Howard Honors Rapper Coolio and His Unforgettable Stern Show Performance
Howard Honors Rapper Coolio and His Unforgettable Stern Show Performance
“I remember there were a lot of good vibes in the room,” he says of the late hip-hop star’s 1995 appearance
Grammy Award-winning rapper Coolio, best known for 1990s hits “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage” died at age 59 last week.
On Monday, Howard remembered the artist’s 1995 Stern Show appearance in which he delivered an impromptu performance of “Gangsta’s Paradise” with singer L.V. “Nice guy, great story,” Howard said of Coolio. “From what I remember … Coolio wasn’t coming in to sing … But I was smart, I had the track there … and I just sprung it on them and Coolio went right into it. It was great.”
The clip of that performance has garnered over 27 million views on YouTube, capturing what Howard recalls as a very special moment. “I remember there were a lot of good vibes in the room,” he noted.
Leading the soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer-starring “Dangerous Minds,” “Gangsta’s Paradise” sampled Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise,” achieving far greater commercial success than the original. “Great song,” co-host Robin Quivers observed. “Any time you can outdo Stevie doing Stevie, you’re amazing.”
Watch Coolio’s unforgettable Stern Show performance (above).