Coolio initially took over the world rap scene through the “Gangsta’s Paradise” release, which won a Grammy in 1996 for Best Rap Performance, Solo. “Gangsta’s Paradise” would also be featured on the “Dangerous Minds” soundtrack and movie. “Gangsta’s Paradise,” also featuring L.V. on vocals, was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Song of the Year. It sold over six million copies and was Billboard Magazine’s number one single in 1995.
The world recognition led to his music being featured Coolio for several major motion pictures including: “Space Jam,” “Clueless,” “The Big Payback,” “Panther,” “New Jersey Drive,” “The Jerk Boys,” “Eddie,” “Half Baked” and many more. He also composed the theme song for the popular TV series “Kenan and Kel” on Nickelodeon.
The awards for his hard-hitting style are many. Coolio has won an American Music Award, three MTV awards, two Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and a World Music Award. He has received six Grammy nominations (1994, 1995 and 1996), two Billboard Music Awards (1994 and 1996), two ASCAP awards (1996, 1997), four American Online awards (1996) and was the Playboy Music Poll winner in 1997. In 2016, Coolio won a Vintage Soundtrack Song of 1995 award for “Gangsta’s Paradise” from “Dangerous Minds” via the Vintage Film Awards.
Coolio successfully made the transition from performer to actor during the 90s. He co-stared in the motion picture “Retirement” with Bill Cobb, Peter Falk, Charlie Murphy and Rip Torn. The film featured music from Coolio’s “Return of the Gangsta” album. Coolio has also starred in several HBO films and series, as well as making cameos in “Batman Dare Devil.”
His television accomplishments have included the reality TV show on the Oxygen network, “Coolio’s Rules,” and the ghetto funk cooking web series, “Cooking with Coolio,” which logged over four million hits on the web. Television appearances included programs like “Celebrity Cook Off” and “Celebrity Chopped.”
The “Kill Again” single to be released in January 2017 is part of a new EP, “Long Live the Thief,” which is set to release at the end of the month with five songs. Other titles include “Like Me,” “I’m A Legend” and another social shakeup called “Snitchin.” The new EP is a follow-up to Coolio’s previous “It Takes a Thief” album.
Currently performing and touring worldwide as a musical artist, Coolio is also working on a new cookbook with his best friend and bandmate, hip hop jazz saxophonist Jarez. The recipes will continue on the theme of insane deliciousness that anyone can recreate. The recipes are designed to be accessible with easy to assemble ingredients that everyone will recognize. From the tang of balsamic vinegar to the freshness of chopped peppers, the new cookbook is something that everyone needs in their kitchen.
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