Rap legend Coolio has died at the age of 59

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By stefan armitage

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Coolio has died at the age of 59.

As reported by BBC News, the US rapper - who is perhaps best known for his 1995 hit 'Gangsta's Paradise' - was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive on the bathroom floor of a friend's home in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The tragic news was announced to TMZ by the rapper's manager, Jarez Posey, who revealed that Coolio - real name Artis Leon Ivey Jr. - had excused himself to use the bathroom, but his friend became concerned after the rapper did not return.

After calling for him, the rapper's friend eventually went into the bathroom, where Coolio was found lying on the floor.

Paramedics were then called at around 4:00PM, but pronounced the rapper dead upon their arrival.

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Credit: AFF / Alamy

Law enforcement sources have told TMZ that no drugs or drug paraphernalia were found at the scene and there are no signs of foul play. Posey reportedly told TMZ that paramedics believe Coolio may have suffered a cardiac arrest.

An autopsy and toxicology test will now be used to determine an official cause of death for the rapper.

After he started making music in the 1980s, Coolio achieved international acclaim following the release of 'Gangsta's Paradise', which featured on the number one album of the same name.

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Credit: Sipa US / Alamy

The track earned Coolio a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, as well as an MTV Music Video award for Best Rap Video. It is also listed by Billboard as the 98th 'Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Songs'.

It also topped the singles charts in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand, and movie fans may remember the song being featured in 1995's Dangerous Minds, which starred Michelle Pfeiffer.

Despite 'Gangsta's Paradise' undoubtedly being Coolio's most successful hit, he also found success with tracks like 'Fantastic Voyage', '1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)', and 'C U When U Get There'. Nineties kids may also fondly remember Coolio at the voice behind the theme song to the Nickelodeon sitcom Kenan and Kel.

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Credit: WENN Rights Ltd / Alamy

Over the last two decades, Coolio has appeared in a number of reality TV shows, including the UK's version of Celebrity Big Brother in 2009. He would return as a housemate on Ultimate Big Brother in 2010.

He also appeared on popular shows like Wife Swap, Tipping Point: Lucky Stars, and Gravity Falls.

Our thoughts are with Coolio's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy