Coolio net worth of $1.5 million died at 59 year old on September 28, 2022. Grammy-winning rapper and actor Coolio altered 1990s pop culture with “Fantastic Voyage” and “Gangsta’s Paradise.”
Since 1994’s “Fantastic Voyage” and 1995’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” Coolio is recognized worldwide. Hot songs from Coolio’s eight studio albums include “Too Hot” and “C U When U Get There” (featuring 40 Thevz).
| Name | coolio |
| Source of income | Rapper, Actor |
| Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
Over 70 million CDs and 70 movies and TV series included the artist. Notable works include “Judgment Day” (1999), “Leprechaun in the Hood” (2000), and “Three Days to Vegas” (2007). His 2009 cookbook “Cookin’ with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price.” showcased his cooking.
Coolio was arrested several times for drug abuse and legal difficulties despite his success. His continuing influence makes him a cultural figure.
Coolio perished from fentanyl, heroin, and meth overdose on September 28, 2022. The seven children of a willless father received $300,000. Fans love Coolio’s classic tunes and entertainment influence.
Earnings & Financial Data
| Date | Category | Description | Amount |
| 2011 | Earning Turned Donation | Amount won during the Food Network reality series Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off, where he represented the Music Saves Lives organization | $10,000 |
| 1996 | Record Sales | Estimated earnings from his album “My Soul” (certified platinum by RIAA and gold by Music Canada) | $1,050,000 |
| 1994 | Record Sales | Estimated earnings from his album “Gangsta’s Paradise” (certified 2x platinum by RIAA, platinum by Music Canada, and gold by BPI and BVMI) | $2,700,000 |
| 1993 | Record Sales | Estimated earnings from his album “It Takes a Thief” (certified platinum by RIAA and gold by Music Canada) | $1,050,000 |
The table above shows Coolio’s notable earnings from various sources. He donated $10,000 during the Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off in 2011. His 1996, 1994, and 1993 platinum and gold records earned him significant recognition.
Personal Information About coolio
| Full/Real name | Artis Leon Ivey Jr |
| Nickname | Coolio, El Cool Magnifico |
| Birth date | Aug 1, 1963 – Sep 28, 2022 |
| Birthplace | Compton, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Age (As of 2022) | 59 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Father | Artis Leon Ivey Sr. |
| Mother | Jackie Slater |
| Siblings | Malieek Straughter |
| Famous For | As an American rapper |
| Education | Compton Community College |
| Profession | Actor, Musician, Record producer, Rapper, Voice Actor, Screenwriter |
| Active Years | 1987-present |
| @coolio |
Coolio Early life and Education
Artis Leon Ivey Jr. was born in Compton, California, to factory worker Jacki Slater and carpenter Artis Leon Ivey Sr. on August 1, 1963. He faced the trials of growing up in a shattered family after his parents divorced when he was 11. Coolio’s talent and resilience would influence his future despite the challenges.
Coolio’s association with the Baby Crips street gang throughout school was a difficult period. However, fate had other plans.
His studies led him to Compton Community College, where he renewed his high school enthusiasm for rap and became involved in the local hip-hop scene. Under the name “Coolio Iglesias,” he entered contests and became a regular on KDAY, a popular Los Angeles radio station.
Coolio’s early years were difficult. He entered a rehab facility to address his drug addiction. After treatment, Coolio worked as a firefighter and airport security guard while pursuing his rap career.
Coolio received a severe theft sentence at 17. Despite other problems, he sought therapy for crack cocaine addiction. Despite these obstacles, Coolio returned to music and worked odd jobs to escape addiction.
Family was important to Coolio. His brother Malieek Straughter also became an actor, showing their love of the arts. After dating Josefa Salinas in 1987, Coolio married her in 1996. Artisha, Brandi, Artis, and Jackie were their four children, which brought delight and challenges. Their journey turned in 2000, resulting to divorce.
Coolio’s early life shows how tenacity, talent, and enthusiasm can overcome adversity.
Coolio Physical Appearance
Coolio possesses a distinctive physical appearance, characterized by:
| Eye color | Dark Brown |
| Hair color | Dark Brown |
| Height | 5’7″, 172cm |
| Weight | 80Kg, 176lbs |
| Body Length | 19.25, 21, 22.75, 25 |
These data show the artist’s height and attributes. Read the whole article to learn about Coolio’s life.
Coolio Personal Life
| Marital status | Divorce |
| Spouse | 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) |
Coolio and Josefa Salinas have 10 children, one of them was with his ex-wife. His family extended to include five grandchildren. Beyond his music career, Coolio served as a spokesperson for Environmental Justice and Climate Change, collaborating with saxophonist Jarez, and supported the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
However, his personal life was difficult:
- Legal issues: A woman sued Coolio in 2013 for inappropriate behaviour. He faced misdemeanour domestic assault charges later that year for an alleged fight with his girlfriend.
- Past Legal Incidents: He was sentenced to six months probation and a $17,000 fine for assaulting a business owner during an attempted theft in 1998. After Los Angeles International Airport uncovered a loaded gun in his carry-on luggage in 2016, Coolio was probationed again.
