The man behind Grammy Award-winning ’95 single Gangsta’s Paradise proved to be too gangsta for Singapore — Coolio was forced to miss his scheduled gig for a Singapore Grand Prix after-party after he was denied entry at Changi Airport.
But before we go on with this story, put this video on because it’s probably been a while since you’ve revisited the tune:
The 54-year-old Compton, California native — government name Artis Leon Ivey Jr. — arrived in Singapore yesterday morning from Beijing on a re-scheduled flight after he missed his connection, but he was turned away by immigration. While his band members were able to enter Singapore, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) sent him packing on a return flight.
Clearly, Coolio didn’t have a Fantastic Voyage.
The rapper had been scheduled to perform on Saturday night as part of The Podium Lounge’s party at The Ritz-Carlton Millennia, but due to his missed connecting flight, Coolio’s one-hour set was moved to last night.
Turns out, it just wasn’t meant to be. The Podium Lounge had to make the unfortunate announcement of the cancellation yesterday afternoon.
Speaking to The Straits Times, The Podium Lounge’s chief executive said he had no idea why Coolio was refused entry into the country. He assured the public that his team had already arranged all the passport and visa requirements for the rapper.
ICA refused to divulge to media queries the reason behind Coolio’s snub, citing confidentiality on individual cases.
This isn’t the first time the rapper has faced trouble at an airport. Back in 2016, he pleaded guilty to unlawful firearm possession for carrying a loaded pistol in a backpack at Los Angeles International Airport. He was spared jailed time and ordered to perform 45 days of community service.
