Coolio's friends have claimed that his struggles with asthma may have contributed to his sudden death last week.
The hitmaker was found dead on a bathroom floor on Wednesday (September 28) while visiting a friend, with medical staff suspecting that he suffered a cardiac arrest.
It's believed that Coolio, who died aged 59 had been in good spirits in the days leading up to his death but often struggled with his asthma and kept inhalers on him at all times, according to TMZ.
Sources stood the publication that those around Coolio informed medics about his history of difficulties breathing upon arrival.
His pal, Montell Jordan revealed his shock after discovering the news, admitting he had been performing with Coolio on the I Love the '90s tour but had no idea he was ill.
He told Page Six: "I've been with him for weeks and for months now and I did not know and still don't know the circumstances behind his passing.
"But I did not see anything that would have given an indication that he was ill or that anything happened to him."
Coolio died at the home of a friend in Los Angeles but no immediate cause of his death had been announced.
Sources claim that the late rapper had locked himself in a bathroom of the LA home before falling over, with a friend breaking the door down to gain access.
Medical staff are believed to have worked for 45 minutes to bring him back but he was subsequently pronounced dead on the scenes.
While an autopsy is currently being carried out, law enforcement sources claim that there were "no drugs or drug paraphernalia were found at the scene" and foul play is not suspected.
According to his manager, Jarez Posey, medical staff believe he suffered from a cardiac arrest.
In the past, Coolio has been open about his asthma battle and was even seen using an inhaler during an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
Speaking to USA Today in 2002, he said: "I had a few episodes with asthma where I was in serious trouble and could have died.
"I still played sports, but I would just have attacks and have to be hospitalised every now and then.
"It's still a balancing act.
"You have to know your medications and you have to take them, but it can be a real challenge - especially in school."
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