Gangster Paradise

“Gangsta’s Paradise” is a single by American rapper Coolio, released on August 1, 19951. The song features vocals from American singer L.V., who served as a co-composer and co-lyricist with Coolio and Doug Rasheed1. The song interpolates Stevie Wonder’s song “Pastime Paradise” (1976)

The lyrics of “Gangsta’s Paradise” illustrate the mental processes of a prototypical street gangster, focusing on the type of violent and criminal behavior which such a lifestyle is based on2. 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.