Coolio of “Gangsta’s Paradise” Knocks at Paradise, aged 59 [video]

He was a rapper and one of the finest in his generation. His music was packaged with a soulful message. And to a large extent, he was a “clean” rapper without the usual verbal bombs. It was in a FUTO hostel the first time I heard “C U When U Get There” which he released in 1997.  That song reminded me of “Every Breath You Take” by the Police.

The Police was a favourite of a kinsman (Acho) who was a businessman in Aba. Whenever he made it home on weekends, in the village, he would play it in his stereo non-stop. Occasionally, he connected with Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long”. Coolio passed away yesterday. He rapped “Gangsta’s Paradise”. I am hoping he is there now. He was 59.

Emeka (Industrial Chemistry) – a junior roommate in FUTO who played Coolio all day should be unhappy this week.  Strength to Tupac Jr (his nickname for his love of rap).

Comment on Feed

Comment: Ndubuisi Ekekwe sorry for your loss

My Response: Not really a rap fan!!! But when a man writes a song positing a paradise of gangsters, you can preach a Church sermon from his mind.

“As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

I take a look at my life and realize there’s not much left

‘Cause I’ve been blastin’ and laughin’ so long, that

Even my mama thinks that my mind is gone”

He was just 23 with realization of many things, writing “I’m an educated fool with money on my mind”. He continued…

“They say I gotta learn, but nobody’s here to teach me

If they can’t understand it, how can they reach me

I guess they can’t, I guess they won’t

I guess they front, that’s why I know my life is out of luck, fool”

He was talking of social inequality. Even the typical United Nations declaration will appreciate his mind.

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