TV

Coolio recorded audio for ‘Futurama’ show before sudden death

One of Coolio’s final TV performances will be on the animated series “Futurama.”

The rapper passed away Wednesday at the age of 59 in Los Angeles.

David X. Cohen, executive producer of “Futurama,” revealed to TMZ that the “Gangsta’s Paradise” singer recorded lines for the new season — out in 2023.

While the sci-fi sitcom was canceled in 2013, a 20-episode revival is coming to Hulu next year.

Coolio had appeared on the show previously, playing the character Kwanzaa-bot. His first appearance occurred in 2001.

Cohen told the outlet that Coolio “looked and sounded great as always when laying down his lines [and] even taking over the recording session by producing tracks on the fly for the episode.”

The show will be dedicating this episode to the Compton, California, native, and his raps will be laid over the closing credits.

This is so the production team, according to Cohen, can give Coolio “the best send-off we can.”

Coolio winner of best International hip hop act, The 1997 MOBO Awards, New Connaught Rooms, London, 10th November 1997. (Photo by JM Enternational/Getty Images)
The producer of”Futurama” wants to give Coolio “the best send-off we can.” Getty Images

“Coolio was one of my favorite guests. He was always totally upbeat and genuinely enjoyed coming in to record as his character Kwanzaa-bot,” Cohen said.

In “Futurama,” Kwanzaa-bot is the Kwanzaa equivalent to the Santa Claus Robot and the Hanukkah Zombie. The character traveled the globe during Kwanzaa and handed out the book “What the Hell is Kwanza?” He’s apparently been giving out the literature for 647 years and still, according to the show’s arc, no one understands what the African-American holiday is all about.

Coolio was found dead on the bathroom floor of a friend’s home in Los Angeles, his manager, Jarez Posey, told TMZ on Sept. 28.

coolio kwanzaa bot
Kwanzaa-bot (from leftt), Santa Claus Robot and the Hanukkah Zombie in an episode of “Futurama.” Comedy Central

He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding EMTs and it is suspected that the cause of death was cardiac arrest.

Celebs such as Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Ice Cube and more paid tribute to him on Wednesday.

“Rest in power my brother. @Coolio Love & Respect,” rapper LL Cool J wrote. 

“This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry,” Ice Cube tweeted. “Rest In Peace.”