Which Stevie Wonder song was sampled in Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”?

Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” samples Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise.”

“Pastime Paradise” appeared on Wonder’s 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life. The original uses a dramatic, layered arrangement with synthesizers, percussion, strings and choral voices. Its lyrics criticize escapism and the habit of idealizing an imagined past instead of confronting present realities.

Coolio’s 1995 song reworked the musical foundation into a darker rap setting and featured singer L.V. The new recording became the centerpiece of the film Dangerous Minds and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

The connection is sometimes confused with “Gangsta’s Paradise” being a direct cover. It is better described as a reworking built around a sample and interpolation of Wonder’s composition, with new lyrics and a different performance.