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The ingenious gangsta-rap / G-funk
track "Gangsta's Paradise" from Coolio's second album with
the same name, was released on August 1, 1995. Interpolating
Stevie Wonder's song "Pastime Paradise" (from his famous
1976 album Songs In The Key Of Life) "Gangsta's Paradise"
became the biggest global hit of the year 1995. The song
begins with a line from Psalm 23:4: "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 nothing left."
Adding to some of the religious overtones are choral vocals
in the background. Coolio freestyled the first couple of
lines, with the rest of the lyrics coming to him quickly in
the background. The chorus of the song "Been spending most
their lives living in a gangsta's paradise," was created by
American singer Larry J.Sanders, known professionally as
L.V., by stacking the vocals many times to make it sound
like a choir. The accompanying music video for the song was
directed by Antoine Fuqua and featured Michelle Pfeiffer
reprising her earlier role in Dangerous Minds. "Gangsta's
Paradise" was a no.1 hit in almost all territories around
the world and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo
Performance. |
