Vinyl pressings
by Coolio · 1995
Gangsta’s Paradise was first pressed on vinyl in 1995. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1995, the album's first year, in 5 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
WMCST 2104 A-1-1-1Side A runout stamped
WMCST 2104 B-1-1-1Side B runout stamped
WMCST 2104AA side label
WMCST 2104BB side label
MCS 2104 A-01-01- QIStamped Run-Out Side A
MCS 2104 B-01-01- QIStamped Run-Out Side B
MCA-12344 =) EHFM'95
MCA-12344 =) EHFM'95
08 33373 20 1A1 MCT 33537Runout stamped side A
08 33373 20 1B1 MCT 33537Runout stamped side B
08-033373-20Label
ZAC 04L-A Z4Side A etched
ZAC 04L-B Z4Side B etched
EUR MCT 33537 1Side A etched
EUK MCT 33537 1Side B etched
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Europe | MCA Records MCT 33537First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1995 | Italy | ZAC Records ZAC 041-95First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1995 | Italy | ZAC Records ZAC 041First year12", Promo, White Label · Promo | 12", Promo, White Label · Promo |
| 1995 | Spain | MCA Records MCT 33537First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1995 | UK | Tommy Boy MCS 2104JBFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Promo, Stereo · Promo, Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Promo, Stereo · Promo, Limited |
| 1995 | US | MCA Soundtracks MCA 12344 / MCA Records MCA8P 3456First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1995 | UK | Tommy Boy WMCST 2104 / MCA Records WMCST 2104First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1996 | Europe | MCA Records MCT 33537 / MCA Soundtracks MCT 3353712", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | UK | Tommy Boy 8122-74778-1 / Rhino Records 8122-74778-112", Reissue | 12", Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Unknown | Tommy Boy TB-5555-17", Single · Colored vinyl | 7", Single · Colored vinyl |
10 vinyl pressings of Gangsta’s Paradise are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1995 and 2025.
The earliest pressings are from 1995, in UK, US, Europe, Italy and more. One of them is Tommy Boy WMCST 2104, released October 16, 1995.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use WMCST 2104, MCS 2104JB, MCA 12344, MCT 33537) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WMCST 2104 A-1-1-1 and WMCST 2104 B-1-1-1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
