Coolio Remembered by Ice Cube, Flava Flav, Michelle Pfeiffer, ‘Weird’ Al and More

Ross A. Lincoln
·3 min read

Following the sad news that Grammy-winning rap legend Coolio had died Wednesday just 59 years old, his peers and admirers in hip hop and Hollywood paid tribute to the rapper.

The rapper, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., had recently played the 2022 Riot Festival and had shows lined up in the coming weeks, and his death came a shock to fans and friends alike.

Fellow west coast hip hop legend Ice Cube honored Coolie’s “grind to the top of the industry.”

LL Cool J expressed his “love & respect” for the “Fantastic Voyage” hitmaker.

“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio. A life cut entirely too short. As some of you may know I was lucky enough to work with him on Dangerous Minds in 1995. He won a Grammy for his brilliant song on the soundtrack – which I think was the reason our film saw so much success. I remember him being nothing but gracious. 30 years later I still get chills when I hear the song. Sending love and light to his family. Rest in Power, Artis Leon Ivey Jr,” “Dangerous Minds” star Michelle Pfeiffer said in a statement posted to Instagram.

Also Read:
Coolio, Hit-Making ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ Rapper, Dies at 59

The Roots drummer Questlove wished the rapper a “peaceful journey.”

MC Hammer remembered him as “one of the nicest dudes I’ve known.”

Public Enemy hype man Flava Flav said Coolio was “the West Coast Flava Flav” and lamented that the pair were set to perform together next week.

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Punk legend — and a hip hop pioneer herself — Debbie Harry also paid tribute.

Vanilla Ice said he was “freaking out” over the loss of “my good friend.”

“Weird” Al Yankovic, who had a hit of his own with “Amish Paradise,” a parody of “Gangsta’s Paradise,” simply said “RIP Coolio,” along with the two of them hugging.

Poison lead singer Bret Michaels called the rapper an “awesome guy who will be missed.”

See more tributes below:

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