L.V. (singer)

Larry Sanders (born November 21, 1957), better known by his stage name L.V. (which stands for “Large Variety”), is an American R&B singer. He is best known for his collaboration with rapper Coolio on the single “Gangsta’s Paradise” and has been featured on multiple soundtracks since then. Having released five solo albums to date, he was also a member of the gangsta rap group South Central Cartel since their beginning, usually singing the vocals and chorus.

Early life

L.V. grew up with a father who sang gospel music along with the radio every morning, and this helped hook him on singing. He won a high school talent contest by performing L.T.D.’s “Concentrate on You”, joined the Los Angeles Trade–Technical College choir. He later joined the Los Angeles Southwest College music department where he studied voice, choir and performed in several stage musicals. He also contributed R&B vocals to a neighborhood rap group, the South Central Cartel.

Later career

Following his success with “Gangsta’s Paradise“, L.V. landed a contract with Tommy Boy Records, which released his debut album I Am L.V. in 1996. This album spawned the hit single, “Throw Your Hands Up”, which featured Treach of Naughty by Nature (produced by Maurice ‘DJ Moe’ Thompson and Jay ‘Supreme’ Williams for Barr 9 Productions). The single went on to sell over 400,000 units. The album also features a version of “Gangsta’s Paradise” without rap lyrics.

L.V.’s follow-up album was How Long, released on Loud Records in 2000. The record featured guest appearances by the likes of Raekwon and Shari Watson.

In August 2012, L.V. released his fourth solo album, Still L.V., in Japan.

Discography

Studio albums

Collaboration albums

• The Playground with Prodeje (2002)
• Hood Affiliated with Prodeje (2008)

Compilation albums

• The Gangstas In South Central with South Central Cartel (1996)

Singles

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