Iconic West Coast rapper Coolio passed away at age 59 after being pronounced dead on the scene at a friend's house.
The 90s hip-hop star's death was confirmed to TMZ by his long-time manager Jarez. An official cause of death has not been determined, but Jarez said paramedics suspect a cardiac arrest.
Real name Artis Leon Ivey Jr, Coolio was reportedly found lying on the floor on Wednesday (US time) in the bathroom by his friend, who became concerned after the rapper didn't return.
An outpouring of tributes has already begun for the artist, who first became a part of the rap scene in the 80s, but blew up when his song 'Gangsta's Paradise' was released in 1995 as part of the soundtrack for the movie Dangerous Minds.
The song stayed at number one for nine weeks in the New Zealand charts and has remained one of the most recognisable hip hop songs of all time.
"RIP Coolio, have a fantastic voyage to Gangsta's Paradise," one tweet read.
"Damn! Another icon of my childhood has taken a chariot and got picked up for a last ride. R.I.P. Coolio, you made good music so enjoy the Gangsta's Paradise of your dreams on the other side!" said another.
Coolio also had success with tracks like 'Fantastic Voyage' and 'C U When U Get There', and even wrote the theme song for the 90s Nickleodeon sitcom 'Kenan & Kel'.
The rapper was the father to a total of 10 children.
