Gangsta's Paradise (album)

Last updated
Gangsta's Paradise
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise.jpg
Studio album by
Coolio
ReleasedNovember 7, 1995 (1995-11-07)
StudioEcho Sounds, Los Angeles, California and Studio 56, Hollywood, California
Genre
Length64:25
Label
Producer
  • Coolio
  • Christopher Hamabe
  • Devon Davis
  • Doug Rasheed
  • Bryan "The Wino" Dobbs
Coolio chronology
It Takes a Thief
(1994)		Gangsta's Paradise
(1995)		 My Soul
(1997)
Singles from Gangsta's Paradise
  1. "Gangsta's Paradise"
    Released: August 1, 1995
  2. "Too Hot"
    Released: October 31, 1995
  3. "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)"
    Released: February 20, 1996

Gangsta's Paradise is the second studio album by American rapper Coolio, released on November 7, 1995. [2] [3] It is Coolio's best-selling album, with over two million copies sold in the United States. The album produced three singles, which became hits: the title track (which was first used in the 1995 film Dangerous Minds , [4] released before Coolio's album), "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)", and "Too Hot".

Contents

Album information

Three songs were released as singles. "Gangsta's Paradise" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)" reached number 5, and "Too Hot" peaked at number 24.

The album was nominated for a 1997 Grammy for Best Rap Album. The song "Gangsta's Paradise" won a 1996 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. "Sumpin' New" was nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [5]
Cash Box (favorable) [6]
Christgau's Consumer Guide A− [7]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Entertainment Weekly B+ [9]
Los Angeles Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Muzik Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]
NME 7/10 [12]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]
The Source Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [14]
Spin 8/10 [15]

Spin gave the album 8 out of 10, and said, "Today's rappers aren't interested in sharing any knowledge with outsiders. Coolio is the great exception... the most stylistically broad mainstream rap album you'll probably hear all year. Even upon first listen, it sounds like a collection of hits." [16]

Entertainment Weekly ranked the album #4 on EW's Top 10 Albums of 1995, and said, "The level-headed street philosopher, preaching respect for black women, fatherly responsibility, and safe sex... continuing in the great tradition of Sly Stone and Stevie Wonder... Coolio and his crew make the ghetto seem not just a place of desolation, but of hope." [17] [18]

The Source gave the album 4 Mics out of 5, and said, "The crazy braided one brings skilled and insightful lyrics that reach and relate to all levels of the Black experience... sets standards that corny lyrics and catchy loops can't compete with... Few artists can straddle the line between commercial and underground hip-hop." [19]

Musician said, "Coolio ties his music to a message that's as deep as the groove." [20]

Rap Pages gave the album 7 out of 10, and said, "Maybe because he rapped for a decade with no props, got yanked on record deals... this cool-ass homie from Compton has stayed grounded... Coolio rejoices in the only life he knows." [21]

NME gave the album 7 out of 10, and said, "Instead of playing the role of the Uzi-toting big-shot, he adopts a more reflective view of urban life in Los Angeles... In doing so, Coolio takes a deliberate step forward from last year's light-hearted debut." [22]

Track listing

#TitleProducer(s)Performer(s)Length
1"That's How It Is"Coolio
  • Coolio
  • Talkbox
1:00
2"Geto Highlites"
  • Christopher Hamabe
  • Devon Davis
  • Coolio
  • 40 Thevz (backing vocals)
4:59
3"Gangsta's Paradise"
  • Doug Rasheed
  • Danger Jay
  • Coolio
  • L.V.
  • Trinna Simmons (backing)
4:00
4"Too Hot"Bryan Wino Dobbs
3:40
5"Cruisin'"
  • Christopher Hamabe
  • Devon Davis
  • Coolio
  • Malika
  • Shaunna D. (backing)
4:34
6"Exercise Yo Game"
  • Jay Williams
  • Maurice Thompson
4:49
7"1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)"
  • James Carter
  • Poison Ivey
Coolio3:33
8"Smilin'"
  • Dominic Aldridge
  • James Carter
  • Reece Carter (co-producer)
  • Coolio
  • Baby G (backing)
4:07
9"Fucc Coolio"CoolioCoolio0:50
10"Kinda High Kinda Drunk"
  • Dominic Aldridge
  • James Carter
  • Danny Taylor (co-producer)
Coolio3:44
11"For My Sistas"Oji Pierce
  • Coolio
  • Lashann Dendy
4:26
12"Is This Me?"
  • Devon Davis
  • Roblow for Crimelab Production
  • Coolio
  • L.V.
  • Rated R
4:23
13"A Thing Goin' On"Oji Pierce
  • Coolio
  • Jeremy Monroe
4:45
14"Bright As the Sun"Oji Pierce
  • Coolio
  • Will Wheaton
4:47
15"Recoup This"Spoon
  • Coolio
  • Capucine Jackson (backing)
  • P.S. (backing)
1:21
16"The Revolution"Bryan Wino DobbsCoolio3:48
17"Get Up, Get Down"Bryan Wino Dobbs
5:32

