coolioRapper Coolio was charged on Tuesday with cocaine possession and battery stemming from his arrest at Los Angeles International Airport last week.

The Grammy-winning performer, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was taken into custody on Friday after authorities said they found drugs and a crack pipe in his luggage.

Coolio, 45, was charged with one felony count of possession and one misdemeanour count each of possession of paraphernalia and battery.

Authorities said they included the battery charge because the performer allegedly grabbed a screener’s arm at the airport to prevent the search.

Coolio was released on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on April 3. If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison.

Known for his 1995 hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” the performer has appeared recently on several reality TV shows and hosted the online program “Cookin’ With Coolio.”






Related Stories: