Coolio Charged with Drug Possession, Battery

By Marla Lehner

Tuesday March 10, 2009 02:15 PM EDT

Coolio

PA Photos/Landov

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This is one rap Coolio probably wants to beat: The musician has been charged with possession of cocaine and battery, the L.A. District Attorney's office announced Tuesday.

Coolio, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey, was arrested on March 6 at Los Angeles International Airport after police searched his luggage and allegedly found cocaine.

According to police, the 45-year-old rapper allegedly grabbed a luggage screener's arm to prevent the search.

He is charged with one felony count of drug possession and two misdemeanors, battery and possession of a smoking device.

Coolio, best known for his 1995 hit Gangsta's Paradise, has appeared recently on several reality TV shows, including Celebrity Fear Factor, and hosted the online program Cookin With Coolio.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on April 3. If convicted, he faces up to three years state prison.



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