“Gangsta’s Paradise” is a song by American rapper Coolio featuring singer L.V. It was released in 1995 as the lead single from Coolio’s album of the same name. The song was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, and earning Coolio a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.
The song’s lyrics explore the harsh realities of life in inner-city neighborhoods, focusing on themes of poverty, violence, and the struggles faced by those living in a “gangsta’s paradise.” The music video, directed by Antoine Fuqua, depicts Coolio walking through a gang-infested neighborhood, reflecting the song’s dark and gritty subject matter.
With its catchy hook, powerful lyrics, and memorable chorus, “Gangsta’s Paradise” remains one of Coolio’s most iconic and enduring songs, cementing his status as a pioneering figure in the hip-hop genre.
