L.V. was a co-composer and co-lyricist for the track alongside Coolio and producer Doug Rasheed.
While not a vocalist on the original recording, Wonder is a credited songwriter because the track interpolates his 1976 song "Pastime Paradise". Coolio and L.V. famously performed the song live with Stevie Wonder at the 1995 Billboard Music Awards. Gangsta S Paradise Coolio
L.V. came up with the idea to rework Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise" into "Gangsta's Paradise". He sang the iconic chorus and recorded multiple vocal tracks to create the "choir" effect heard throughout the song. Gangsta S Paradise Coolio
Both Coolio and L.V. received significant recognition for the track, including Billboard Music Awards and a Grammy nomination for the performance. Gangsta S Paradise Coolio