Rapper Coolio pleads guilty to bringing loaded gun to airport

Rapper Coolio has pleaded guilty to bringing a loaded gun to an airport last month.

The Gangsta's Paradise singer avoided jail but was put on probation for three years and ordered to do 45 days of community service.

A judge warned if he is found with even a single bullet on him while he is on probation, he could end up behind bars.

The 53-year-old, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm after the gun was found in a backpack as he went through security at LA International Airport in August.

Police had claimed the loaded firearm was stolen.

A judge reportedly complimented the rapper on his hair. Credit: PA

Coolio already has two prior convictions for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle in 2001 and cocaine possession in 2009.

Speaking after the hearing, the rapper said his latest brush with the law resulted from a "mistake".

He added: "It was a misunderstanding. I do not condone the use of firearms, legal or illegal.

"Thanks to the court and the attorneys handing this for me so I can still do the work that I do."

His 1995 hit Gangsta's Paradise was the Number 1 chart topper in the US that year and is one of the best-selling singles of all time.