US rapper Coolio is to release a cookbook inspired by his recent culinary webisodes on YouTube.

Cookin' With Coolio features a wide range of recipes, including Fork Steak and Heavenly Ghettalian Garlic Bread, which have featured on his popular online cooking show.

Speaking about the book, Coolio, who describes himself as a “gourmet chef”, said it contains a number of healthy recipes.

“I do Black Italian - Blitalian, Black Asian - Blasian, Black English - Blenglish and I'm about to try Black Scottish - Blottish. I like traditional food and putting my own twist on it,” he told Digital Spy.

The rapper also claimed he could improve on the cooking abilities of Michelin star chef, Gordon Ramsay.

"I ate in one of his restaurants and I was not impressed. I would take all his dishes and make them better," he said.

(by Jason Gregory)