Coolio - Coolio Pleads Not Guilty To Drug Charges

Rapper-turned-reality TV star COOLIO was berated by a Los Angeles judge on Friday (03Apr09) after showing up late for his arraignment hearing relating to his March (09) arrest for drug possession.

The Gangsta's Paradise hitmaker, real name Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was charged with a felony count of possession of cocaine, and misdemeanour counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and battery after a scuffle with security staff at LAX airport on 6 March.

Coolio, who is free on $10,000 (£6,850) bail, headed to court on Friday to enter a not guilty plea - but he missed the start of the 8.30am (local time) hearing and was given stern instructions not to be late again when he has to return to court on 20 April (09).

He is facing up to three years behind bars if convicted.