I was on the treadmill listening to Pandora yesterday when out of the blue Coolio's "Gangsta Paradise" came on. To say I was surprised is a bit of an understatement. I haven't heard that song in forever. And after the initial surprised reaction, the biggest grin came on my face. It took me back to memories years ago.
Do y'all remember "Dangerous Minds"? The movie. Well, my sisters and I wanted to see the movie badly when it came out in the theaters because of that song. I don't think we ever did get around to seeing it in the theaters but we definitely watched it when it was on TV. It actually was my favorite movie for the longest time.
I remembered sitting in our bedroom with the radio on, with a tape cassette and Emma pressing record to that song. I know, so bad. When we had the full radio version we memorized the song from top to bottom. Not only did we memorize it but we were full blown gangstas. I mean, as gangsta as we could have been with our arms criss-crossing any chance it could. My older sister was 16, I was 13, the one after me 10, and the youngest 7 but we ALL learned the song. And we were pretty darn proud of ourselves. Almost as proud as when we learned the Fresh Prince of Bel Air's intro rap.
Anyway, as I worked out in our apartment's complex gym (all by my lonesome, I guess I should add) the urge to rock out overcame me and so I did. I rocked out as though I was that gangsta 13 year old who knew every part of the song and not as if at any moment a person could walk through the gym's door and deem me mentally insane. And it felt good.
in West Philadelphia born and raised ... It's gotta be one of my faves to belt out :)
ReplyDeleteLoved Michelle P in that movie!! Ahh the memories!!
ReplyDeleteThat is SO funny that you mentioned that song! I heard it this morning on the radio and it took me back!! Funny how music can bring back so many memories. I listen to 112, Blackstreet, Boys 2 Men and Jagged Edge on the regular. What happened to GOOD R&B music?!?
ReplyDeleteHILARIOUS! My 5th or was it 6th grade class was all about it too! I also remember thinking those kids woulda ate her ALIVE. LOL
ReplyDeleteI started giggling just by reading the title to this blog, but then really busted after reading it (and imagining you rocking out at the gym)...you are too funny! :) Love the picture of you and your gangster sisters, hahaha!
ReplyDeleteI used to LOOOOOVE Coolio!!!!
ReplyDeleteSaw the movie and I thought I was the ish to know the words to the song! :-).
ReplyDeleteGosh...that was forever and a day ago!
You guys have to work on your gangsta pose! haha! I do remember the movie and song and now I can't get it out of my head!
ReplyDeleteBeen spending most our lives living in a gangstas paradise...... and of course now the song as well as the intro beat will be in my head the rest of the day lol thanks for that ;)
ReplyDeleteI would have paid money to be a fly on the wall in that gym!! haha...that song definitely brings back some awesome childhood memories...
ReplyDeleteWhat special and fun memories! Isn't it amazing how a song can have so many memories attached to it?
ReplyDeleteI remember that song! I love it when a song brings back such fond memories. And I can see 13 year old Faith trying to be gangsta, lol!
ReplyDeleteI remember recording things of the radio and that song. And oh how I loved the Fresh Prince Song. I'd sing it every time it came on. I bet that got your booty going on the treadmill.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh! I remembered recording the Fresh Prince song with my cousins...with our neon hats turned backwards and our L.A.Gear tennis with the colourful laces. Sigh, those were the days.
ReplyDeleteYou totally rocked it huh? =P
xo
funny how songs can trigger memories right? BTW...have you been getting my comments? I've been leaving them on my phone but not sure if they are being seen by you?
ReplyDeleteFaith - you crack me up girl oh and you totally have to work on your gangsta pose :).
ReplyDeleteI just realized that if our 4th baby is a boy then we'll be like your family (but in reverse). I hope my boys are as tight as you are with your sisters one day.
Hahaha! Oh, Faith! This made me laugh out loud. I love the image of you breaking it down on the treadmill!!
ReplyDeleteAhh how I love the way a song can take you back in time :)
OKAY FAITH! Lets test this no-reply issue :)
ReplyDeletewow...you took it back. lol!!!! that was my song ;)
ReplyDeletecute pic!
Love this photo, there's nothing like the G life at times haha!
ReplyDeleteI could still totally rap both those song lyrics! #raisedinthe90s!
ReplyDeleteThat song, and movie, were awesome!! Whatever happened to good old Coolio?
ReplyDeletei love how music can bring you back like that!! and sometimes you just have to rock out when you're working out!!!
ReplyDeleteThis picture CRACKS me up, I love, love, love it!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHa!!! I loved Coolio back in the day (and still enjoy a little Gangsta Paradise every now and then!)!! Dangerous Minds was one of my faves! :)
ReplyDeleteHell yes! Get it girl! This is so funny. I have never seen dangerous minds but if it has that song in it I might need to check it out. Glad you rocked out without fear!
ReplyDeleteGreat memories here too. I loved Coolio's gangster imagine. I watched the movie on TV too
ReplyDeletehhahahaha you are so great.
ReplyDeletei definitely have dance it out parties by myself and with my friends no worries.
K
Yep, I remember that movie, and that song. LOL
ReplyDeleteI use to love that song. I'd play it over and over again in my room haha
ReplyDeleteI use to love that song. I'd play it over and over again in my room haha
ReplyDeletehahahaha! that photo is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteohmygoodness, now i'm going to be singing that song! i was OBSESSED with that soundtrack...i used to play it over and over again. and i'd make my cat dance to that song. i have pictures of them somewhere. poor kitty. LOL!
you rock, faith!
Omg my favorite was that song "1, 2, 3, 4, get your woman on the floor.." We used that song for one of my Pop Warner cheer songs (part of it) and it always still gets me amped up. You definitely made me think a bit more about working out for sure lady!!!
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