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.”
745
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Came outta jail on a monday mornin
Whole worldwide show like i was performin
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a rich nigga when i look in tha mirror
6 months ago i was sittin my cell
Now im sittin in a new v12
Niggas always said that i wouldnt blow up
Left big cat and i signed back breezy
Word on tha street that i dont like jeezy
But fuck that im tryna rape tha budget
Beat them otha rap niggas change tha subject
Jumpin out tha plane wit tha louieville luggage
Yellow diamonds same color as mustard
Blue diamonds same color tha tarheels
Red diamonds like a sexual game
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a real nigga when i look in tha mirror
745 wit tha gucci interior man i see a rich nigga when i look in tha mirror
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a real nigga when i look in tha mirror
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a rich nigga when i look in tha mirror
Niggas scared to sign me cuz i beef too much and they heard that i stay in tha streets too much
Knee deep in tha game
Im ahead of my time
60 gs i spent jus for tellin tha time
Im tha hood homeboy
Tha ghetto trophy
Niggaz hatin on me so i cant stay focused
I smoke a nigga like a pack of them newports
Middle of tha mall right in front of tha food court
I might look? but im smokin that kushy
Im not a killa but you pussies done pushed me
Im tryna live i aint tryna die
So id rather yo momma cry then my momma cry (bitch)
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a real nigga when i look in tha mirror
745 wit tha gucci interior man i see a rich nigga when i look in tha mirror
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a real nigga when i look in tha mirror
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a rich nigga when i look in tha mirror
Now what would you do if a nigga tried you
And you chillin wit a bitch
And some niggas came thru would you run like a chic or stand like man
Nigga tell me when you piss do you sit or do you stand
See my momma bring tha drama
My daddy tote a?
I learned from my momma so i hit him wit tha thunda
I coulda been dead but im still breathin
Do i smell pussy? Naw thatz jeezy.you aint a snowman you more like a snowflake
Cupcake cornflake nigga you too fake
Beyonce
Oh thatz your fiance
Jeezy iz tha appetizer youll be tha entre
2 glocks shawty ay lets party
Im at tha 40 40 lookin for sean cartayy (uh) man i love to beef couldnt wait to get home cuz i love tha streets
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a real nigga when i look in tha mirror
745 wit tha gucci interior man i see a rich nigga when i look in tha mirror
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a real nigga when i look in tha mirror
745 wit tha gucci interior
I see a rich nigga when i look in tha mirror (repeat 2x)
In the lyrics of Gucci Mane's song 745, he describes his rise from a jailbird to a wealthy and successful rapper. He mentions coming out of jail on a Monday morning, and feeling like a superstar with the whole world watching him perform. The line "745 with the Gucci interior" refers to his luxurious car, which he sees as a reflection of himself - a rich and successful individual. He also looks back on the time when people didn't believe he could make it big, and how he proved them wrong by signing with Breezy and rising to fame. Gucci Mane's lyrics also touch on his beef with other rappers, and his experiences of living in the hood.
The song is an anthem of self-confidence, as Gucci Mane celebrates his success despite the odds against him. He also acknowledges the struggles he faced, such as being in jail and having people doubt him. However, he uses these experiences as motivation to work harder and achieve his goals. The lyrics also highlight the importance of loyalty in his life, as he raps about leaving one label and signing back with Breezy.
Line by Line Meaning
Came outta
Released from jail
Came outta jail on a monday mornin
Specifically released from jail on a Monday morning.
Whole worldwide show like i was performin
Feeling like a celebrity with all the attention he's getting since being released from jail.
745 wit tha gucci interior
Referring to the luxury car he's driving.
I see a rich nigga when i look in tha mirror
He sees himself as wealthy and successful in his reflection.
6 months ago i was sittin my cell
He spent six months in jail.
Now im sittin in a new v12
He upgraded his car to an even more expensive and luxurious model.
Niggas always said that i wouldnt blow up
People doubted his potential for success.
I touched rock bottom cant go butt up
He hit a low point but he can only go up from there.
