“Gangsta’s Paradise” is an absolutely iconic hip hop song for about a million reasons. The stark social commentary. The cinematic production. The haunting orchestral sample from Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise.” The chorus hook delivered by singer LV (whose unforgettable, gospel-tinged hook gives the song a massive spiritual weight). All of the elements for greatness are there before Coolio even enters the fray. But what makes it truly special is Coolio’s lyrical approach. His raw reflections on poverty, violence, and the struggle for redemption amidst all of the struggle tell a story that is striking in its simplicity and its sadness. Whenever I hear “Gangsta’s Paradise” I’m reminded of the similarities to Nas’ magnum opus Illmatic. As I wrote there:
Where I think Illmatic ultimately stands alone is its unique ability to describe the irrefutable violence in Nas’ everyday life while a) avoiding celebrating the horrors he experiences (i.e. violence is not explicitly glorified) and b) avoiding placing judgement on the actions people ultimately take as a means to survive (i.e. violence is not dismissed arbitrarily). In other words, Nas describes the dark reality of his day-to-day experience while always expressing hope for brighter days. And that’s something I believe everyone can always get behind.
Put another way, it’s a timeless portrait of life on the edge that still resonates today. One of my core memories as a child is watching Coolio perform this song at the 1996 Grammy Awards and being lifted into the air at the end of the song. I was only 9 years old at the time but it literally has stuck with me ever since. I don’t know what it was about that moment at the time, but some piece of me in that moment recognized that I was watching something special and moving and honest and true. Truly something I’ll never forget.
On a final note– I know I didn’t write much about it, but how damn good is “Cruisin’”? It’s been completely overshadowed by “Gangsta’s Paradise” over the years (which is understandable) but it’s an absolutely incredible track on its own merits especially considering how much of a counterpoint it provides to his signature track.
Standout Songs: “Gangsta’s Paradise”, “Cruisin’”, “Too Hot”
