Artis Leon Ivey Jr., better known as Coolio, in New York in 2015. Image by Kris Connor/Getty Images

Among those paying tribute is Michelle Pfeiffer, whose 1995 film Gangsta’s Paradise contained the popular song of the same name

The Grammy-winning artist Coolio, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 59, has received tributes.

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The rapper’s manager, Sheila Finegan, confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “We are grieved by the loss of our great friend and client, Coolio, who died away this afternoon. Coolio’s true name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr.

“Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please keep Coolio’s family in your prayers and thoughts.

Michelle Pfeiffer, an actress who played the lead in the 1995 movie Dangerous Minds for which Coolio wrote the multi-award-winning smash song Gangsta’s Paradise, expressed her “heartbreak” after learning of his passing.

Pfeiffer wrote: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio,” in an Instagram post. a life that was tragically cut short.

“30 years later, I still get chills when I hear the song,” she said. I’m sending his family much love and light.

Former member of the hip-hop group NWA Ice Cube described Coolio’s passing as “sad news.”

The rapper and actor said on Twitter: “This is awful news. I have personally seen this man’s ascent to the top of his profession. Coolio, rest in peace.

A tribute to Coolio was posted on Facebook by MC Hammer, who is best known for the smash song U Can’t Touch This. Hammer called Coolio “one of the nicest dudes I’ve known.”

American rapper Snoop Dogg also paid tribute, writing “Gangstas paradise. R I P”, while singer Bret Michaels said: “My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans on the loss of @Coolio. Awesome guy who will be missed.”

Although the exact reason of Coolio’s death is unknown, it is known that he was discovered lifeless on the toilet floor of a friend’s home in Los Angeles.

The song Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio, which used a sample of Stevie Wonder’s Pastime Paradise from 1976, is his most well-known work and earned him a Grammy for best solo rap performance.

Throughout his career, which started in the late 1980s and took off with the 1994 publication of his first album, It Takes a Thief, on Tommy Boy Records, he was nominated for five further Grammy awards. Fantastic Voyage, the album’s first single, would peak at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The reality television program Big Brother included Coolio in recent years, and he also created a food series that gained a big internet following.

In order to support his job as a chef, he intended to auction off the rights to his songs, including Gangsta’s Paradise. Additionally, he published a cookbook and made appearances on celebrity culinary programs.

Thanks to Tobi Thomas at The Guardian whose reporting provided the original basis for this story.