HHV Exclusive: Coolio talks “Gangsta’s Paradise,” DJ-ing, trap music, and more with DJ Kelly J

Coolio speaks on Gangsta’s Paradise and trap music

The 1990s saw many rappers rise to fame and Coolio was among them. By the mid-1990s, West Coast hip hop had taken over and Coolio was another Compton rapper finding his way in the game. Early in his career, Coolio worked with WC and later branched out as a solo artist.

In 1995, Coolio released Gangsta’s Paradise, which included the title single. The music video for the single featured Coolio starring Michelle Pfeiffer. Even though he had previous hits, Coolio became primarily known for the “Gangsta’s Paradise” single, which is going on twenty years.

Earlier this spring, DJ Kelly J made her Hip Hop Vibe debut and she talked to Coolio about Gangsta’s Paradise‘s overall impact. The interview became really in-depth, with Coolio talking about how DJ-ing has changed over the years and how his era introduced trap music. Coolio also ended the interview in a special way.

Coolio speaks on Gangsta’s Paradise and trap music