Born as Artis Leon Ivey Jr., better known as Coolio is a musician, rapper, actor as well as a record producer. In 1994, Coolio signed a record deal with Tommy Boy Records and released his debut solo album, “It Takes a Thief”. His lead single “Fantastic Voyage” climbed up in Billboard Hot 100 and was one of the biggest rap singles of the year.
Coolio success in music opened hi opportunity for his music to be used in the movie Dangerous Minds – he wrote the song “Gangstas Paradise" for the film. Originally "Gangsta's Paradise" wasn't meant to be included on one of Coolio's studio albums, but its extreme success led to Coolio not only putting it on his next album, but also making it the title track. Coolio is a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.