"Gangsta's Paradise" is a rap song by Coolio from the movie Dangerous Minds (1995) (starring Michelle Pfeiffer). The song was later released on the album Gangsta's Paradise and Dangerous Minds (Soundtrack) in 1995. Coolio was awarded with 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.
The song begins with a line from Psalm 23 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 nothing left. Adding to some of the religious overtones are choral vocals in the background.
Much of the lyrics are very dark and tragic; and are meant to be a criticism of the violence and tragedy of the "gangsta" life. The choral lines (sung by L.V.) Tell me why are we so blind to see / That the ones we hurt are you and me offer an especially plaintive self-criticism.
The song is arguably one of the biggest R&B/Hip Hop songs of all time, reaching #1 in more than 13 countries around the world, including the UK, where it was the first rap song to ever reach #1
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