Coolio Weighs in on Dangerous Schools Report September 9, 2008 –
Los Angeles hip-hop artist Coolio yesterday broke his silence [see video below] on the PA Department of Education's recent report citing a 67% increase in the number of “persistently dangerous” Philadelphia schools. "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there's nothing left," revealed the rapper, addressing leather-jacketed high school teacher LouAnne Johnson from a dimly-lit room. "I've been blastin' and laughing so long that even my mama thinks my mind is gone."
The 45-year-old Grammy winner suggested that students at the troubled schools–which include Germantown, Frankford, and West Philadelphia Highs–look deep within themselves for guidance. "I'm the kinda G that little homies wanna be," he said, showily adjusting his sunglasses. "On my knees in the night, sayin' prayers in the street light." L.V., a colleague of the wire-haired rapper, agreed. "Been spending most our lives living in a gangsta's paradise," he lamented, smoke swirling dramatically around his meaty face. "Been spending most our lives living in a gangsta's paradise."
Independent safe-schools advocate Jack Stollsteimer was heartened by Coolio's Stevie Wonder-sampling message. "It's important that everyone understand just how crucial safe schools are to the continuing health of our cities," he said. "As Coolio himself has asked, 'Why are we so blind to see that the ones we hurt are you and me'?" The rapper, for one, lacked an answer to that difficult question. "Death ain't nothin' but a heartbeat away," he acknowledged, leaning oddly close to Johnson as she attempted to stifle a smile. "I'm livin' do-or-die. What can I say?"
The 45-year-old Grammy winner suggested that students at the troubled schools–which include Germantown, Frankford, and West Philadelphia Highs–look deep within themselves for guidance. "I'm the kinda G that little homies wanna be," he said, showily adjusting his sunglasses. "On my knees in the night, sayin' prayers in the street light." L.V., a colleague of the wire-haired rapper, agreed. "Been spending most our lives living in a gangsta's paradise," he lamented, smoke swirling dramatically around his meaty face. "Been spending most our lives living in a gangsta's paradise." 