Left big cat and i signed back breezy
He parted ways with a musical collaborator and joined forces with someone new.
Word on tha street that i dont like jeezy
Rumors about him and another rapper not getting along.
But fuck that im tryna rape tha budget
He's focused on making money and becoming even more successful.
Beat them otha rap niggas change tha subject
He's confident in his abilities and wants to compete with other rappers.
Jumpin out tha plane wit tha louieville luggage
Traveling with designer luggage.
Yellow diamonds same color as mustard
The color of his expensive jewelry.
Blue diamonds same color tha tarheels
More color reference to his jewelry.
Red diamonds like a sexual game
Another reference to his expensive jewelry.
Niggas scared to sign me cuz i beef too much and they heard that i stay in tha streets too much
Label executives are hesitant to work with him because of his reputation for violence and criminal activity.
Knee deep in tha game
He's heavily involved in the music industry.
Im ahead of my time
He's ahead of the curve or a visionary in the rap world.
60 gs i spent jus for tellin tha time
He spent a lot of money on an expensive watch.
Im tha hood homeboy
He's popular and respected in his community.
Tha ghetto trophy
He's a symbol of success for others in his neighborhood.
Niggaz hatin on me so i cant stay focused
Jealousy from others is a distraction from his goals.
I smoke a nigga like a pack of them newports
He's confident in his fighting skills and would take on anyone who tries him.
Middle of tha mall right in front of tha food court
He would fight someone even in a public place with a lot of people around.
I might look? but im smokin that kushy
He might look calm, but he's actually smoking weed.
Im not a killa but you pussies done pushed me
He's not necessarily violent by nature, but he'll defend himself if he has to.
Im tryna live i aint tryna die
He values his life and wants to avoid dangerous situations.
So id rather yo momma cry then my momma cry (bitch)
He'd rather hurt someone else's family than his own if he has to fight.
Now what would you do if a nigga tried you
Asking a hypothetical question about how someone would react in a challenging situation.
And you chillin wit a bitch
He's hanging out with a girl.
And some niggas came thru would you run like a chic or stand like man
Asking how someone would react if a group of men approached them.
Nigga tell me when you piss do you sit or do you stand
A humorous question about masculinity.
See my momma bring tha drama
His mother is confrontational and causes conflict.
My daddy tote a?
His father carries a gun or weapon.
I learned from my momma so i hit him wit tha thunda
He learned to be confrontational and fight from his mother.
I coulda been dead but im still breathin
He's grateful to be alive.
Do i smell pussy? Naw thatz jeezy.you aint a snowman you more like a snowflake
He's insulting Jeezy and implying that he's not tough.
Cupcake cornflake nigga you too fake
He's calling someone soft and phony.
Beyonce
Using Beyonce's name in a rhyme.
Oh thatz your fiance
He's implying that he's had relations with someone's girlfriend or significant other.
Jeezy iz tha appetizer youll be tha entre
He's saying that Jeezy is small potatoes compared to him.
2 glocks shawty ay lets party
He's bringing guns to a party.
Im at tha 40 40 lookin for sean cartayy (uh) man i love to beef couldnt wait to get home cuz i love tha streets
He's at the 40/40 Club looking for trouble or someone to fight because he enjoys street life.
Writer(s): Davis Radric Delantic, Beauregard Paul, Houston Jordan
Contributed by Dominic E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lilsler
Here from the verzus this song def went over people’s heads such a hard diss
@freddiep2720
Exactly ppl dont understand when he dropped this
@vulture116
@@freddiep2720 when did this drop ? 05 ?
@jaylesto_thephotographer
Kinda hard to miss when you throw names out 😂😂
@jamaalholland4093
@@vulture116 06’
@roaalynfrieson8046
This shit go so stupid💯💯💯💯
@JayRealBeatz
745 wit da Gucci interior 🔥🗣
@luisc5323
This mixtape is definitely top 3 best Gucci tapes. Slept on.
@estrellaavitia4444
6 Rangz ig
@jerry85g7
Wasn't slept on in my head.