Early last month, we learned that Coolio (known to his mama as Artis Leon Ivey, Jr.) was arrested at LAX Airport as he tried to board a Southwest Airlines flight after it was discovered that he was in possession of crack cocaine. Today, Coolio appeared in court to plead not guilty to the charge cuz, well, what else was he gonna say?

Apparently Coolio is not so cool with drug charges against him: The rapper pleaded not guilty to all charges, including possession of cocaine, in a Los Angeles courtroom Friday. The rapper, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey, was arrested on March 6 at Los Angeles International Airport after police searched his luggage and allegedly found the drug. Coolio, 45, grabbed a luggage screener’s arm to prevent the search, prosecutors allege. In total, he faces one felony count of drug possession and two misdemeanors: battery and possession of a smoking device … If convicted, he faces up to three years state prison. His next court date is April 20.

I’m not sure what sort of defense can be used against the evidence that the actual drugs were found in his belongings but I suppose a good lawyer can win any case. My guess is that some sort of plea agreement will have to be worked out in order for Coolio to avoid jail time. I’m not sure if the prosecutor is willing to work out a deal when there is crack cocaine involved but … we should know soon either way. If a deal cannot be struck and Coolio is found guilty of felony drug possession, his voyage to the big house will not be a fantastic one. Just say no, people. Just say no.

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