Former rival on Celebrity Big Brother Tina Malone has expressed her respect for Coolio.
The death of the 59-year-old “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper was reported on Wednesday, September 28.
It was confirmed by his reps to The Independent: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our great friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon. His skill had a global impact, and he will be sorely missed.
For all the kind words and support expressed over his death, I am grateful to the millions of people around the world who have taken in his music. Keep Coolio’s family and friends in your prayers.
Artis Leon Ivey Jr.’s stage name Coolio is a musician and actor best known for his Grammy Award-winning tune “Dangerous Minds,” released in 1995 as the film’s official soundtrack. The song dominated Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for a total of three weeks.
Others will recall him from his participation in two seasons of Celebrity Big Brother, the first in 2009, where he placed third, and the second, Ultimate Big Brother, where he voluntarily departed the house five days in after a series of arguments with Big Brother 5 winner Nadia Almada.
During Coolio’s tenure on the original CBB series, he famously butted heads with Shameless star Tina Malone, who unleashed on him after he refused to let winner Ulrika Jonsson deliver a shopping list to the Diary Room.
But in the end, they were able to make up.
Malone, 59, tweeted, “RIP COOLIO!” in honor of the late rapper. You made me laugh, and you drove me crazy. EXCITED THAT WE COULD MAKE UP! Have a blessed day xx”
A1 singer and previous candidate Ben Adams said, “Very sad news to wake up to. Coolio and I had a blast on @bbuk and beyond, now it’s time to watch those old videos and relive the good times. RIP.”
Adams meant the Austin Powers actor Verne Troyer who appeared on the same show. The year 2018 saw Troyer’s passing.