andPOP » Coolio

DMX Bails on ‘Clean’ MMA Fight

Stephen Baldwin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:17:02 +0000

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According to TMZ, DMX ducked out of a Dec. 12 mixed artial arts against actor Eric Martinez, and reportedly be replaced by Coolio.

The rapper’s manager reportedly insisted on a gauranteed victory over his opponent as a contract condition. Thunder Promotions, the fight’s organizer, were not on board for a fixed fight.

The group plans on filing a breach of contract lawsuit against DMX, and say that Coolio will “Take [the fight] seriously.”

Judge Sends Coolio To Rehab

Vanessa Baker — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:29:40 +0000

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Rapper-turned-reality-TV-star, Coolio, agreed to serve an 18-month stint in rehab to avoid jail time.

According to Perez Hilton, he was arrested on March 6 for possession of crack cocaine at Los Angeles International Airport, and pleaded guilty to felony cocaine possession on Friday.

He was also charged with misdemeanour counts of battery and possession of drug paraphernalia after an encounter with airport security on the same day. Coolio faced up to three years in jail if convicted, but changed his previous not guilty plea when the charges of battery and possession of a smoking device were dropped.

If he successfully completes the drug rehabilitation program ordered by the judge, the rapper may request his case be dismissed.

Coolio, best-known for his 1995 single “Gangsta’s Paradise,” was also arrested last June for traffic violation charges and having an outstanding warrant.

The rapper will be back in court for a report on his progress in rehab on September 28.

Coolio Charged With Cocaine Possession, Battery

Eva Lam — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:08:22 +0000

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Rapper 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.”