- This page is for the rapper and actor. For the wax figure, see Wax Coolio.
Artis Leon Ivey Jr., better known by his stage name, Coolio (August 1, 1963 - September 28, 2022), was an American rapper, actor and record producer. He guest-starred in Gravity Falls as a wax figure-version of himself.
Career
Though he also did acting, among other things, Coolio was best known for his work as a rap artist, winning five awards for his work in the music industry. After releasing two singles in 1987, Coolio made connections and ended up joining WC and the Maad Circle in 1991. The new music group ended up being a huge success, and in 1994 Coolio started working solo after signing onto Tommy Boy Records. In 1997, Coolio released his new album, My Soul, but when it failed to reach the success as his previous album, he was dropped by his record. He since released albums independently, but didn't win any other awards.
Coolio began his acting career in 1996, when he appeared on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. He appeared in various other programs since, taking on small roles or making cameos, often as himself.
Other work
He also did work with several charity organizations, including the Environmental Justice and Climate Change group, which he and jazz musician Jarez volunteered as spokespersons in July of 2008. The two educated students at historically black colleges and universities about global warming.
Coolio was also a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as both he and his children suffered from asthma.
Since being dropped by his old record, Coolio also became a chef, having released a cookbook and started a web series called Cookin' with Coolio.
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