American rap star Coolio is dead at age 59.

TMZ reported that the Grammy-winning musician – famous for his hit song "Gangsta's Paradise" on the soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer film, "Dangerous Minds" – was visiting a friend on 28 September when he was found unresponsive in the bathroom, said his longtime manager, Jarez.

TMZ quoted authorities that "no drugs or drug paraphernalia were found at the scene of Coolio's death," and that "an autopsy and toxicology test will be used to determine an official cause of death."

In 1994, Coolio stood out in the Los Angeles rap scene and signed up with Tommy Boy Records, which released his debut studio album, It Takes a Thief.

The single "Fantastic Voyage," accompanied by a playful video, went to no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Coolio was last seen on 18 September performing at the Riot Fest 2022 at Douglass Park in Chicago.