Larry J. Sanders

About

R&B and soul singer also known as L.V. and known for his distinctive vocals on the worldwide hit "Gangsta's Paradise" with Coolio along with songs such as "Throw Your Hands Up," "I Am L.V.," "How Long," "The 'G' Within," "The Wrong Come Up," "Gangsta's Boogie," "Heaven Must Be Like This," "Cool Out," and "Hey Love." He is also known for the albums I Am L.V., How Long, Hustla 4 Life, Still L.V., and The Art of Making Love.

Before fame

His early professional breakthrough came when he became associated with the rap group South Central Cartel after joining the group in 1994. He quickly developed a reputation for providing melodic hooks and R&B choruses on rap tracks. His career changed significantly in 1995 when he collaborated with Coolio on the single "Gangsta's Paradise" which became an international hit. He released his debut solo album I Am L.V. in 1996. His second album How Long was released in 2000. He continued releasing music throughout the 2000s and 2010s including albums Hustla 4 Life in 2010, Still L.V. in 2012, and The Art of Making Love in 2017.

Trivia

He also co-wrote the song "Gangsta's Paradise." He became the subject of national news coverage in 2019 after speaking publicly about being wrongly listed in California's gang database while working as a community gang intervention worker in Los Angeles.

Family life

He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.

Associated with

He worked with R&B singer and producer Montell Jordan who contributed to production on his debut album I Am L.V. in 1996.