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Gangsta’s Paradise is a rap song by Coolio featuring L.V. from the movie Dangerous Minds (1995) (starring Michelle Pfeiffer). The song was later released on the albums Gangsta’s Paradise and Dangerous Minds soundtrack in 1995. Coolio was awarded a Grammy for the song/album. The song was voted as the best single of the year in The Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics poll.
It sampled the chorus and music of the song “Pastime Paradise” by Stevie Wonder (1976).
The song was also listed at #69 on Billboard’s Greatest Songs of All-Time.
In 2008, it was ranked number 38 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.
Following Coolio’s appearance in the UK TV show Celebrity Big Brother 2009 Gangsta’s Paradise re-entered the UK singles chart peaking at #31.
L.V. released a solo version of the single in 1996 on his debut album, I Am L.V… This version did not feature Coolio, and featured additional lyrics written by L.V. himself. The single did not repeat the popularity of the original with Coolio.
The music is a reworking of Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise”, a song from his album Songs in the Key of Life. “Gangsta’s Paradise” uses the same tune, and a different orchestration of the same backing music. Coolio changed the lyrics to be more relevant to life on the streets.
The song begins with a line from Psalm 23:4 from the Bible: As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but then diverges with: I take a look at my life / And realize there’s nothin’ left. Adding to some of the religious overtones are choral vocals in the background.
It sampled the chorus and music of the song “Pastime Paradise” by Stevie Wonder (1976).
The song was also listed at #69 on Billboard’s Greatest Songs of All-Time.
In 2008, it was ranked number 38 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.
Following Coolio’s appearance in the UK TV show Celebrity Big Brother 2009 Gangsta’s Paradise re-entered the UK singles chart peaking at #31.
L.V. released a solo version of the single in 1996 on his debut album, I Am L.V… This version did not feature Coolio, and featured additional lyrics written by L.V. himself. The single did not repeat the popularity of the original with Coolio.
The music is a reworking of Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise”, a song from his album Songs in the Key of Life. “Gangsta’s Paradise” uses the same tune, and a different orchestration of the same backing music. Coolio changed the lyrics to be more relevant to life on the streets.
The song begins with a line from Psalm 23:4 from the Bible: As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but then diverges with: I take a look at my life / And realize there’s nothin’ left. Adding to some of the religious overtones are choral vocals in the background.
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Albums featuring this track
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Gangsta's Paradise
CoolioBuy- Download Album
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Fantastic Voyage: The Greatest Hits
Coolio Buy- Download Album
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- Amazon $28.50
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Remember the 90's (disc 1)
Various Artists Buy- Download Album
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Shouts
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hannahistgut wrote:
respect.
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Smirnon wrote:
Nyjets681 wrote: 12 days ago besttt one he hasss done .. he did any others?
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zoomzoom_bawue wrote:
big song.but coolio is worthy...*g
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elliedimmesdale wrote:
i remember this from the time i was a kid. Classic. The movie is also worthy
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Anita72 wrote:
Best rap-song ever!!! COOL(IO)!!!
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beluli wrote:
woot! check out my blogs. thanks ♥ -- www.belolats.com || http://fingersdotcrossed.blogspot.com || www.elusivesilence.com || www.90smixtapejunkie.com ||
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Nyjets681 wrote:
besttt one he hasss done
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kilaki wrote:
The perfect rap :)
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Skiper131 wrote:
legendary track
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johnnynawalony wrote:
I think the best song of this artist ? ;>
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Callumsharpe wrote:
The best song ever.
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JLaw1719 wrote:
If there was ever a classic track, it's this one. I didn't even listen to rap when I was 10 and this came out, but this was my favorite song.
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vophotography wrote:
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adia9785 wrote:
so don't arouse my anger, FOOL
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Arthur-Engler wrote:
THE CLASSIC ! Dangerous minds !
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tupac_for_ever wrote:
yeah memories
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caseyftmfw wrote:
memories
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FL4wLeSs wrote:
luv this track....old & sooooo good
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xxsmoothopexx wrote:
Everyone in my family loves this track. :) 90s <3
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hazeleyedpisces wrote:
Yeaahhh...Was rocking out to this song at 7 years old lol. 90s ^_^
Coolio
Gangsta's Paradise
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Recent Activity
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BlizardBulldog, crvc1991, MRRSOLE90 and 30 other people loved Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise. 1 minute ago
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stig1690 added Gangsta's Paradise to the playlist cool songs. 55 minutes ago
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waltor71, brisk84, GreenFalcon18 and 63 other people loved Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise. 56 minutes ago
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