Samples and interpolations

Charts

Certifications and sales

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [45] Gold35,000^
Belgium (BEA) [46] Gold25,000*
Canada (Music Canada) [47] Platinum100,000^
France (SNEP) [48] 2× Gold200,000*
Germany (BVMI) [49] Gold250,000^
Netherlands (NVPI) [50] Gold50,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ) [51] Platinum15,000^
Sweden (GLF) [52] Gold50,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [53] 2× Platinum100,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [54] Gold100,000^
United States (RIAA) [55] 2× Platinum2,000,000^
Summaries
Worldwide—5,000,000 [56]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coolio</span> American rapper (1963–2022)

Artis Leon Ivey Jr., known by his stage name Coolio, was an American rapper and chef. He was best known for his single "Gangsta's Paradise" (1995), which won a Grammy Award, and was credited for changing the course of hip hop by bringing it to a wider audience. Other singles included "Fantastic Voyage" (1994), "1, 2, 3, 4 " (1996), and "C U When U Get There" (1997). He released nine albums, the first three of which achieved mainstream success: It Takes a Thief (1994), Gangsta's Paradise (1995), and My Soul (1997). Coolio first achieved recognition as a member of the gangsta rap group WC and the Maad Circle. Coolio sold 4.8 million albums in the U.S.

<i>The Score</i> (album) 1996 studio album by Fugees

The Score is the second and final studio album by the hip hop trio Fugees, released worldwide on February 13, 1996, on Columbia Records. The album features a wide range of samples and instrumentation, with many aspects of alternative hip hop that would come to dominate the hip-hop music scene in the mid- to late-1990s. Primarily, The Score's production was handled by Fugees themselves, Jerry Duplessis and Warren Riker, with additional production from Salaam Remi, John Forté, Diamond D, and Shawn King. The album's guest verses are from Outsidaz members Rah Digga, Young Zee, and Pacewon, as well as John Forté, and Diamond D. Most versions of the album feature four bonus tracks, including three remixes of "Fu-Gee-La", and a short acoustic Wyclef Jean solo track entitled "Mista Mista".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gangsta's Paradise</span> 1995 single by Coolio

"Gangsta's Paradise" is a single by American rapper Coolio, released on August 1, 1995 by Tommy Boy, Warner Bros. and MCA. Interpolating Stevie Wonder's song "Pastime Paradise" (1976), "Gangsta's Paradise" features vocals from American singer L.V. who served as a co-composer and co-lyricist with Coolio and Doug Rasheed, with Wonder also being credited for the composition and lyrics. Certified Platinum in October, the song was included on Coolio's second album, Gangsta's Paradise, in November 1995. Its music video was directed by Antoine Fuqua and featured Michelle Pfeiffer. The song is taken from Pfeiffer's movie, Dangerous Minds. The music video is also themed around the movie.

<i>R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece</i> 2004 studio album by Snoop Dogg

R&G : The Masterpiece is the seventh studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on November 16, 2004, by Doggystyle Records, making its first on Star Trak Entertainment and Geffen Records. Recording sessions took place from November 2003 to September 2004 in each of several recording studios. The album's production was handled from The Neptunes, The Alchemist, Lil Jon, Hi-Tek, Warryn Campbell, and L.T. Hutton, among others.

<i>The Massacre</i> 2005 studio album by 50 Cent

The Massacre is the second studio album by American rapper 50 Cent, released on March 3, 2005, via Interscope Records, Eminem's Shady Records, 50 Cent's G-Unit Records, and Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment. With production from Dr. Dre, Eminem, Scott Storch, Sha Money XL and others, the album features guest appearances from G-Unit affiliates Tony Yayo, Olivia, Eminem and Jamie Foxx.

<i>The Hard Way</i> (213 album) 2004 studio album by 213

The Hard Way is the only album from American hip hop trio 213, which consisted of Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Nate Dogg. It was released on August 17, 2004, under Doggystyle Records, G-Funk Entertainment, Dogg Foundation, TVT Records.

<i>Grand Champ</i> 2003 studio album by DMX

Grand Champ is the fifth studio album by American rapper DMX. It was released on September 16, 2003 by The Island Def Jam Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, and Ruff Ryders Entertainment. The album was produced by multiple producers, including Swizz Beatz, Dame Grease, Kanye West, and No I.D. It features guest appearances from 50 Cent, Cam'ron, Eve, Styles P, Monica, and Jadakiss, among others.

