Coolio’s death rocked the entertainment world on Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow hip-hop artists, actors, and other stars who were saddened to hear the news. Coolio died on Sept. 28 in Los Angeles at the age of 59, his manager, Jarez Posey, confirmed to Rolling Stone. Coolio’s cause of death is unknown, but just days before his death, the rapper was still performing, including his last public appearance at Riot Fest in Chicago on Sept. 18.
Over the course of Coolio’s career, the accomplished rapper released eight studio albums, earned six Grammy nominations, and took home a trophy in 1996 for best rap solo performance for his chart-topping hit “Gangsta’s Paradise.” Coolio’s other notable achievements include creating the iconic theme song for Nickelodeon’s “Kenan & Kel,” landing a spot on the “Dangerous Minds” soundtrack, and appearing in various other films and TV shows – including “The Nanny” and “Charmed.”
Since news of his death broke, celebrities have shared numerous tributes across social media. Weird Al Yankovic, who famously created his “Amish Paradise” parody inspired by Coolio, simply shared a photo of the two embracing captioned, “RIP Coolio.” Others like Kenan Thompson first reacted to the news in an Instagram Story where he wrote, “Wait, now Coolio!!!” before reposting a tribute.
See how other celebrities are mourning Coolio ahead.
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Getty / Ron Galella
Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell
In an Instagram Story, Thompson wrote, “Damn homie!!! Rest in power!!!” above a picture of Coolio. Meanwhile, Mitchell wrote a touching message in an Instagram post featuring videos of Coolio and a photo of him with the late rapper. “Rest in Heaven @coolio ! We recently spoke a few months ago laughing and having such a good time,” he wrote in a caption. “So many great memories with you bro! That time first meeting you on ‘All That’ cracking up in a ‘Good Burger’ sketch then you bringing me on stage after your performance to freestyle. Then later creating the legendary ‘Kenan and Kel’ theme song for @kenanthompson and I.”
Mitchell concluded his post by writing, “. . . Last thing you told me when we last spoke a few months ago you told me you loved how I keep things positive and to keep doing that. I will Coolio and thank you for sharing your light and your talent with us all and thank you for inspiring so many in your lyrics. Be at peace in the hands of our Heavenly Father and praying God comforts your family during this time. Much love bro!!! ??????.”
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Weird Al Yankovic
“RIP Coolio,” Yankovic simply captioned an Instagram post with a photo of him hugging the late rapper.
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Melissa Joan Hart
Hart, who once worked with Coolio when he guest starred on “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” wrote in an Instagram post, “I had the amazing honor to work and play with @coolio a few times and he was always down for a chat, a complete gentleman and a ton of fun to hang with. What a loss! Rest In Peace!”
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MC Hammer
“One of the nicest dudes I’ve known,” MC Hammer tweeted. “Good people. R.I.P. Coolio ? ? ?.”
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LL Cool J
“Rest in power my brother . @Coolio. Love & Respect,” he tweeted.
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Flavor Flav
“Coolio was the West Coast Flavor Flav,” the rapper tweeted. “He loved telling everyone that. We was supposed to perform together this Tuesday. #RIP my friend.”
Everett Collection / Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection
Chuck D
“Also born on Aug 1st …Coolio was a @hiphopgods MC from LowProfile on up,” Chuck D tweeted. “We did a parody film Burn Hollywood Burn 1997 where I threw in acting because we sought the score & soundtrack. We were called the Brothers @Coolio had plenty funny real stories #RestInBeats.”
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DJ Premier
“Since 1988 we connected,” DJ Premier tweeted with a photo of the late rapper. “Sleep Peacefully Coolio. A Legend and Icon. ???.”
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Snoop Dogg
“Gangstas paradise. R. I. P. ??? ? ♿️?. @coolio,” Snoop Dogg wrote alongside a photo of him and the late rapper via Instagram.
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Ice Cube
“This is sad news,” the rapper tweeted. “I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio.”
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Questlove
“Peaceful Journey Brother. #Coolio,” Questlove wrote alongside a photo of the late rapper in an Instagram post.
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The Alchemist
“I toured with Coolio in 93 when we were both signed to Tommy Boy,” The Alchemist tweeted. “Promo radio tour. The Whooliganz (Me ,Scotty, Dj Pen), Coolio , his dj Dobbs The Wino and his hype man Billy Boy . & Leshaun too. I was 15. So many stories. I even got some footage. Rest In Peace Coolio ?.”
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Michelle Pfeiffer
Pfeiffer, who starred in Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” (the lead single off the “Dangerous Minds” soundtrack) music video in 1995, wrote in an Instagram post, “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio. A life cut entirely too short. As some of you may know I was lucky enough to work with him on Dangerous Minds in 1995. He won a Grammy for his brilliant song on the soundtrack – which I think was the reason our film saw so much success. I remember him being nothing but gracious. 30 years later I still get chills when I hear the song. Sending love and light to his family. Rest in Power, Artis Leon Ivey Jr. ❤️.”
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Martin Lawrence
“My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family of
@Coolio ?? #rip,” the actor tweeted.
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Rob Schneider
“Rest In Peace Coolio! A true legend and nice man,” Schneider tweeted.” My heart goes out to your family and friends. So glad we got to hang and have some laughs.”
