| From 1994 Album: "It Takes A Thief"..... Get Coolio's Music: www.amazon.com & itunes.apple.com Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey, Jr., on 1 August 1963, is an American musician, rapper, actor and record producer. He is best known for the songs "Fantastic Voyage" and "Gangsta's Paradise" as well his appearance on the reality television programs Celebrity Big Brother 2009 (UK) and The Surreal Life. He recorded two singles in the late 80s, titled "Watcha Gonna Do" and "You're Gonna Miss Me". Neither single was successful, but Coolio had made connections in the Los Angeles rap scene, and ended up joining the group WC and the Maad Circle in 1991. WC was the group's lead rapper, but Coolio was another rapper in the group. He had a few verses on the group's debut album, Ain't a Damn Thang Changed, including on the single "Dress Code". The album was regionally successful but didn't make much impact on a national scale. Three years later in 1994 Coolio signed to Tommy Boy Records and released his debut solo album, It Takes a Thief. The album contained the single "Fantastic Voyage" which became Coolio's breakout song. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the biggest rap singles of the year. The album also contained a few minor hits in "County Line" and "I Remember". Overall the album was very successful peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 200 and being certified Platinum. The album received praise for bringing a humorous and lighthearted perspective to often violent ... |