6/27/2009

in

Coolio must go to rehab to avoid prison.

Lindsey Weedston

Award-winning rapper Coolio pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine on Friday. As part of a plea deal, Coolio will avoid jail time and instead will head to rehab for an 18 month program, reports the New York Times.  
  
The rapper was arrested on March 6 at Los Angeles International Airport after authorities found the drugs in his luggage during a search. According to the Associated Press, Coolio resisted arrest, and could have been sentenced to three years in prison for battery and possession of a smoking device if he hadn't pleaded guilty.  
  
Coolio's career peaked in the mid-1990s with hits like "Gangsta's Paradise" and "Fantastic Voyage," but has since taken a serious nosedive. Lately, Coolio has spent his time acting in reality television shows such as "Celebrity Fear Factor" and "Coolio's Rules," Reuters reports.  
  
The rapper can request that his case be dismissed after he completes his rehabilitation program and proves that it was successful.