<i>No Way Out</i> (Puff Daddy album) 1997 studio album by Puff Daddy & The Family

No Way Out is the debut studio album by American rapper Puff Daddy & The Family. It was released on July 22, 1997 by Arista Records and Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Entertainment. The album's crediting of the Family references the guest appearances from his label-mates at Bad Boy Records.

<i>Pain Is Love</i> 2001 studio album by Ja Rule

Pain Is Love is the third studio album by American rapper Ja Rule, released on October 2, 2001 via The Island Def Jam Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. Although, the album received a mixed reception from critics, Pain Is Love debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was supported by four singles: "Livin' It Up", "I'm Real ", "Always on Time" and "Down Ass Bitch". It was certified triple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 3,000,000 copies. Pain is Love received numerous awards and nominations including a nomination for Best Rap Album at the 44th Grammy Awards. The album's first two singles "Livin' It Up" featuring Case and "Always on Time" featuring Ashanti collected nominations for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002 and 2003.

<i>Tha Blue Carpet Treatment</i> 2006 studio album by Snoop Dogg

Tha Blue Carpet Treatment is the eighth studio album by West Coast hip hop recording artist Snoop Dogg. It was released on November 21, 2006, by Doggystyle Records and Geffen Records. Recording sessions took place from November 2005 to September 2006 in several recording studios and artists such as Dr. Dre, The Neptunes, DJ Battlecat, DJ Pooh, Timbaland, Danja, Mark Batson, Terrace Martin, and Mr. Porter appear on the album, among others.

<i>Eve-Olution</i> 2002 studio album by Eve

Eve-Olution is the third studio album by American rapper Eve. It was released by Ruff Ryders Entertainment on August 27, 2002, distributed through Interscope Records. Production was handled by frequent collaborators Dr. Dre, Swizz Beatz and also Irv Gotti, among others. The album garnered the internationally successful single "Gangsta Lovin'", which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop song charts as well as number four in Australia. The album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales 133,000 copies. It reached the top twenty in Canada, France, and Switzerland. The album has sold over 600,000 copies in the US and was certified gold in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Larry J. Sanders, known professionally as L.V., is an American singer. He is best known for his collaboration with rapper Coolio on the single "Gangsta's Paradise". He has released five solo albums and was a member of the gangsta rap group South Central Cartel since it formed, usually singing the choruses. In 2019, L.V. was featured by NBC News after the Los Angeles Police Department designated him as a gang member or associate for the purposes of a heavily criticized database.

<i>Dangerous Minds</i> (soundtrack) 1995 soundtrack album by Various artists

Dangerous Minds: Music from the Motion Picture is the official soundtrack to the 1995 film Dangerous Minds. The album was released in 1995 on MCA Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coolio discography</span>

This is the discography of Coolio, an American rapper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">C U When U Get There</span> 1997 single by Coolio

"C U When U Get There" is a song by American rapper Coolio featuring 40 Thevz. It was released in June 1997 as the first single from Coolio's third studio album, My Soul (1997). The track was also featured on the soundtrack to the 1997 comedy film Nothing to Lose. It heavily interpolates Johann Pachelbel's Baroque "Canon in D Major."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)</span> 1996 single by Coolio

"1, 2, 3, 4 " is a song by American rapper Coolio. It was the third single released from his second studio album, Gangsta's Paradise (1995), in February 1996. Initially entitled "Sumpin' New", the song uses a sample from "Thighs High ", recorded in 1981 by American jazz trumpeter Tom Browne, and also includes a vocal sample from "Wikka Wrap" by the Evasions, from 1981. The song achieved success in several countries, including the United States, France, Iceland, and New Zealand, where it was a top-10 hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Too Hot (Kool & the Gang song)</span> 1980 single by Kool & the Gang

"Too Hot" is a song recorded by the American band Kool & the Gang for their first Platinum selling 1979 album Ladies' Night. It was written by George Brown and Kool & the Gang, and produced by Eumir Deodato and Kool & the Gang.

<i>Dark Sky Paradise</i> 2015 studio album by Big Sean

Dark Sky Paradise is the third studio album by American rapper Big Sean. It was released on February 24, 2015, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Drake, Kanye West, E-40, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Jhené Aiko, Lil Wayne, and Ariana Grande, while the production was handled by a variety of collaborators, including Kanye West, DJ Mustard, DJ Dahi and Key Wane, who also serves as the album's executive producer alongside Big Sean himself. The album was supported by five singles: "I Don't Fuck with You", "Paradise", "Blessings", "One Man Can Change the World" and "Play No Games".

