Rapper-turned-reality TV star Coolio has been charged with possession of cocaine and battery following his arrest at a Los Angeles airport on Friday (06Mar09).

The Gangsta's Paradise hitmaker, real name Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was was booked and released on $10,000 bail after security staff at LAX airport allegedly found crack cocaine on his person.

Airport officials claim the rapper grabbed a screener's arm in an effort to stop the search, reports TMZ.com. Ivey, Jr. faces one felony count of possession of cocaine base, one misdemeanor count of battery and one misdemeanor count of possession of a smoking device.

He is due back in court on 3 April (09) and faces up to three years in state prison if convicted. (JMA/WNWCZM/IG)

Copyright 2009 WENN