It’s said that art mirrors life. In hip-hop’s case, there’s always been a deliberate entanglement of perception and reality. Fans demand their MCs be real…but never too real. Successful hip-hop is about the hint of the danger, the tease of it, the mystique. Hip-hop is about balance.
Gucci Mane is an artist striving for that balance, volatility versus musicality. Controversy, including a feud with former collaborator Young Jeezy, has grabbed the headlines, with insufficient regard paid to his considerable mic skills, raw talent, and business acumen. Gucci is looking to wrest his name from public speculation and let his own words do the talking.
“I wish everybody well who’s making money in this rap game,” the Atlanta-raised rapper says, dismissing the controversy that followed him in the past. “My own rap game is going so good, I’ve got so many things on my plate at my label, that I don’t got time for other people’s business.” With a deal with Asylum Records as the boss of his own label, So Icey Entertainment, Gucci does indeed have a full schedule with no time to dwell on the past.
“I live my life with no regrets. I just wish that a lot of things never happened, but anybody can wish,” says Gucci. Sounds like a man with his eyes on the prize. And you’d expect nothing less from an artist who ground his way to the top via the hustle of independent records. Signing to Big Cat Records in the wake of his local single “Black Tee,” he dropped his debut record, Trap House, in May 2005. The independent album moved an impressive 140,000 units, largely on the strength of the “Icy” single, featuring Jeezy. Clamor over song rights sparked dispute, and the resulting rift grew.
Controversy notwithstanding, Mane’s independence was cemented: “I was on the independent scene for about two years,” he recalls. “It’s crazy! You gotta go into your own pocket to support your craft. You need other avenues to have money coming in, to support your stuff. You might win, you might lose, and it’s a gamble out there with the independent circuit. One thing you’d better have is good music because without that, you go downhill fast in the independent game.”
Good music firmly in hand, Gucci was fast approaching stardom when more tragedy befell him. But let’s backtrack; how did the man born Radric Davis in Bessemer, Alabama, become Gucci Mane, mouthpiece for Atlanta stuntin’? Mane remembers little from his time in Alabama, just that it was rural, and that it’s changed dramatically since he left at the age of nine. “I gotta shout out Alabama though, because they holdin’ it down,” he affirms. “Every time I go there to do a show, I’m impressed with how hip-hop culture has taken root.”
Mane’s identity coalesced when he moved with his mother to Atlanta. “I lived all of my adolescent and adult life in Atlanta,” he explains. “I’m from East Atlanta Zone Six; it was hard, man, it was real rough. I grew up in the Starter jacket era: they’d take your Starter jacket, your 8Ball jacket, they’d take your hat, your shoes. It was just no holds barred on the streets, dog eat dog. If you missed the bus, you had to be crewed up or you’d get jumped. It was wild when I came up.”
It’s a bleak portrait. When asked to describe his home life more vividly, Mane offers a look into his contemplative side, a side honed as a schoolyard poet. “I was just a young dude in a single parent house most of my life. I can’t complain that much. I would guess it’s like any black child growing up in a single parent household. There are a lot of people who know how that is. I didn’t have a lot coming up; but what I did have, I appreciated. I was blessed to have a caring mother to raise me right and to help me with my business ventures; she’s been there through the whole struggle. There’s a lot that goes along with that; it made me who I am today.”
A stepfather would enter the picture during Mane’s adolescence, introducing not only a male figure, but also inspiration for Mane’s unusual moniker. “My father came in, the original Gucci Mane; that’s what people in the neighborhood called him, and that’s where I get my name from. From then on, I grew up the son of a hustler and a schoolteacher; it was the best of both worlds because I was educated twice.” Drawing inspiration from a pantheon of rappers before him –Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, the Beastie Boys, N.W.A—Mane went on to release Trap House, a lethal brew of his signature sound: “I call my music straight Gucci: going hard and whatever beats you make you for me, if I’m feeling it, if I’m rocking with it, I’m gonna crush it. When you hear me, you hear a lot of pain, a lot of hood; you hear what’s going on in the inner city in Atlanta.”