<i>Still Striving</i> 2017 mixtape by ASAP Ferg

Still Striving is the second mixtape by American rapper ASAP Ferg. It was released through ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music, and RCA Records on August 18, 2017. The album features guest appearances from Meek Mill, Cam'ron, Dave East, Lil Yachty, Nav, Famous Dex, Playboi Carti, Migos, ASAP Rocky, MadeinTYO, Busta Rhymes, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg. It was supported by the single "Plain Jane".

<i>4Real 4Real</i> 2019 studio album by YG

4Real 4Real is the fourth studio album by American rapper YG, released on May 24, 2019 by 4Hunnid Records and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from G-Eazy, DaBaby, Tyga, Meek Mill, Ty Dolla $ign, and Nipsey Hussle, among others.

References

  1. ↑ "Coolio :: Gangsta's Paradise :: Tommy Boy/Warner Bros". www.rapreviews.com. Retrieved 2021-06-16. The production throughout "Gangsta's Paradise" is excellent, capturing a pleasant, upbeat g-funk sound.
  2. ↑ Bogdanov, Vladimir (2003). All Music Guide to Hip-Hop: The Definitive Guide to Rap & Hip-Hop. p.  81. ISBN   0-87930-759-5.
  3. ↑ "Coolio: Do what you gotta do in order to survive. That's the way Amerikkka has taught you". MTV . November 13, 1996. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  4. ↑ Dangerous Minds at IMDb
  5. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio". AllMusic . Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  6. ↑ Robertson IV, Gil L. (December 23, 1995). "Urban" (PDF). Cash Box . p. 11. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  7. ↑ Christgau, Robert (October 15, 2000). "Coolio: Gangsta's Paradise". Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s. Macmillan Publishing. ISBN   9780312245603.
  8. ↑ Larkin, Colin (2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Omnibus Press. ISBN   9780857125958.
  9. ↑ Browne, David (November 10, 1995). "Gangsta's Paradise" . Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  10. ↑ Coker, Cheo (November 11, 1995). "** Coolio, "Gangsta's Paradise," Tommy Boy". Los Angeles Times . ISSN   0458-3035 . Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  11. ↑ Ashon, Will (December 1995). "Coolio: Gangster's Paradise" (PDF). Muzik . No. 7. p. 82. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  12. ↑ "Coolio: Gangsta's Paradise". NME . 1995-11-04. p. 49. ...Instead of playing the role of the Uzi-toting big-shot, he adopts a more reflective view of urban life in Los Angeles....In doing so, Coolio takes a deliberate step forward from last year's light-hearted debut...
  13. ↑ Harris, Keith (2004). "Coolio". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian David (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide . Simon and Schuster. ISBN   9780743201698.
  14. ↑ Gordon, Allen S. (February 1996). "Record Report: Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". The Source . No. 77. pp. 87–88.
  15. ↑ Walters, Barry (January 1996). "Coolio: Gangsta's Paradise". Spin . SPIN Media LLC. p. 82. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  16. ↑ 1/96, p.82
  17. ↑ 12/29/95-1/5/96, p.132
  18. ↑ 11/10/95, p.62
  19. ↑ 2/96, pp.87-88
  20. ↑ 2/96, p.94
  21. ↑ 12/95, p.30
  22. ↑ 11/4/95, p.49
  23. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". Hung Medien.
  24. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise" (in German). Hung Medien.
  25. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise" (in Dutch). Hung Medien.
  26. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise" (in French). Hung Medien.
  27. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise" (in Dutch). Hung Medien.
  28. ↑ "Coolio: Gangsta's Paradise" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.
  29. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". Hung Medien.
  30. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts.
  31. ↑ "Charts.nz – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". Hung Medien.
  32. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". Hung Medien.
  33. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". Hung Medien.
  34. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". Hung Medien.
  35. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart Top 40 | Official Charts Company". OfficialCharts.com .
  36. ↑ "Coolio | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart.
  37. ↑ "Coolio Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  38. ↑ "Coolio Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
  39. ↑ "Jahreshitparade Alben 1996". austriancharts.at. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  40. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1996". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  42. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1996". hitparade.ch. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  43. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1996". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  44. ↑ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1996". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  45. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1996 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  46. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 1996". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  47. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – Coolio – Gangsta Paradise". Music Canada . Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  48. ↑ "French album certifications – Coolio – Gangsta Paradise" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique . Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  49. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Coolio; 'Gangsta Paradise')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  50. ↑ "Dutch album certifications – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers . Retrieved June 29, 2019.Enter Gangsta's Paradise in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1996 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  51. ↑ "New Zealand album certifications – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  52. ↑ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-17. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  53. ↑ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Gangsta's Paradise')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  54. ↑ "British album certifications – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  55. ↑ "American album certifications – Coolio – Gangsta's Paradise". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  56. ↑ "Coolio, rapper whose hit Gangsta's Paradise was the first hip-hop song to sell a million copies in Britain – obituary". The Telegraph. September 29, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.