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.”
Big Boy Diamonds
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm that big boy stepper, I'm that stepper
All my steps calculated, I'm that stepper, nigga (free Kodak, ASAP)
Remember that, I'm the one that's stepping, nigga
I'ma step, one thing about me, yeah
I'm in London, got my beat from London (go)
Big boy diamonds
She like the way I be vibin'
This ain't a grill
Ice on my teeth, yeah, it's permanent
Bought a new gun and I dirtied it
I'm a burglar and a murderer, try me
I'm a burglar and a murderer, try me
Big boy diamonds
Ice on me changin' the climate
She like the way I be vibin'
Big boy diamonds
Beat down your lady vagina, rockin' the latest designer
Pull off like abracadabra, boo-hoo
Pull right back up in a Jag' with voodoo
Milkin' these bitches like Yoo-hoo
Shit on these niggas, I doo-doo
I'm passin' gas like I farted
Boy, if you smelled it, you dealt it
Water on me like I'm meltin', water
Fuck on your daughter, don't call her, water
Come here, lil' bitch, I'm your father, water
Call me daddy, I'm your papi
Comin' over, drop the addy
I was on Xannies already, I be on mollies already
Fuck all the talkin', I been done shot 'em already
Big boy diamonds
Ice on me changin' the climate
She like the way I be vibin'
This ain't a grill
Ice on my teeth, yeah, it's permanent
Bought a new gun and I dirtied it
I'm a burglar and a murderer, try me
I'm a burglar and a murderer, try me
Big boy diamonds
Ice on me changin' the climate
She like the way I be vibin'
Big boy diamonds
I'ma be icy in Heaven
Diamonds on me and they white like a wife at the wedding
I done shot dice with my celly
I taught a lifer a lesson
I put that knife on the peasant (huh)
I bought the choppers already
Gucci the G.O.A.T. but you know it already (G.O.A.T.)
Scope on the rifle, I'm holdin' it steady
Diamond AP like Elvis Presley, dancin' (Wop)
Play like you hard, but you sweeter than jelly
Bitch, I'm the shit, it ain't shit you can tell me (huh)
Her stomach on flat 'til my dick in her belly
Think I'm a lick, spend a brick on a presi'
Christmas, I want a stick for a present
Baguette Chopard, it's factory setted (bling)
Run up on Wop and you'll never forget it
I broke the dam, I told 'em to flood it
I want the cash, I don't want the credit
Went in my stash and gave me a budget
My pockets so budgy that bitches is callin' me handsome
That then, was callin' me ugly (huh?)
I caught a rash from countin' the money
I'm changin' the climate like global warming (bling)
She seen the charm and said I'm charming
The watch on my arm, it come with an army
Big boy diamonds
Ice on me changin' the climate
She like the way I be vibin'
This ain't a grill
Ice on my teeth, yeah, it's permanent
Bought a new gun and I dirtied it
I'm a burglar and a murderer, try me
I'm a burglar and a murderer, try me
Big boy diamonds
Ice on me changin' the climate
She like the way I be vibin'
Big boy diamonds
The song "Diamonds" by Gucci Mane ft. Yo Gotti & Slim is a hip-hop song that boasts about the artists' wealth, power and influence in the world of music. The lyrics of the song describe the lavish lifestyle of Gucci Mane and his fellow rappers, and features rhymes about expensive diamonds, designer clothing, and fast cars. The song is characterized by its heavy bass, synth beats, and trap-influenced sound, which is typical of modern hip-hop music.
The opening lines of the song "Big boy diamonds" about diamonds, set the tone for the whole song, which is all about flaunting wealth and prosperity. Moreover, the song frequently mentions Gucci's reputation as a "stepper," which means he is someone who is always ahead of the game and making calculated moves in the music industry. The lyrics also include a reference to rapper Kodak Black, who was imprisoned at the time of the song's release, with a call to "Free Kodak, ASAP."
The song does not have a specific storyline but is a collection of verses that focus on the various luxuries that come with fame and money. The repetitive chorus emphasizes the theme of the song and creates a catchy hook, making it easy for the song to stick in the listener's mind. Overall, the song plays into the popular hip-hop trope of songs that celebrate wealth and luxury as status symbols.
