It Takes a Thief
Coolio · 1994
59 min · 16 tracks · gangsta rap · pop rap · West Coast hip-hop
A vibrant blend of G-funk grooves and catchy hooks that encapsulate West Coast hip-hop's playful yet gritty essence.
It Takes a Thief is an album by Coolio, released in 1994. A vibrant blend of G-funk grooves and catchy hooks that encapsulate West Coast hip-hop's playful yet gritty essence. 'It Takes a Thief' achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying Coolio's presence in mainstream hip-hop. The album is noted for its infectious singles, particularly 'Fantastic Voyage,' which remains a staple of '90s hip-hop playlists and showcases the genre's crossover potential into pop music. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does It Takes a Thief sound like?
A vibrant blend of G-funk grooves and catchy hooks that encapsulate West Coast hip-hop's playful yet gritty essence. Rooted in gangsta rap and pop rap.
What makes It Takes a Thief by Coolio notable?
'It Takes a Thief' achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying Coolio's presence in mainstream hip-hop. The album is noted for its infectious singles, particularly 'Fantastic Voyage,' which remains a staple of '90s hip-hop playlists and showcases the genre's crossover potential into pop music. Released on July 19, 1994, 'It Takes a Thief' was Coolio's debut studio album following his early work with the group WC and the Maad Circle. At this point, he was establishing himself as a solo artist in the competitive rap scene, paving the way for his breakthrough hit 'Gangsta's Paradise' just one year later.
How many songs are on It Takes a Thief?
It Takes a Thief has 16 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fantastic Voyage Standout 4:06
- 2 County Line 2:57
- 3 Mama, I'm in Love Wit a Gangsta Standout 4:10
- 4 Hand on My 3:29
- 5 Ghetto Cartoon (includes Cleo’s Mood) Standout 3:13
- 6 Smokin' 3:20
- 7 Can‐o‐Corn 3:41
- 8 U Know Hoo! 3:52
- 9 It Takes a Thief 5:07
- 10 Bring Back Somethin fo da Hood 3:12
- 11 N da Closet 3:51
- 12 On My Way to Harlem 3:13
- 13 Sticky Fingers 2:59
- 14 Thought You Knew 3:19
- 15 Ugly Women 4:07
- 16 I Remember 4:47
Release Date
July 19, 1994
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
59 min 29 sec
Learn More
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.
