Memes Celebrate The Life Of Coolio, Legendary 'Gangsta's Paradise' Rapper

Following reports of hip-hop legend and actor Coolio’s death yesterday, the internet was flooded with tributes to the man’s life and lyricism as "Coolio memes" rapidly shot up in interest.

RIP Coolio pic.twitter.com/IVnpT3lAbz

— Chris (@flatus74) September 29, 2022

as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I take a look at my life and realize there's nothin left cause I've been blastin and laughin so long that even my momma thinks that my mind is gone

— I think you should leave turbo team (@ITYSL) September 29, 2022

Throughout the evening into today, posters remembered his iconic run in the mid-1990s when songs like "Gangsta's Paradise" defined the experience of middle school dances and pumped from boomboxes around the world, including Anthony Fantano's.

RIP Coolio. If you were young in the 90s, he was absolutely inescapable for about 24 months in the middle part of the decade. Absolutely the era's hip-hop king of middle school dances and definitely seems underrated in retrospect.

— Steven Hyden (@Steven_Hyden) September 29, 2022

Coolio was in regular rotation in my little Sony boombox in the 90s. Sad to see him go. RIP 😞

— anthony “light 1” fantano (@theneedledrop) September 29, 2022

Many also remember his contributions to television, ranging from memorable roles in different shows like Kwanzaabot in Futurama to the theme music he contributed to Kenan & Kel.

Coolio also delved into the world of animation, voicing Kwanzaabot in Futurama

Dude was a legend in every way. RIP. pic.twitter.com/jUzJf9EiOB

— TRAFON (@RiseFallNickBck) September 29, 2022

thank you coolio for giving us one of the best theme songs of all time pic.twitter.com/flk2lHHhSW

— lauren badillo milici 🇵🇷 (@motelsiren) September 29, 2022

A number of fellow musicians, including both of the Ices (Cube and T) shared their respects online for Coolio as word spread.

All these podcasts and press people asking me for a comment on my homies's death….. 'I can't believe it.' That's it. Smh 💔 #Coolio

— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) September 29, 2022

This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio https://t.co/vCeyn08Vsi

— Ice Cube (@icecube) September 29, 2022

Weird Al Yankovic, with whom Coolio had a famous feud following the parody song "Amish Paradise" that Coolio didn’t like, also posted his appreciation for the rapper. Many praised Coolio for making up with Weird Al following the initial argument, admiring the wisdom and humility he showed in owning up to his mistake and making it right with Yankovic.

RIP Coolio pic.twitter.com/Z53f3n6HDU

— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) September 29, 2022

Be like Coolio, at least in this respect. https://t.co/iR8czelUxC

— Undeclared Cheese Computer (@Hal_RTFLC) September 29, 2022

There was also some meta-commentary about the number and variety of Coolio memes following his death, with some upset to learn about current events through memes and others wondering what it all might mean for the future.

I had to find out Coolio was dead from a meme I hate this place

— Jean 🦀 (@hjbaltimore) September 29, 2022

Redditors on their way to put Coolio into the heaven meme: pic.twitter.com/t5eI7S4XSv

— 🄳🄰🅁🄻🄸🄽🄶 ❤️ (@ZeroTwoMexicana) September 29, 2022

dril has spoken. the Coolio curse has come true pic.twitter.com/KMJwq3gWhU

— not wint (@drilhistorian) September 29, 2022