Tommy Boy Music, part of Reservoir, is honoring the 30th anniversary of Coolio’s legendary hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” out now in a newly remastered Dolby Atmos edition. Originally released in 1995 and featuring R&B singer L.V., the Grammy-winning track remains one of hip-hop’s most enduring anthems, bridging generations with its timeless storytelling, Stevie Wonder sample, and raw social insight. To mark the milestone, fans can stream four newly mixed Dolby Atmos versions of classics from Coolio’s catalog, including “Gangsta’s Paradise,” “1,2,3,4 (Sumpin’ New),” “C U When U Get There,” and “County Line.” A limited 7” vinyl featuring the original and instrumental versions of “Gangsta’s Paradise” is out now.
The celebration includes global campaigns, DJ contests, and social media challenges in partnership with Beatsource and Beatport, inviting creators to remix the track for a chance to win exclusive prizes like a Rane One MKII DJ Controller, UE Pro earphones, and Coolio vinyl collections. Takeovers are also rolling out across Music Choice, Touchtunes Jukeboxes, Spotify, and Vevo, where a new Footnotes video with producer Doug Rasheed offers insight into the song’s creation. “Combining L.V.’s harmonies on the hook with Coolio’s rap, I knew I had something special,” says Rasheed. “But I had no idea how massive of a hit it would be, and continues to be globally, after 30 years.”
Since its debut, “Gangsta’s Paradise” has topped charts in more than 15 countries, won a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, and earned 3x Platinum certification from the RIAA. The track’s music video, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and featuring scenes from Dangerous Minds, has surpassed 1.8 billion views on YouTube, while the song itself boasts over 2 billion streams on Spotify. “When Reservoir acquired Tommy Boy, our vision was to preserve and celebrate the legacies of pioneering hip-hop artists like Coolio,” adds Reservoir’s Faith Newman. “’Gangsta’s Paradise’ is not only a defining hip-hop record but a piece of cultural history that continues to inspire.”