Stevie Wonder Owns 75% Of Coolio's Publishing For "Gangsta's Paradise"

When Coolio released “Gangsta’s Paradise” in 1995, it became an instant cultural phenomenon—topping charts, earning accolades, and embedding itself in hip-hop history. But what many fans don’t know is that the song’s success hinged on one crucial green light: the approval of Stevie Wonder.

The haunting instrumental of “Gangsta’s Paradise” is a direct sample of Wonder’s 1976 classic “Pastime Paradise.” However, Wonder—known for his strong values and control over his art—initially refused to approve Coolio’s early version of the track due to its explicit language. According to Paul Stewart, Coolio’s manager at the time, “The terms were a little harsh, but without them approving it, there’s no hit.”

Coolio and his team revised the song, removing profanity and cleaning up the lyrics out of respect for Wonder's wishes. The compromise worked. Stevie Wonder not only approved the revised version but also retained a 75% share of the publishing rights, making him a major beneficiary of the song’s massive success.

And massive it was—“Gangsta’s Paradise” was the top-selling single of 1995 in the United States and went on to win Coolio the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. Its iconic placement in the film Dangerous Minds further elevated its status, with Coolio's introspective lyrics resonating across generations.

When Billboard revisited the legacy of “Gangsta’s Paradise” following Coolio’s death in 2022, the article emphasized how pivotal Stevie Wonder’s blessing was. What could have been just another sample-based track became a global anthem, thanks to a rare blend of musical genius, respect for artistry, and strategic compromise.

In the end, “Gangsta’s Paradise” stands as a powerful reminder that when legends collaborate—directly or indirectly—history is made.