In 2022, the hip-hop world took a significant blow when the news of innovator Coolio’s death reached the internet. Known for his irresistible melodies, bouncy cadence, and ability to make harsh realities danceable, Coolio was ahead of his time in so many ways. His career produced countless hit records and numerous classic LPs, including his 1994 debut It Takes a Thief and the critically acclaimed follow-up, 1995’s Gangsta’s Paradise. His debut record came after he signed to the new infamous Tommy Boy Records and went platinum and peaked at eight on the Billboard 200. The success didn’t stop rolling in, with Coolio quickly releasing one of the most iconic songs of his era, “Gangsta’s Paradise.”
Chart success and critical acclaim aside, Coolio’s longevity and legacy exceed numbers. His unapologetic approach to fashion, hip-hop, and everything in between separated the artist from his peers at the time, which included heavy hitters like Nas, Biggie, and Outkast, who all released their iconic debut records the same year as Coolio. For this Golden Age Thursday, we look at Coolio’s iconic performance on the Jon Stewart Show in 1994, where he brought out backing vocalists and live instrumentation for an energizing performance of his first hit record, “Fantastic Voyage.” The funky single is from It Takes A Thief and earned Coolio some of his earliest accolades. The single peaked at the third spot on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to the infectious hook and Coolio’s cartoonish verses. Rest in peace, Coolio, and please enjoy an electrifying performance from a true Hip-hop icon.