- Unexpected Death: Coolio was found lifeless on a friend’s Los Angeles bathroom floor in September 2022 and pronounced dead. An investigation found no misconduct. In April 2023, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine overdose killed. Coolio died without a will, leaving seven children $300,000.
Coolio’s life showed the complexity of stardom and personal hardships.
The Music Career of Coolio
Coolio began his career with late 1980s hits including “Whatcha Gonna Do?” and “What Makes You Dance (Force Groove)”. He joined WC and the Maad Circle in 1991 and was on “Ain’t a Damn Thang Changed.”
He changed in 1994 when he joined with Tommy Boy Records.His debut solo album, “It Takes a Thief,” went Platinum in the U.S. and Gold in Canada in July. “Fantastic Voyage” was 2x Platinum and #3 on “Billboard” Hot 100.
In 1995, Coolio recorded “Gangsta’s Paradise” with R&B artist LV for “Dangerous Minds.” Coolio earned a Grammy for 1995’s best-selling “Billboard” Hot 100 hit. It made “Billboard”‘s Greatest Songs of All-Time, VH1’s 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs, and “NME”‘s 100 Best 1990s Songs.
Coolio’s second album, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” was 2x Platinum in the U.S. and charted abroad. The album included “Too Hot” and “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New).” Tommy Boy Records released him despite “My Soul,” his third album’s 1997 Platinum certification.
Other Coolio albums include “Coolio.com” (2001), “El Cool Magnifico” (2002), “The Return of the Gangsta” (2006), “Steal Hear” (2008), and “From the Bottom 2 the Top” (2009). He appeared on “Clueless” (1995), “Space Jam” (1996), “Eddie” (1996), and “Nothing to Lose” (1997) soundtracks.
The 2023 album “Long Live Coolio” includes the new track “Tag, You It.” He left an unforgettable mark on music.
Film and Television Career
“The Parent ‘Hood.” was Coolio’s 1995 acting debut. The following three years, he featured on “All That,” “Space: Above and Beyond,” “Sabrina The Teenage Witch,” “Duckman,” “Muppets Tonight,” and “The Nanny.” He voiced Nickelodeon’s “Kenan and Kel” (1996–2000) theme song and appeared in “Batman & Robin” (1997), “An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn” (1997), and “Belly” (1998)
Coolio appeared on “Fear Factor” (2001), “Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off” (2012), “Celebrity Wife Swap” (2013), and “Celebrity Big Brother” (2009). His 2008 TV roles included Oxygen’s “Coolio’s Rules” and My Damn Channel’s “Cookin’ with Coolio”.
After “BTS: American Hustle Life” (2014), Coolio featured in “Black Jesus” (2014). Adult Swim “Squidbillies” (2017) characters were voiced by him. Coolio’s film and TV career shows his versatility.
Coolio Achievement and Awards
| Award | Category | Year |
| Grammy Award | Best Rap Performance for “Gangsta’s Paradise” | 1996 |
| American Music Award | Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist | 1996 |
| Billboard Music Award | Male Solo Rap Artist of the Year | 1996 |
| MTV Video Music Award | Best Rap Video for “Gangsta’s Paradise” | 1996 |
| Soul Train Music Award | Best Rap Album for “Gangsta’s Paradise” | 1996 |
| Kids’ Choice Award | Favorite Male Singer | 1997 |
Coolio has been nominated for MTV Europe Music Awards, BET Awards, and Image Awards, indicating his lasting impact on music.
Coolio’s Net Worth Impacted by Child Support Battles
Coolio faced financial challenges due to child support obligations for his numerous children, significantly impacting his net worth. Public records, as reported by The Sun, indicate that the rapper had at least ten children, with four from his ex-wife, Josefa Salinas. His net wealth was squeezed by three child support cases from ex-partners.
LA Department of Child Support Services filed the first child support action for Juanita Randle in February 1999. The case was resolved after five years. In 2010, Coolio engaged in a legal dispute with Taleya White, mother of his child Darius Ivey, a musician like his late father. The case was dismissed in January 2012, likely after the resolution of child maintenance payments.
In another case in 2010, Annabella Bellesi, a former love interest, took Coolio to court in a two-year child support battle. Bellesi stated to TMZ that she filed for child support to qualify for Medi-Cal in California. The court ordered Coolio to pay $300 in child support for his infant son, Christopher Kal El Ivey Bellesi. Legal documents indicated Coolio’s monthly earnings were $1,387 at that time. These child support battles added financial strain to Coolio’s net worth.
Coolio’s Net Worth Exceeded $1 Million Before His Passing
Coolio died with $1.5 million, despite his constant travels. He toured Europe and the US this summer, performing at the ERA Music Festival in Florida. In his final weeks, Coolio performed at the 24th Street Stage in Virginia Beach on September 4, the Denny Sanford Premier Centre in South Dakota, and The Caverns in Tennessee.
Coolio announced a September 30 event at Camelback Ranch in Arizona with Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Tone Loc, and Young M.C. for his I Love The 90s Tour. Another event was scheduled for November 18 at Pennsylvania’s PPL Centre. Coolio’s net worth showed his music business legacy despite his death.
