Artis Leon Ivey, Jr., is the birth name of rap artist Coolio (1963– ), who was called “Boo” in high school. The name Coolio came from a friend who asked him, “Who do you think you are, Coolio Iglesias?” He is also referred to as El Cool Magnifico. Born in Compton, California, his accumulation of music awards began in 1996, when his "Gangsta's Paradise" won a GRAMMY Award for Best Rap Performance, Solo; an MTV Video for Best Rap Video; and and MTV Video Award for Best Video from a Film. He has also won several other awards such as the American Music Award (1996), the Kids' Choice Awards (1997), and the Billboard Music Award (1995). Coolio is also an actor, a chef (Cookin' with Coolio—a web series), and a music producer.
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