Unfortunately, Trap House was ill timed; the month of its release, Gucci was accused of murder and jailed for two days. Eventually deemed to be acting in self-defense, and without sufficient evidence to hold him, Mane was exonerated. But the ordeal left an indelible imprint on the man. “I learned to keep better company, watch where I go, and be mindful of my surroundings at all times,” he reveals. “Watch what I say, watch what I do and how I do it, just keep myself out of the wrong crowd.”
“I always stand up man,” he continues. “I’m one of the toughest guys I know. It’ll take a lot more than that to break me down.” Undeterred, Mane was back in the studio, preparing 2006’s eerily apropos Hard To Kill. The buzz from Hard To Kill vaulted Gucci Mane from regional commodity to national treasure, and major labels responded accordingly: “There was a bidding war going on, and I liked Atlantic’s approach. They made it known that they wanted me, they felt where I was going and that I could grow with them.”
Asylum/Atlantic Records welcomed Gucci Mane in early ’07, granting him his own imprint, So Icey Entertainment. With it comes an entire stable of artists, the So Icey Boyz. As the Boyz ready for their own exposure –“I got them in training; they be in the weight room, pumping iron, doing pushups, shopping at the mall, buying ice”—Gucci is focused on his magnum opus, Back to the Trap House. “I started working on the album, and by the third song, I was like ‘This is going back to the Trap House.’ I started feeling the same way I did when I made my first album. It had the same feel to it, the same freshness. And I had the same hunger and desire I had when I first started rapping.”
“Since I went major, I want everybody to know I’m still keeping it street, keeping it hood,” Gucci maintains. “I’m trying to take it back to all my fans that I had when I first started my career. And at the same time, I’m trying to open up my new album to a new fan base. So it’s a mix for everybody coming together, like my first album was.” Gucci has always prided himself on his innate ability, and his refusal to let guest appearances dictate the tone of his records. “I just want people to know I’m a great songwriter, man,” he asserts. “I’m passionate about what I do, and it’s choreographed strategically when I do it. I bring a lot of experience, creative wordplay, and a crazy style. And my albums, I record most of the songs without writing them down; it’s a God-given gift and I just get paid for it. It come from God, it’s like wondering what makes a bird fly. He made me a poet like the great poets of the past.”
But don’t mistake Gucci’s confidence for self-absorption. The vicissitudes of his career have dictated a longer view. Lyrics aside, he’s less preoccupied with visible means and more so with acting as an emissary from his under-repped block. “I’m not the one to glorify what goes on in the hood,” he insists. “We have everything there, the whole range from violence to people getting on the bus and going to work. There’s a lot more to the hood than just drugs. It’s a bigger story, there’s a big picture. I went to school in that neighborhood, I worked there, I trapped there, I hustled there, and I got my name there. I’m proud to be from East Atlanta Zone Six, and I claim there. I hold that on my back and carry that, to be the first one from there to really rock.”
And Gucci’s professional aims have matured as well. While other rappers stress platinum plaques, Gucci hasn’t forgotten the route he took to stardom. “I made a lot of CDs on my own. People fucked with me and supported me, and just made me the man I am today. That’s my blueprint right there, and I stay mindful of it. So now, my only concern is that people feel my music; at the end of the day, I do it for people to feel it. If one person feel it, two people feel it, I feel like my job’s been done.”
Fortunately for Gucci, he should be prepared to welcome an army of new fans with Back to the Trap House. But longstanding fans shouldn’t fear; they’ll recognize “Freaky Gurl,” reprised from its previous appearance from Hard To Kill. Luda, upon hearing the joint, asked for a guest spot on the remix. Said remix now appears as the lead single on Back to the Trap House, following in Gucci’s theme of mating old and new. Over a bouncing, meandering beat from Cyber Sapp, the two cook up the requisite concoction of whips, chips, and chicks. Also look out for “Bird Flu,” the album’s number two single, laced by New-York based Supa Sonics. Elsewhere, firm guest verses from Rich Boy and Pimp C of UGK round out Gucci’s regional flavor, while Bay-area producer Zaytoven (of “Icy” renown) locks down Gucci’s West Coast appeal.
