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Coolio’s catalog skyrockets on streaming, Gangsta Paradise returns to chart after rapper’s death

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Yui Mok – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

Fans of late rapper Coolio flocked to streaming services after his death last month, resulting in an extreme surge of his music catalog at over 264%.

According to data by Luminate, Billboard reports the rapper’s songs registered 19.6 million U.S. on-demand streams in the week of his death, September 28 – October 4.

Coolio’s biggest hit “Gangsta’s Paradise” re-entered the charts at #16 on Hot R&B/Hip Hop and #11 on Hot Rap Songs. The popular song gained the most traction on streaming with close to 15 million, an increase of 195%. 

Upon its release in 1995, “Gangsta’s Paradise” sat at the top of the Hot 100 chart for seven weeks, won Single of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards and a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 38th annual show.

Appearing on the soundtrack to the film Dangerous Minds, the song’s accompanying music video includes Michelle Pfeiffer, who also starred in the film. Upon news of Coolio’s death, the actress paid tribute to the rapper with a heartfelt message on social media. 

“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio,” she wrote. “He won a Grammy for his brilliant song on the soundtrack — which I think was the reason our film saw so much success.”

Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., died September 28 at age 59.

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