Line by Line Meaning
Big boy diamonds (burr)
I have large and expensive diamonds, as indicated by my signature adlib 'burr'
I'm that big boy stepper, I'm that stepper
I am confident and skilled, capable of succeeding in any situation
All my steps calculated, I'm that stepper, nigga (free Kodak, ASAP)
I am careful and strategic in my actions, and I support the release of rappers Kodak Black and A$AP Rocky
Remember that, I'm the one that's stepping, nigga
I am the one in charge and in control
I'ma step, one thing about me, yeah
I will always take action and never back down
I'm in London, got my beat from London (go)
I am currently in London and obtained my music beat from there
Ice on me changin' the climate
My diamonds are so large and flashy that they attract attention and admiration
She like the way I be vibin'
Women are attracted to me and my cool demeanor
This ain't a grill
I am not wearing a grill on my teeth - my diamond teeth are permanent
Ice on my teeth, yeah, it's permanent
My dental diamonds are a permanent fixture on my teeth
Bought a new gun and I dirtied it
I recently purchased a firearm and have already used it in a violent way
I'm a burglar and a murderer, try me
I commit both burglary and murder and am not afraid to use violence to protect myself or my wealth
Beat down your lady vagina, rockin' the latest designer
I have sex with women and wear expensive designer clothing while doing so
Pull off like abracadabra, boo-hoo
I leave a situation quickly and suddenly like magic, causing others to be upset or emotional
Pull right back up in a Jag' with voodoo
I return to a situation in a flashy car and with power and influence, like voodoo magic
Milkin' these bitches like Yoo-hoo
I take advantage of women for my own pleasure, like drinking Yoo-hoo milk
Shit on these niggas, I doo-doo
I disrespect and dominate other men without regard for their feelings or status
I'm passin' gas like I farted
I am not concerned with maintaining a polite or respectful demeanor
Boy, if you smelled it, you dealt it
I shift blame onto others and do not take responsibility for negative actions
Water on me like I'm meltin', water
I have a lot of expensive jewelry and accessories, like water is pouring over me
Fuck on your daughter, don't call her, water
I have sex with women and prefer to keep it casual and non-exclusive
Come here, lil' bitch, I'm your father, water
I have power and control over women and young people, like a father figure
Call me daddy, I'm your papi
Women are attracted to me and call me 'daddy' as a sign of affection and respect
Comin' over, drop the addy
I am willing to meet with women or enemies at their location, as long as they provide their address
I was on Xannies already, I be on mollies already
I regularly use Xanax and molly drugs
Fuck all the talkin', I been done shot 'em already
I am quick to use violence and have already killed people
I'ma be icy in Heaven
Even in the afterlife, I will have a lot of wealth and expensive jewelry
Diamonds on me and they white like a wife at the wedding
My diamonds are large and expensive, and are the color white like a traditional wedding dress
I done shot dice with my celly
I have gambled with a fellow inmate while in prison
I taught a lifer a lesson
I have taught a long-term prison inmate a lesson or given them advice
I put that knife on the peasant (huh)
I have used a knife to intimidate or harm someone of lower status or power
I bought the choppers already
I have purchased multiple firearms
Gucci the G.O.A.T. but you know it already (G.O.A.T.)
I am the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) and people already know this
Scope on the rifle, I'm holdin' it steady
I am skilled at using a rifle and can aim and fire with precision
Diamond AP like Elvis Presley, dancin' (Wop)
My watch is a diamond Audemars Piguet, like the one worn by Elvis Presley, and I am dancing like my signature move the 'Wop'
Play like you hard, but you sweeter than jelly
Other men try to act tough, but they are actually weak and vulnerable
Bitch, I'm the shit, it ain't shit you can tell me (huh)
I am confident and successful, and do not need anyone's approval or validation
Her stomach on flat 'til my dick in her belly
Women are not attractive until they have sex with me
Think I'm a lick, spend a brick on a presi'
I am a wealthy and powerful person, and if anyone tries to rob me, I will spend a lot of money on a new diamond watch
Christmas, I want a stick for a present
I want a firearm ('stick') as a gift for Christmas
Baguette Chopard, it's factory setted (bling)
I have an expensive and high-quality diamond watch made by Chopard
Run up on Wop and you'll never forget it
If anyone tries to approach or challenge me, they will face serious consequences and never forget it
I broke the dam, I told 'em to flood it
I have opened up opportunities and possibilities for myself and others, like a dam being breached and water flooding through
I want the cash, I don't want the credit
I am more interested in acquiring wealth and money, rather than receiving praise or recognition
Went in my stash and gave me a budget
I have accessed my personal funds and set aside a limited amount of money for a specific purpose
My pockets so budgy that bitches is callin' me handsome
I am so wealthy that women find me attractive and call me 'handsome'
That then, was callin' me ugly (huh?)
People used to think I was unattractive, but now that I am rich they are saying the opposite
I caught a rash from countin' the money
I handle a lot of money and it has given me a skin irritation or other physical reaction
I'm changin' the climate like global warming (bling)
My wealth and influence are having a significant impact on the world around me, like climate change
She seen the charm and said I'm charming
Women are attracted to me and find me charming
The watch on my arm, it come with an army
My expensive diamond watch is so valuable that it is protected by a team of guards or other security measures
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dieuson Octave, London Holmes, Nick Seeley, Radric Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sirshakii98
Kodak: I'm a burgler and murderer try me
6ix9ine: U hear that
@jacob2790
Gg
@angelican.6710
hahahahahaha i am dead!!!!!!
@Pvmjosh145
This man hell
@kennethjordan986
😂
@iancarlisle1008
Fuck 6ix9ine Snitching
@leyon4544
when he said "if you smelt it you dealt it" 2nd graders felt that
@killface69
Thats why I like him though. He's just weirdo in a special ed type way who somehow made it to the mainstream. Trust this guys perception is sooo bugged out. He cracks me up. I cant get through the first 2 seceonds without laughing when he says, "Big boy Diamond" in that voice on this beat. Classsic
@blackopsmaster1022
lol it reminds me of fortnite stink bombs. it would say so n so smelt it you dealt it
@KhalilThomas11
Lol dawk 4