking about the importance of diagnosis and treatment for asthma, a condition he personally experienced. He participated in environmental outreach through an Environmental Justice and Climate Change campaign focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He performed for UN peacekeeping troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2002.

Throughout his career he collaborated with notable hip-hop artists and used his platform to call for unity in the music community. His trademark long braided hairstyle became a recognizable part of his public image.

Personal life and family

Coolio married radio personality Josefa Salinas in 1996; the marriage ended in divorce in 2000. He was the father of ten children—four sons and six daughters. His parents were Artis Leon Ivey Sr., a carpenter, and Jakie Slater, who worked in a factory.

His public life included legal troubles over the years, including arrests related to drugs, weapons and other incidents. He also faced multiple child support legal actions that, according to available information, were settled.

Death

Coolio died on September 28, 2022, in Los Angeles at the age of 59. He was found unconscious in a friend's home and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Most reports list cardiac arrest as the cause of death; some accounts noted that an asthma episode may have been involved.

Latest updates

In 2020 Coolio was listed as a running mate in a non-mainstream ticket for the U.S. presidential election. He remained active as a performer into the 2010s and continued to be associated with music, food and advocacy work until his death.

Legacy

Coolio is best remembered for bringing a mainstream, crossover hit to global audiences with "Gangsta's Paradise," for his distinctive image and voice, and for a varied career that spanned music, television, cookbooks and public advocacy. His work reached chart-topping success internationally and left a lasting imprint on 1990s hip-hop culture.
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Recent Work

Cookin' with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price

A cookbook released in 2009 that showcased Coolio's interest in cooking and budget-friendly recipes.

2009
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Career Highlights

  1. Broke through internationally with the 1995 single "Gangsta's Paradise"
  2. Won the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance
  3. Debut solo album It Takes a Thief certified Platinum and reached the top 10 on Billboard 200
  4. Performed for UN peacekeeping troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2002
  5. Worked as a voice actor on Futurama
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Net Worth

$1.5 million (as of 2022)

Figures are editorial estimates based on publicly available reporting and may change as new information emerges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Coolio born?

1 August 1963

What is Coolio known for?

Rapper/Singer; Actor; Chef; Social Activist

What is Coolio’s marital status?

Divorced

Who is Coolio married to?

Josefa Salinas (m. 1996–div. 2000)

What is Coolio’s net worth?

$1.5 million (as of 2022)