Rapper Coolio Rests Before USO Tour

BEND, Ore. (AP) - Rap star Coolio hit the slopes of Mount Bachelor this week for a little rest and relaxation after a USO tour in Kuwait. "It's a country that is still at war,'' Coolio said, adding that he was driven everywhere by armed guards. "It didn't bother me - I got people driving next to me with guns every day. I'm from L.A.''
When he got an invitation to perform at Club 97 in Bend, he had only one question: "Do I get to go snowboarding?''

He spent Friday on the slopes before heading to the club to perform songs from a new album, "Coolio 2002,'' which he calls his best yet. "I just get better, I think. If you get wise, more experienced at things, you should get better.''

Coolio also has two movie cameos next year and a celebrity spot on the television show "Fear Factor.''