Ten Things You Never Knew About Coolio

Coolio became a world-famous rap star in 1995 when he released the number one single 'Gangsta's Paradise'. He scored three other UK Top 10 singles and released three platinum albums during his musical pomp. In more recent times, the California rapper has become famed for his cookery and thespian skills. With six children, TV roles, movie cameos and his own online food show, the rapper has kept himself busy despite his rapidly declining music sales.

1. Coolio is a collector of snow domes.

2. Before Celebrity Big Brother, Coolio was no stranger to TV work. He has previously appeared on Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Celebrity Fear Factor, Celebrity Paranormal Project and his own cookery show, the snappily titled Cookin' With Coolio.

3. "I refuse to make food without flavour," says Coolio. The rapper claims to be able to make buttery soft steak, which is well done. "All you need is a fork [to eat it]," he says.

4. Coolio's real name is Artis Leon Ivey, Jr. He was given the nickname Coolio Iglesias when he was studying at Compton Community College.

5. Coolio's unimpressive movie career includes credits as a banker in Batman And Robin, Ice T's Judgement Day and spoof horror Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday The Thirteenth.

6. The rapper has had two stints in jail for larceny and possessing illegal weapons.

7. Coolio was told by the producers of Futurama that he could have a career in voiceover work after he guested on the episode 'A Tale Of Two Santas' as Kwanzaa-bot.

8. Coolio's hip-hop credentials may have sunk in recent years, but his list of collaborations includes impressive rap heavyweights such as Method Man, LL Cool L, Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes.

9. The hip-hop star's strangest collaboration came in 1998 when he teamed up with country music veteran Kenny Rogers for a reworking of 'The Gambler'. The song was sadly only released on Coolio's Japanese-only 2001 album release Coolio.com.

10. Coolio, who has six children, ranks himself in the Top 10 lovers of all time.