Beautiful tributes to Coolio after his death
Famous people paid respect to Coolio on social media after his tragic death. Vanilla Ice (Robert Matthew Van Winkle) is grieving his pal. Vanilla Ice said he couldn’t sleep after hearing the news and expressed deep sorrow, “My sympathies are with the family. Totally devastated. His friendship was great.” “Ice, Ice Baby” singer stated he was shocked and emotional.
Michelle Pfeiffer, 64, shared “Gangsta’s Paradise” on Instagram in tribute. She grieved the gifted artist, “Very sad about @coolio. A premature death.” Pfeiffer praised Coolio’s Grammy-winning single off “Dangerous Minds” in 1995, which helped the film thrive. “Rest in Power, Artis Leon Ivey Jr.” Pfeiffer remarked, offering his family love and light and remembering Coolio’s thoughtfulness. In “Dangerous Minds,” Pfeiffer plays strict California high school teacher LouAnne Johnson, a former Marine.
Ice Cube offered his sympathies and noted Coolio’s remarkable rise to music’s top. “Sad news,” stated Ice Cube. I witnessed his industry dominance. Rest Easy.” He received a Grammy, two MTV Video Music Awards, and a Billboard Music Award for the song/album.
Coolio Cause of Death
Manager Jarez Posey told reports that paramedics first feared Coolio suffered a heart attack. No official cause of death has been reported as of press time. The Los Angeles Police Department told NBC that Coolio’s death was not suspicious.
Coolio died a millionaire.
After dying at 59, musician Coolio left a million dollars. Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., his parents were carpenters and manufacturing workers. After graduating, Coolio attended Compton Community College.
Through varied experiences, Coolio rose to popularity with a $1.5 million net worth. He was an airport security officer and firefighter before becoming a musician. He said his firefighting training helped him overcome addiction. “Firefighting training required discipline,” he told the LA Times in 1994. We ran daily. “I didn’t drink, smoke, or do my usual.”
The late 1980s hip-hop stations played Coolio’s debut single, “Watcha Gonna Do,” which was popular. Working with WC and the Maad Circle on 1991’s “Ain’t a D*mn Thang Changed,” was significant.
The 1994 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Fantastic Voyage,” from Coolio’s first solo album, “It Takes a Thief,” reached No. 3. In 1995, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” his breakout, won a Grammy for Best Solo Rap Performance. “Dangerous Minds” recycled Stevie Wonder’s 1976 “Pastime Paradise.”
Five Grammy nominations and almost one billion YouTube views for “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio. He thanked followers for their support through good and terrible times in a heartfelt video.
Besides music, Coolio appeared in “Martin,” “The Parent ‘Hood,” “Dangerous Minds,” “Batman & Robin,” and “The Nanny.” A cookbook and food series increased his popularity. Coolio died unexpectedly at a friend’s residence. The cause is unknown.
Where is Coolio now?
Coolio lives in Compton, his hometown. While pursuing his music career, he lives in Compton. Engaging in tours across various countries, he frequently organizes concerts for his audience.
FAQs about coolio net worth
1. What was Coolio’s death net worth?
Coolio’s death net worth was calculated at $1.5 million.
2. How did Coolio get rich?
Coolio got rich via music. “Fantastic Voyage” and “Gangsta’s Paradise,” plus album sales, helped him financially. He also made money from a cookbook, reality shows, and movies and TV.
3. What were Coolio’s main income sources?
Coolio made money via his number-one albums, royalties from “Gangsta’s Paradise,” reality shows like “Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off,” and his cookbook, “Cookin’ with Coolio.”
4. Did legal difficulties hurt Coolio’s wealth?
Coolio was arrested and sued for child support throughout his life. Due to financial settlements and support commitments, his net worth may have suffered.
5. How did Coolio’s financial situation change over the years?
Coolio was wealthy in the 1990s. Legal issues, child support disputes, and personal issues may have affected his net worth over time.
6. What killed Coolio, and did it affect his estate?
Coolio died of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine overdose in September 2022. No will existed upon his death. Seven children inherited his $300,000 inheritance.
7. Did Coolio have non-music businesses?
Yes, Coolio ventured outside music. Entrepreneurship was evident in his cookbook, reality shows, and film and TV appearances.
8. How did Coolio’s entertainment efforts affect his legacy?
Coolio’s Grammys, film roles, and reality show participation cemented his fame. His influence on 1990s pop culture and rap endures despite personal struggles.
Wrapping up
Due to his revolutionary music career and many activities, Coolio’s net worth at death was estimated at $1.5 million. The 1990s rapper, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., became famous for “Fantastic Voyage” and “Gangsta’s Paradise.” His diverse career brought him cash from record sales, royalties, and other sources.
Coolio showed tenacity and adaptability despite legal difficulties and addiction. Beyond music, he published a cookbook, appeared in reality shows, and acted in films and TV.
The end of an era came in September 2022 when Coolio died of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine overdose. His influence on 1990s pop culture and the entertainment business lingers on. His legal issues and personal troubles contribute to the story of a musician whose influence transcended the charts and left a rich musical legacy.
