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20 years ago: 'Gangsta's Paradise' by Coolio tops pop chart

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Today's Morning Edition music feature is "Gangsta's Paradise" by rapper Coolio featuring singer L.V.

The track, which samples the chorus and music of Stevie Wonder's 1976 song "Pasttime Paradise," was No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart 20 years ago today.

The song tells the story of a young gang member who has regrets about his choices. "Gangsta's Paradise" is one of the few Coolio songs that does not include profanity.

Coolio explained that Wonder asked him to remove any vulgarities before agreeing to let him use the song.