Coolio..R.A.P.

IRISH STARS PAY TRIBUTE AS HIP HOP LEGEND DIES AGED 59

- KATIE GALLAGHER

• Marty, Podge and Rodge on ‘great guest’
•  Singer ‘took heart attack’ in pal’s house

MARTY Whelan led the Irish tributes to Coolio yesterday as the world of hip hop and rap mourned the loss of a legend. 

The Gangsta’s Paradise star, real name Artis Levon Ivey Jr, passed away on Wednesday aged 59.

It is believed he suffered a heart attack.

His manager Sheila Finegan confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon.

“He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly.

“Thank you to everyone worldwide who listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

The rapper, who was born in Pennsylvania before moving to Compton, California, was found unresponsive on the bathroom floor of a friend’s house in LA, according to US media reports.

And as tributes flooded in from around the globe, Winning Streak presenter Marty told how he remembered Coolio “with great fondness” as he shared a video clip of their first meeting on RTE’s afternoon show Open House in 2002.

The music legend delivered a memorable performance of Ghetto Square Dance while some of the show’s crew got their moment in the spotlight as they acted as his backing dancers.