There Ain't No West, East Coast

If there was one word to describe Coolio's career, it would be turbulent. Spanning almost 20 years, the Californian local and G-Funk pioneer has traversed the globe countless times, smashed hip hop sales records and encountered the wrath of the law.

On a Saturday morning a “What's up Man?” breaks the silence over the international line. Within a millisecond it's followed by a zappy rhyme, “Right on, right on, gonna get down with the….” with a series of crackly cackles following on down the line.

Currently on a tour that has him traversing the UK countryside, before a two-date stop over in Russia and then a flight to Oz in the middle of March, Coolio is in an upbeat mood.

“It's going well man; every show's been sold out ... it's like playing anywhere else bro, great. You know I played, what was it, Barnsley. Barnsley was more rowdy than Manchester.”

Our conversation soon turns to the classic ‘Fantastic Voyage’. Arguably one of the greatest G-Funk based party tracks of the 90s. I enquire as to how Coolio created the undeniably catchy chorus. “LV (backing vocals) actually came up with the hook and I pretty much filled in the blanks. I've gotta give him credit.”

Never one for a flat tune, Coolio's talent has always been in his ability to unravel pertinent yet comedic lyrics into free-flowing vocals. So, how does he do it? “It depends on the song bro, some songs are easier than others. Like some songs I really have trouble with it taking a while, and some songs it's immediate. It depends on what mood I'm into as well.

“I listen to alternative, rock, classical, jazz. I've got lots of kids and family, and everybody's got different tastes, y’know what I'm saying? So I'll listen to what they listen to.”

Inheriting influences from a wide variety of styles, his last two albums; ‘Steal Hear’ (2008) and ‘Cool Magnifico’ (2002) have seen a change in Coolio's work to a more minimalist beat-based style.

This leads to a question I'd been itching to ask for a while. “Ten years on from the Biggie/Tupac conflict, how is the East/West Coast rivalry these days?” He expediently replies, “That was back then, now it's a whole different thing, man, there ain't no East Coast and West Coast: Don't nobody like nobody.

“The only people that really stick together, and a lot of them don't really like each other, is the South. They do a lot of songs together. But there's the saying; every man for himself.” Coolio pauses and continues, “this game is not for kids bro”.

Trying to touch back upon the music, I ask about the progression of traditional sounds from the opposite sides of the United States.

“There ain't no East Coast, West Coast, South, North, none of that shit. People are barely making it right now. Y’know the music business is doing so bad right now, that half these motherfuckas are selling dope again.”

Pausing once again, and catching his breath, Coolio reiterates, “half these cats in the game are back to doing illegal business man”.

Driving the conversation home, I finally touch upon Coolio’s upcoming Australia tour. “It's gonna be a really good show. It's gonna be one of the better hip hop acts that you'll see.”

And, as to spare time down under, any plans? “Y’know if I get some time, and if the weather's good enough, I might try to learn how to surf,” he admits, with a sense of excitement.

Continuing on, exhibiting his socially focused side, “I'm going to do some charity specials y’know, to help the people; y’know you guys have had the fires down there. We're gonna do a couple of charity events to try to help people rebuild their homes and what not.”

Concluding his plans, Coolio abruptly adds. “I might go on a few kangaroo rides or something.” This comment sends the man from Compton into a fit of riotous laughing. Regaining composure, Coolio then re-emphasises his need for his laughter. “Sorry I'm laughing. That's the kangaroo ride joke.”

Coolio plays Bedroom, Surfers Paradise, Sunday March 15.