🔥 Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. on August 1, 1963, in Compton, California, was an American rapper, producer, and actor best known for his 1995 hit “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The song, which was featured in the film *Dangerous Minds*, became a defining anthem of the 1990s, earning Coolio a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance and solidifying his place in hip-hop history. His distinctive voice, creative storytelling, and ability to blend socially conscious lyrics with catchy hooks made him st