In 1997, rapper Coolio rode a wave of success. His hit album Gangsta’s Paradise was released in 1995. The title song, also part of the soundtrack of the film “Dangerous Minds”, ran up and down on almost all radio stations, for the catchy track there was even a Grammy in 1996. Coolio visited Germany for the release of his new record “My Soul” and on November 21, 1997 also stopped in tranquil Böblingen in Baden-Württemberg.
Here he gave numerous autographs and had his picture taken, also in a well-known boutique. What is part of the advertising campaign for a successful record. Together with six members of his band (which of all things bore the name 40 Thievz, i.e. 40 thieves), the musician apparently wanted to reward himself for the hardships and dressed up on the spot with clothes worth almost 1500 marks. However, without any motivation to pay for the expensive outfits.
When Coolio and Co. wanted to make a cool exit, the shop owner blocked the way and demanded money. Apparently a nuisance for the rapper. As it became known later in the court proceedings, Coolio hit her directly in the stomach and fled with the stolen goods. A complaint was immediately filed – Coolio was charged with theft and assault.
Coolio felt cheated
In court, however, the musician presented a slightly different view of things: A clothing company was supposed to provide free clothing that Coolio and his colleagues only had to pick up in the Böblinger boutique. According to the rapper, the shop owner would have organized an autograph session on her own, but did not want to pay a fee for it. Finally, she would have refused to take the clothes with her.
Apparently, the judge decided it was just a well-told story from the life of a savvy hip-hop artist and sentenced Coolio to six months probation and a $30,000 fine.