Gucci Mane has something for everyone, and with the struggles of the past in his rearview, Gucci is settled in for his ride to the top. “I’m best known for controversy but I’m trying to gain respect as a songwriter and entertainer. I plan to hit them so hard with this album; who knows what the future will bring. I’ll be banging them out till I can’t bang no more.”
24 Hours
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower,
Until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up,
I'm up 24 hours
Damn, it's a good day
Damn, it's a good day
Call Drummer Boy and told let's go make a hood tape,
First thing I'mma do, pull out my seven four,
Candy coated black thang sittin' on them Forgio
24 tower, eight bricks of powder, ten bells of dro,
What I payed for the flour,
Don't talk about my Lambo, talk about my Rarri,
Talk about my Phantom, or talk about my Harley,
BrickSquad Bikerboys Angel name Charlie,
Goons goin' physco,
White boy gnarley
Every 24 second passing me da marley,
Lame tryna diss don't effect me hardly
I'm up 24 hours money and the power,
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower,
Until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up, I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
Its Gucci
I'm going to the bank again makin' anotha' deposit,
It's getting kinda chilly, bring my minx up out da closet,
Getting kinda warm bring my jewelry out da safe,
If it be a problem put da hater in his place!
Slicker than an oil spill, sharper than an razor,
I'm screaming anybody get it like my nigga Major!
Finna cop a condo an' fill it fulla' ammo,
BrickSquad bandana on think I'm fuckin' Rambo,
It's Gucci!
I'mma killa, so don't push me,
BrickSquad ain't no pussy niggas runnin' wit' dem wig splitters,
Niggas screaming roll one Gucci let me hold somethin'
But I can't let cha hold none I hit cha wit' da whole drum
I'm up 24 hours money and the power,
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower, until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm fucking with the white girl you can call me Ice-T,
'Cause I got my Christians on you can call 'em Spike Lee,
Robbing me unlikely last try dropped dem
Hollow tips stop dem I ain't have time to box him,
Stuntin' like an actor, running like an athlete,
Straight to the money like a sprinter at a track meet,
First sign Waka, then I sign Gucci,
Then I sign BrickSquad tell 'em come an sue me
I'm up 24 hours money and the power,
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower, until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours money and the power,
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower, until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up, I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
The lyrics to Gucci Mane's song "24 Hours" is about his hustling lifestyle and how he spends every waking hour trying to make money and maintain power. He brags about his wealth and success and how he doesn't have time for anything else. He mentions his cars, jewelry, and guns as symbols of his success and power. He also talks about his loyalty to his crew, calling them his "BrickSquad," and how he's willing to defend them against anyone who wants to take them down.
The chorus "I'm up 24 hours, money and the power, stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards" captures the overall theme of the song. Gucci Mane is saying that he's always grinding, always making moves to secure his spot at the top of the game. He's not afraid of anyone who tries to challenge his power and wealth.
The verses talk more specifically about his daily routine, which revolves around making money. He talks about going to the bank to deposit his cash, getting dressed up in his finest jewelry and fur coat, and driving around in his expensive cars. He also mentions his crew's involvement in his hustle, referring to them as his "goons" and his "wig splitters."
Overall, the lyrics to "24 Hours" showcase Gucci Mane's confidence, swagger, and dedication to his craft. He's not afraid to flaunt his wealth and power, and he's always looking for ways to expand his empire.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm up 24 hours, money and the power
I am constantly working and focused on gaining wealth and influence
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards
I am showing off my success and belittling those who are not as successful
No shit, shave or shower, until I get my money back,
I am so determined to obtain my money that I will not take time off to attend to personal hygiene
I gotta get my money up
I need to increase my wealth
Damn, it's a good day
I am feeling positive and excited about what the day will bring
Call Drummer Boy and told let's go make a hood tape
I am reaching out to a colleague to collaborate on a music project for our community
What I payed for the flour
I spent a lot of money on the drugs I purchased
Talk about my Phantom, or talk about my Harley
I want people to admire my expensive and impressive possessions
BrickSquad Bikerboys Angel name Charlie
I am part of a group of tough individuals who ride motorcycles and go by code names
White boy gnarley
Even someone who is not typically associated with being cool or tough can be impressive and respected
Every 24 second passing me da marley
I am smoking marijuana frequently throughout the day
Lame tryna diss don't effect me hardly
I am not bothered by people who try to insult or criticize me
I'm going to the bank again makin' anotha' deposit
I am regularly depositing more money into my bank account
If it be a problem put da hater in his place!
