:: Coolio - The Return Of The Gangsta

Coolio

He’s returned. Not much has changed. Behind his bling sunglasses there a few more wrinkles. The big cat is back, and old cats even mix it with natural predators like dogs, particularly one called Snoop. In songs like ‘Gangsta Walk’, Snoop’s contributes his popular vocals, even whispering his infamous “drop it like it’s hot” quote in. Gangsta, this word is synonymous with Coolio, though it is mostly self declared. On an album called The Return of the Gangsta, there are songs like Gangsta Walk, Keep it Gangsta and Lady & Gangsta. Not surprisingly, a rapper named Gangsta-lu adds to the album. If you like gangsters you should like this. But if you should flick through the album cover there is an embedded gratitude note to “those who deserve it,” and a warning, “to the haters: retaliation is inevitable.” Where is the Coolio that gravely and seriously contemplated life and mortality, “the shadow of death” in the 90s? While this Coolio has flashes of some paternal protectiveness in Daddy’s Song, the album retreats to lighter subjects, perhaps a final grab at youth for this experienced rapper. Money, ladies and the perpetual G word are all subjects to sing about. The song, “Keep on Dancing” could easily be a sexy R&B hit - squeaky voice counteracted by Coolio against a dance tune. While he won’t be stealing away the popularity of his younger competitor 50 Cent, this comeback album could be much worse.