Grandma Goes Viral with “Gangsta’s Paradise” Ukulele Cover
What does a retired 4th-grade teacher have in common with a Grammy-winning rapper from Compton?
Honestly, I’m not really sure – but, YouTuber, Patsy Walker nails this performance of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” with nothing but her gentle voice and a ukulele.
It’s not every day you see a retiree strumming the ukulele to the rhythm of a gritty hip-hop classic. Yet, there’s something about this unlikely pairing…
The original song, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” is known for its hard-hitting message about gang life and inner-city struggles. Coolio’s lyrics are raw and intense, painting a vivid picture of what it’s like to grow up surrounded by crime and the struggle to not become a product of one’s environment. The song won a Grammy in 1996 for Best Rap Solo Performance, solidifying its place in music history.
But when Patsy Walker, who posts hundreds of ukulele covers on her YouTube page, starts to sing the first few lines, she brings an entirely new dimension to the song that honestly, I was not prepared to love so much. Her voice is soft and gentle – a stark contrast to Coolio’s rough, street-wise tone. The ukulele, often associated with peaceful, light-hearted tunes, seems an unexpected choice for such a heavy song. But somehow, it works.
The video quickly amassed over 220,000 views on YouTube, and fellow viewers seem to agree that this performance is Grammy-worthy itself.
“Most unexpected recommendation I’ve ever gotten, absolutely priceless.”
The contrast between Walker’s light-hearted performance and the song’s powerful message creates an intriguing blend.
“This may be the greatest ukulele cover of all time.”
Though it’s hard to overlook the gravity of the original composition, Walker’s version adds another unique (and welcome) layer to an already moving song.
“A dark song ended with a sweet smile. Never realized I need to hear this, but I did.”
If nothing else, this cover is a reminder that music can bridge gaps and bring people together, no matter how different their backgrounds might be.
In a world often divided by differences, Patsy Walker’s ukulele cover of “Gangsta’s Paradise” stands as a testament to the unifying power of music. It’s a tribute not just to Coolio’s iconic track, but also to the ability of art to transcend boundaries and touch people in unexpected ways.
Five stars. Two thumbs up.
I 110% absolutely, positively recommend that you watch the full clip above. And, I challenge you not to smile at the end.
Image Credit: “Gangsta’s Paradise” – Coolio – ukulele cover, via YouTube, Patsy Walker
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Originally published February 20, 2024
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