On September 28, 2022, the hip-hop world woke up to the news of the demise of Gangsta Paradise rapper Coolio. Artis Leon Ivey Jr., popularly known as Coolio, was among the most promising rap artists in the mid-90s. The rapper got his career breakthrough with the release of his biggest career hit, Gangsta Paradise. Although Coolio's career didn't hit the expected mark, the rapper released eight studio albums, leaving a legacy in hip-hop music.
With the news of his passing, Coolio will not only be remembered for his music but also for the 10 children he left behind. While it is not sure how many baby mamas the rapper had, he fathered ten children, including Grtis Ivey, Brandi Ivey, Milan Ivey, Darius Ivey, Zhaneand Ivey, Jackie Ivey, Kate Ivey, Shayne Ivey, Artisha Ivey, and Christopher Kal El Ivey Bellesi.
8 How Many Children Did Coolio Have With His Ex-Wife Josefa Salinas?
Per The U.S Sun, the Gangsta Paradise rapper and the radio personality met in 1987 and dated for a decade before tying the knot in 1996. Despite their long courtship, the marriage between the couple ended in 2000.
While several media sources claim Salinas and Coolio had four children together, Salinas's Instagram post implies otherwise. Per the post, the radio personality has two children; an older daughter whom she had with a pro football player, and Melan Iver, who she had with Coolio.
7 What Was Coolio's Parenting Style Like?
Coolio was a dotting and firm father to his children. In a 2008 interview with People, the hip-hop artist shared insights about being a father to daughters. In another interview, Coolio admitted to not being in charge of raising his children as they lived separately from him.
Despite the constraints in nurturing his kids, Coolio remained firm by laying down rules for his children to live by. He was also very protective of his children, stating that he was ready to go to jail should anyone mess with his kids.
6 Coolio Went To Court Over Child Support
Having children with multiple women and struggling with a lessened net worth came with several complications for the Grammy winner. Per The U.S Sun, the father-of-10 fought three secret court battles with the mother of his children.
While Coolio's ex-wife did not file a child support case against him, three of his other known baby mamas, including Juanita Randle, Taleya White, and Annabella Bellesi, dragged him to court over spousal support for their kids.
5 Most Of Coolio's Children Lead Private Lives
There is little to no information on most of the late rapper's children as they lead a private life void of social media presence. Most of what is known about his daughters was a 2008 reality show, Colio's Rules, that featured four of his children, Artisha, Brandi, Artis, and Jackie.
The show, which was not renewed for a second season, centered around Coolio's life as he navigated fatherhood, career, and dating.
4 Grtis Ivey Spent Time In Jail
Grtis Ivey, the rapper's oldest son, is notorious for his numerous run-ins with the law. After his appearance in Coolio Rules, Grtis steered clear of the limelight until he made headlines in 2011 for his involvement in a robbery.
Grtis served time for his crimes but returned to his old ways in no time. In 2016, he was sentenced to 12-30 months in prison for domestic violence and battery by strangulation.
3 Milan Ivey Is A Rap Artist
Milan Ivey is Coolio's son with radio personality Josefa Salinas. The 26-year-old followed in his father's footsteps with his love for music. Milan performs his music under the stage name Pharaoh Santana, and like his father, Milan is a hip-hop artist.
Per his Spotify page, the rapper released his first single in 2020 and followed it up with a debut album, PS1, in the same year. Milan's music appears to be doing just fine, with a growing number of listeners and streams running into thousands.
2 Artisha Ivey Is A Self-Employed Stylist
Artisha Ivey was one of Coolio's children who appeared on his short-lived reality show Coolio's Rules. Per her LinkedIn profile, Artisha is a self-employed wardrobe stylist. From her bio, the wardrobe stylist had garnered years of experience in her craft from working with models, photographers, and artists.
Outside of her job as a stylist, Artisha has her own family. She is married and shares a daughter with her husband.
1 Darius Ivey Is An Artist
Darius Ivey is Coolio's son with Taleya White. Like his brother, Darius is toeing in his father's footsteps, except he is not a hip-hop artist. The singer has several singles on streaming platforms and was featured on a track with his brother's first album.
In February 2021, Darius lost his mother weeks after celebrating her 56th birthday. With Coolio's death, the singer is now an orphan.
