Rap veteran Coolio is planning to release a new album of material this summer. Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., is best known for his hits Gangstas Paradise and Fantastic Voyage. The rapper updates his sounds on his newest album, Steal Hear, a clever play on words. According to Coolio, his skills have remained sharp, due to his constant touring and performing. “I have a lot of what I consider really great material,” Coolio told The Los Angeles Times. “I’ll match song for song with the top rappers, and you’ll see I am top tier, as far as my delivery, language and diction. I’m pretty damn good.” The Compton, CA bred rapper, who was a member of W.C.s Maad Circle Click, hopes the new release will return him to the past glories of his hit singles. “I have to say I have been blessed to be one of the most well-known rappers to ever live and the most recognized — as long as I keep my hair.”
