According to Cointelegraph, the metaverse project NetVRk is set to honor the legacy of iconic rapper Coolio by creating an immersive digital experience that merges old-school nostalgia with Web3 technology. As Coolio’s hit song “Gangsta’s Paradise” approaches its 30th anniversary, NetVRk plans to introduce the star to a new generation of fans through a meticulously designed digital mansion in the metaverse.

Coolio’s track “Gangsta’s Paradise” has captivated listeners for nearly three decades, amassing over 1.5 billion views on YouTube. Before his untimely death in 2022, Coolio was deeply engaged in exploring the metaverse and its potential for artists. In his last known interview on the Crypto Island podcast, he expressed his heavy investment in the metaverse and mentioned owning a significant piece of virtual land. He believed this innovative platform would be a unique way to connect with his fans and even recorded a metaverse-inspired song.

Shortly before his death, Coolio completed a collaboration with NetVRk, paving the way for a groundbreaking project: transforming him into a hyper-intelligent AI character within the metaverse. In NetVRk’s upcoming alpha release, fans will have the opportunity to explore Coolio’s “dream villa,” a virtual space crafted to align with his initial vision. This digital mansion will allow fans to interact with his AI character, experiencing his voice, personality, and insights in a fully immersive environment.

The theme song recorded by Coolio specifically for this project will debut on his official YouTube channel next week, offering fans a preview of what’s to come. This project marks the beginning of a larger celebration of Coolio’s legacy. As the 30th anniversary of “Gangsta’s Paradise” approaches, fans can expect a series of events, special releases, and collaborations hosted within the NetVRk metaverse. These efforts aim to keep Coolio’s influence and legacy alive and relevant as the digital world continues to evolve.

The metaverse has previously been a stage for the reinvention and preservation of artists or events from the past. In early 2023, Cointelegraph spoke with some of the original organizers of the iconic Woodstock music festival about their efforts to use the metaverse to reinvent the festival in digital reality.