Coolio, rapper famous for 'Gangster's Paradise,' dead at 59

Coolio, the Los Angeles-born rapper known most widely for his enduring rap hit "Gangster's Paradise," died on Wednesday at age 59. 

The musician, who arose from the iconic Compton rap scene in the late 1980s, was found unresponsive in his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday. First responders reportedly tried to resuscitate him for 45 minutes before he was declared dead. 

Sheila Finegan, Coolio's talent manager, told media that the rapper, born Artis Leon Ivey, Jr., "touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly."

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