If someone has an issue with me, I am willing to confront and defeat them
Slicker than an oil spill, sharper than an razor
I am smooth and sharp, both in appearance and in my actions
Niggas screaming roll one Gucci let me hold somethin'
My acquaintances are asking me for drugs or money
But I can't let cha hold none I hit cha wit' da whole drum
I am not willing to share my resources and will defend myself with violence if necessary
I'm fucking with the white girl you can call me Ice-T
I am having sex with a white woman, similar to a character played by the rapper Ice-T
Straight to the money like a sprinter at a track meet
I am very focused on making money and will pursue it as quickly as possible
First sign Waka, then I sign Gucci, then I sign BrickSquad tell 'em come an sue me
I am acquiring new artists for my music label and am not afraid of legal consequences
I'm up 24 hours money and the power
I am constantly working and focused on gaining wealth and influence
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER GHOLSON, CHRISTOPHER JAMES GHOLSON, RADRIC DAVIS, RADRIC DELANTIC DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dito Erdhytom
I'm up 24 hours, money and the power
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower,
Until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
Damn, it's a good day
Damn, it's a good day
Call Drummer Boy and told let's go make a hood tape,
First thing I'mma do, pull out my seven four,
Candy coated black thang sittin' on them Forgio
24 tower, eight bricks of powder, ten bells of dro,
What I payed for the flour,
Don't talk about my Lambo, talk about my Rarri,
Talk about my Phantom, or talk about my Harley,
BrickSquad Bikerboys Angel name Charlie,
Goons goin' physco,
White boy gnarley
Every 24 second passing me da marley,
Lame tryna diss don't effect me hardly
I'm up 24 hours money and the power,
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower,
Until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up, I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
Its Gucci
I'm going to the bank again makin' anotha' deposit,
It's getting kinda chilly, bring my minx up out da closet,
Getting kinda warm bring my jewelry out da safe,
If it be a problem put da hater in his place!
Slicker than an oil spill, sharper than an razor,
I'm screaming anybody get it like my nigga Major!
Finna cop a condo an' fill it fulla' ammo,
BrickSquad bandana on think I'm fuckin' Rambo,
It's Gucci!
I'mma killa, so don't push me,
BrickSquad ain't no pussy niggas runnin' wit' dem wig splitters,
Niggas screaming roll one Gucci let me hold somethin'
But I can't let cha hold none I hit cha wit' da whole drum
I'm up 24 hours money and the power,
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower, until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm fucking with the white girl you can call me Ice-T,
'Cause I got my Christians on you can call 'em Spike Lee,
Robbing me unlikely last try dropped dem
Hollow tips stop dem I ain't have time to box him,
Stuntin' like an actor, running like an athlete,
Straight to the money like a sprinter at a track meet,
First sign Waka, then I sign Gucci,
Then I sign BrickSquad tell 'em come an sue me
I'm up 24 hours money and the power,
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower, until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours money and the power,
Stuntin' on the hoes and I'm shittin' on the cowards,
I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
No shit, shave or shower, until I get my money back,
I gotta get my money up, I'm 24 hours
I'm up 24 hours
chiefchiefer
Gucci kills it every time, sickest beats
Anthony Moore
One Of Gucci Biggest Hits...Dont Care What No Body Say!!...Song And The Beat Go Stupid Hard.
Sundukov
gucci mane never disapoints with the hard beats
Tristan Whalen
SHIT GOES HARD 24/7
America First
Going into 2022 with this classic🔥
Slicker than a oil spill, sharper than a razor💯🥶💸
KuvezXL
1017 r goats
Javon Kemp
Yesssir💪🏽
Sheridan Tubbs
Going into 23 🫱🏾🫲🏽💪🏾🔥
Mclovin
Verdadeiro precunsor do trap e um dos melhores letrista americanos os melhores bits! Saudadas desse .Gucci antigo.😍
Atlanta
This is the real Gucci Mane right here.
Even the flow, the voice, the style different