From GAA analysis to Marty Whelan shout outs.
This morning, many of us woke up to the news that rapper, actor and producer Coolio had sadly passed away, aged just 59. Between Gangsta's Paradise and the Kenan and Kel theme tune, Coolio provided a life soundtrack to so many children of the 90s, and tributes have been flooding in from Michelle Pfeiffer, Snoop Dogg, MC Hammer and LL Cool J to name a few.
If you've been chatting about Coolio's untimely passing at work today, you may have noticed that nearly every Irish person has a story about Coolio - maybe he played at their Freshers Ball, or frequented their local cafe - by the sounds of it, he touched the lives of many on this isle of green.
Some great Coolio-in-Ireland memories have been resurfacing today - here are a few of our faves:
His appearance on noughties chat show Open House
You may have seen this clip doing the rounds today - as the story according to the gospel of James Cotter goes, Coolio was booked by accident for daytime chat show Open House. There were no backing dancers organised, so the rapper had the "middle-age production crew" dress up and bust a move instead. Excellent viewing.
https://twitter.com/sirjamesofcots/status/1575401454365544450?s=20&t=iP8pgNw31O993ka8S1VHhQ
A chat with Podge and Rodge
There he is now, all kitted out in green chatting away to two of Ireland's most nightmare-ish puppets.
https://twitter.com/OfficialPandR/status/1575382512150487040?s=20&t=iP8pgNw31O993ka8S1VHhQ
T.D shout out
Showing us just how down with the cool kids he really is, Donegal T.D. Thomas Pringle quoted Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise during a Dáil meeting in 2020, afterwards stating "Coolio might have been rapping about a Gangsta's Paradise in 1995, but he could have been referring to Irish politics". Deep.
https://twitter.com/ThomasPringleTD/status/1575380498192498688?s=20&t=iP8pgNw31O993ka8S1VHhQ
He was well versed in Dublin GAA
Speaking to podcast duo
Supernova, Coolio called on former Dublin player Diarmuid Connolly to rejoin the football team for their infamous journey to Five in a Row.
He said: "If I saw him I'd say 'Diarmuid, look, they want you to come back to the team man, they need you, Dublin is counting on you - come on back and do what you do!"
He also added that he'd have loved to play Gaelic himself, but that he was "way too old" and would "probably get broke up".
Impromptu Dawson Street gig
On his last visit to Dublin, after
picking up a bargain or two in the runner section of Brown Thomas, Coolio had the whole of 37 Dawson Street dancing on tables with an impromptu performance of Gangsta's Paradise.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjFi0Eptxh-/
RIP, Coolio, you'll be missed by the people of Ireland. The Gangsta's Paradise awaits.
Header image via Facebook/dublingaafans
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