Gangsta's Paradise
Coolio, L.V.
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As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I take a look at my life And realize there's nothing left 'Cause I've been blasting and laughing so long That even my momma thinks that my mind has gone But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it Me be treated like a punk, you know that's unheard of You betta watch how ya talking And where ya walking Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk I really hate to trip but I gotta loc As they croak, I see myself in the pistol smoke Fool, I'm the kinda g that little homie's want to be like On my knees in the night Saying prayers in the street light 1-Been spending most our lives Living in a gangsta's paradise (2) Keep spending most our lives Living in a gangsta's paradise (2) They got this situation, they got me facing I can't have a normal life, I was raised by the state So I gotta be down with the 'hood team Too much television watching, got me chasing dreams I'm an educated fool with money on my mind Got my ten in my hand and a gleam in my eye I'm a low down gangsta, set tripping banger And my homies is down so don't arouse my anger Fool, death ain't nothing but a heart beat away I'm living life do or die, what can I say? I'm twenty-three now but will I live to see twenty-four The way things is going I don't know. 2-Tell me why are we so blind to see That the ones we hurt are you and me? (rpt 1) Power in the money, money in the power Minute after minute, hour after hour Everybody's running, but half of them ain't looking at what's going on in the kitchen But I don't know what's cooking. They say I gotta learn But nobody's gonna teach me If they can't understand, how can they reach me? I guess they can't I guess they won't, I guess they front That's why I know my life is out of luck, foo! (rpt 1, 2, 2)
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Written by: Stevie Wonder, Artis L Ivey Jr., Doug Rasheed, Lawrence Sanders
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Exploration Group LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc., SHELLY BAY MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Performance Classification"Gangsta's Paradise" was Coolio's most successful single, achieving number one on multiple international charts, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.
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Awards ClassificationIn 1996, "Gangsta's Paradise" earned Coolio a Grammy Award for the Best Rap Solo Performance.
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Release ClassificationThe song was originally released in 1995 as part of the official soundtrack for the movie "Dangerous Minds."
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Significance in Pop Culture Classification"Gangsta's Paradise" is often seen as a defining hip hop song of the 1990s, exhibiting influences of the prevailing West Coast and G-funk styles of that era.
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Film Appearance ClassificationThe song, along with the associated music video featuring Coolio and Michelle Pfeiffer, was prominently featured in the 1995 movie "Dangerous Minds," which explored issues of urban poverty and youth violence.
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Sales ClassificationThe song is one of the best-selling singles of all time, having sold over six million copies worldwide.
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Crossover Success ClassificationDespite being a rap song, "Gangsta's Paradise" found crossover success in both pop and contemporary hit radio markets, showcasing the increasing mainstream acceptance of hip-hop during the mid-1990s.
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Controversy ClassificationThere was controversy over "Gangsta's Paradise" since it sampled the chorus and music of the song "Pastime Paradise" by Stevie Wonder without obtaining his initial permission. Thankfully, Wonder eventually agreed to allow it after the track was recorded.
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Legacy ClassificationRolling Stone Magazine placed it at number 38 on its list of "100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time" in 2017.
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Parody ClassificationThe song was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic as "Amish Paradise," with Coolio originally voicing his disapproval. Years later, he admitted to having no hard feelings and even suggested that the success of “Gangsta’s Paradise” had been partly due to Weird Al’s parody.
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"Gangsta's Paradise Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9489191/Coolio/Gangsta%27s+Paradise>.
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