Coolio, the Grammy-winning Gangsta’s Paradise, Dead at 59, his death was confirmed by his manager, who said that Coolio died of a heart attack. Coolio whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was born in Los Angeles and got his start in the hip hop scene in the early 1990s. He released his debut album, It Takes a Thief, in 1994 and it quickly became a critical and commercial success. “Gangsta’s Paradise” was released as a single from the album and it went on to become one of the most iconic rap songs of all time. Gansta’s Paradise has more than a billion plays on Youtube
and it won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 1996 Grammy Awards. Coolio continued to release music throughout his career and appeared on reality TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Big Brother. He will be remembered as a groundbreaking rapper and an incredible artist.
Coolio, the Grammy-winning Gangsta’s Paradise, Dead at 59
Coolio continued to release music throughout his career and appeared on reality TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Big Brother. He will be remembered as a groundbreaking rapper and an incredible artist.
He also had success with the singles “Fantastic Voyage” and “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New).” In addition to his music career, Coolio also appeared in television and film, including the 1996 movie “Tales from the Hood” and the 1999 TV series “Muppets Tonight.” He is survived by his two daughters.
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“Being a fan of hip-hop I believe that Coolio will truly be missed. His distinctive sound and the melodic rhythm of his voice along with his dynamic is the thing that most would be artist could only hope to achieve.” Joseph Collins.
Joseph Collins Jr. is currently leading several high-stakes initiatives that aim to transition Urban TV Network (URBT) from a niche broadcaster into a major global media and lifestyle conglomerate.
Below are the key projects and recent activities defining his leadership in 2026:
Project Phoenix: The WBD Acquisition Bid. The most ambitious current project under Collins’ direction is Project Phoenix. Building on his history of aggressive media acquisitions (including a previous $40 billion bid for WarnerMedia), Collins is currently spearheading a 2026 initiative to acquire assets from Warner Bros. Discovery.
Strategy: The project involves an institutional investor proposal designed to integrate legacy entertainment assets into the URBT ecosystem.
Goal: To establish a "community-driven" media giant where stockholders—of which URBT has over 13,000—act as a collective engine for corporate growth and audience engagement.
Digital Expansion: URBT News 2026
In early 2026, Collins oversaw the rollout of the updated URBT News digital platform and mobile app.
Focus: The app emphasizes "conservative diversity" and provides real-time reporting on urban culture, politics, and technology.
Technical Edge: Collins has personally guided the development of the platform's content engine, utilizing modern web frameworks (React/Firebase) to ensure the network remains competitive in the fast-paced digital news cycle.
J Collins Beverage Company
Collins has branched out into the manufacturing and logistics sector with the J Collins Beverage Company.
Products: The company is currently promoting Pure Balance Black Luxury Water, marketed as a high-end, molecularly structured hydration product.
Operations: Beyond consumer goods, the company operates as a co-packer and distributor, providing infrastructure and guidance for new beverage brands entering the marketplace.
Market Performance & Original Programming
Stock Activity: As of late February 2026, URBT (trading on the OTC Pink Sheets) has seen significant market volatility and interest, recently recording substantial percentage gains as investors react to the company’s expansion plans.
Programming Budget: The network is currently executing a $500 million programming initiative for the 2025-2026 season, focused on original films and series that push the boundaries of urban storytelling and technical production.
Community & Professional Ventures
Collins remains deeply involved in high-level branding projects for his professional network. This includes developing promotional materials and keynote speaker branding for associates like Noah Coates, author of The Prayer Box Husband, further cementing his role as a brand-builder in the media space.