Artis Leon Ivey Jr. (born August 1, 1963), better known by the stage name Coolio, is an American musician, rapper, actor and record producer.

Dark and tragic – meant to be a criticism of the violence and tragedy of gangster life. Life on the streets

Can be seen as a lyrical poem as it is a famous rap song.

American ghettos or any gangster affiliated areas in America. It can also suggest any other area around the world related to gangsterism.

GANGSTA’S PARADISE SLANG: An American term for a member of a criminal group/gang CONTRAST (oxymoron) Gang: violence Paradise: peace For a gangster the streets are their paradise

As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ALLUSION: (direct or indirect referal to something that the writer or speaker assumes is common knowledge) Bible; Psalm 23:4 WORD PLAY: VALLEY vs ALLEY …3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.…

I take a look at my life and realize there’s not much left Literally: been spending his life gaining nothing and losing everything. Figuratively: lost the meaning of life.

Cause I’ve been blastin’ and laughin’ so long that The sound made by an explosion. Good time: an enjoyable occasion of fun and laughter (slang) way of expressing amusement Enjoying gang life Joy or excitement of killing

Even my ma’ma thinks that my mind is gone Mother does not know her own child He had a personality change due to his gang affiliation (possible drug use)

But I ain’t never crossed a man that didn’t deserve it Kill Back-stab He never killed/back stabbed a man who showed him respect. Informal language & Americanism

Me, be treated like a punk, you know that’s unheard of A young wild, lawless person Denies being a lawless person; does not take responsibility for his actions. He forces people to respect him, by “force”.

You better watch how you talkin’, and where you walkin’ Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk Gang life lives on the principle of mutual respect. Trespassing on a gang’s territory or bad-mouthing them is a sign of disrespect and thus you are warned or killed (look at line 8) Shortened version of ‘homeboy’: member of an American gang (slang) Murder scene

I really hate to trip, but I gotta loc’ A drug induced hallucinating experience Informal language: going to He tries to stop but is too dependent on drugs either to forget his problem or give him the capability to do violence.

As they croak I see myself in the pistol smoke, fool Slang: to die Deep hoarse sound i.e. the sound his victims make as they die Silly person; person whose conduct is unwise. Refers to: Himself Person he shoots He sees how they die as he shoots them.

I’m the kinda G the little homies wanna be like Informal language: kind of want to Less important/new gang members or even young children living in the American ghettos Old initiated gang member The capital letter might even suggest his importance in the gang Older gang member is a role model for the newer members

On my knees in the night Sayin’ prayers in the street light Might refer to: Has no home or lives on the street and thus says his prayer on the streets. On his knees in a execution manner with a gun to his head praying that he won’t be shot

Been spendin’ most our lives livin’ in the Gangstas Paradise REPETITION: Born into gangs due to social circumstances.

Keep spendin’ most our lives livin’ in the Gangstas Paradise Keep spendin’ most our lives livin’ in the Gangstas Paradise REPETITION: Stay in gangs because it is a way of life or a choice they made. They have no choice.