Coolio will feature in Futurama reboot after recording new music and dialogue before he died

Coolio, who died this week aged 59, will appear in a new episode of Futurama, with the late rapper having recorded new music for the show.

Futurama is set to be rebooted for Hulu next year, with recording well underway. Among the new batch of episodes is one featuring the late Coolio, who had previously appeared in three episodes of the cartoon as the Kwanzaa-bot.

Executive producer, David X. Cohen told TMZ that Coolio had ‘looked and sounded great’ during the recording session. 

Cohen also says that the episode in question will be dedicated to Coolio, adding: “Coolio was one of my favourite guests. He was always totally upbeat and genuinely enjoyed coming in to record as his character Kwanzaabot.”

Coolio, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr, died on September 28 after being found responsive on the bathroom floor of his friend’s house in Los Angeles. 

Confirming the sad news, Sheila Finegan, his manager at Trinity Artists International, said: “We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon. He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly. 

“Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

His sudden death prompted a flurry of tributes from stars including Michelle Pfeiffer and Snoop Dogg. 

Coolio’s hit song Gangsta’s Paradise was originally recorded for the soundtrack of Dangerous Minds, starring Pfeiffer. 

In a post on Instagram, she wrote: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio. A life cut entirely too short … I remember him being nothing but gracious. 30 years later I still get chills when I hear (Gangsta’s Paradise). Sending love and light to his family. Rest in Power, Artis Leon Ivey Jr.”

Rapper Ice Cube wrote on Twitter: “This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace.”

And Snoop Dogg posted a snap of himself standing next to Coolio alongside the words: “Gangsta’s paradise. R. I. P.”

Comedian and actor Martin Lawrence wrote: "My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family of @Coolio #rip".

Although best known for his 1995 hit Gangsta’s Paradise, Coolio also had a number of acting roles with credits in Charmed, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Futurama.

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