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.”
Bird Flu
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's Gucci, Gucci
So icy entertainment
Atlantic records, man
(Yeah)
Let's get money, man, it's our year
Pay me fifteen GS, yo track I'll sneeze on it
(Yeah)
Please excuse me, miss, pardon my French
My necklace look like criss yo diamonds, look like piss
I spent a quarter million dollars just to look like this
In the kitchen cookin' chickens, tryna pay my rent
Got a cock eyed bent and a bow legged Benz
Pigeon toed Aston, Martin wit the off set rims
I'm not like them
I done out shined him
I done flat lined him
Gucci, I'm still here
Gucci, don't drink beer
But he does drink don
Hundred thousand dollar murder charge I made
Bond, it's Gucci
I got bird flu, shawty, sellin' bird's my business
(Yeah)
Catch that bird flu, shawty, that's a terrible sickness
(Yeah)
I got bird flu shawty, in the summer, it's Christmas
(Yeah)
Catch that bird flu, shawty, nigga, handle yo business
(It's Gucci)
I got bird flu, shawty, sellin' bird's my business
(Yeah)
Catch that bird flu, shawty, that's a terrible sickness
(Yeah)
I got bird flu shawty, in the summer, it's Christmas
(Yeah)
Catch that bird flu, shawty, nigga, handle yo business
(It's Gucci)
Gucci, done it does, it John Rubert Stoddard
That's colored covered, that's flooded studder
[Unverified] re Leonard skinner watch sherbet pervert
Look flagerently fun, it's an Aston martin
If you trick didn't notice, watch me, don't lose focus
Trap boys, get bricks athletes, gets trophies
Gucci Mane, get cake, it's my birthday party
Want a sweet sixteen, that's two times forty
Watch look like Diddy, chain look like fifty
Gucci Mane fuck wit me, shawty, move chickens
Shawty, I do live it, wanna take ad lib it
I'm so hood wit it, you hip hop critic
I got bird flu, shawty, sellin' bird's my business
(Yeah)
Catch that bird flu, shawty, that's a terrible sickness
(Yeah)
I got bird flu, shawty, in the summer, it's Christmas
(Yeah)
Catch that bird flu, shawty, nigga handle yo business
(It's Gucci)
I got bird flu, shawty, sellin' bird's my business
(Yeah)
Catch that bird flu, shawty, that's a terrible sickness
(Yeah)
I got bird flu, shawty, in the summer, it's Christmas
(Yeah)
Catch that bird flu, shawty, nigga handle yo business
(It's Gucci)
Uh, uh, it's Gucci
Uh, uh
Gucci Mane's "Bird Flu" is an upbeat rap tune that explores the rapper's life as a drug dealer, and how he gets by day-to-day in this business. The song opens with Gucci Mane announcing his various record labels and getting down to business as he chants about making money. The primary theme of the song is the idea of "bird flu," which Gucci Mane uses to refer to cocaine. He talks about the various challenges and dangers of dealing drugs, even in the face of substantial money made.
The lyrics throughout the song are primarily focused on Gucci Mane's life as a cocaine dealer. He speaks of his jewelry, cars, and other material possessions that come with being a successful dealer. However, he also acknowledges the possible dangers that come with that business, singing about his legal battles and court orders. The song presents the tension and the difficulties that come with life as a drug dealer.
In conclusion, Bird Flu by Gucci Mane highlights the rapper's drug-dealing roots and his reflections on the day-to-day life of the drug dealer. Through catchy, upbeat music, and lyrics, Gucci Mane tells an infamous story of the drug game and reduces the negative realities of it to something that can be talked about with ease.
Line by Line Meaning
(Yeah)
Introductory call for attention
It's Gucci, Gucci
Self-introduction
So icy entertainment
Mention of Gucci Mane's own record label
Atlantic records, man
Acknowledgment of his current record label
(Yeah)
Reiteration of the introductory call for attention
Let's get money, man, it's our year
Promotion of wealth and success for himself and his fans
Pay me fifteen GS, yo track I'll sneeze on it
Offer to work on a track for a payment of $15,000
Ah, choo I'm rich say gazuntie bitch
Celebration of his wealth and success after 'sneezing' on the track
(Yeah)
Reiteration of the introductory call for attention
Please excuse me, miss, pardon my French
Apology for using vulgar language
My necklace look like criss yo diamonds, look like piss
Comparison of his necklace and diamond quality using vulgar language
I spent a quarter million dollars just to look like this
Indication of the significant amount of money he spent on his appearance
In the kitchen cookin' chickens, tryna pay my rent
Literal reference to cooking chicken to make money and pay bills
Got a cock eyed bent and a bow legged Benz
Description of his customized car
Pigeon toed Aston, Martin wit the off set rims
Description of another one of his customized cars
I'm not like them
Comparison of himself to others
I done out shined him
Indication of superior performance or success in comparison to others
I done flat lined him
Indication of causing someone's death, possibly through rap beef
Gucci, I'm still here
Indication of surviving and thriving despite challenges or enemies
Gucci, don't drink beer
Reference to his preference for not drinking beer
But he does drink don
Correction to a previous statement about his preference for alcohol
Hundred thousand dollar murder charge I made
Claiming his involvement in an expensive murder case
Bond, it's Gucci
Reference to his release on bail
I got bird flu, shawty, sellin' bird's my business
Metaphor for selling drugs, with 'bird' referring to cocaine
(Yeah)
Reiteration of the introductory call for attention
Catch that bird flu, shawty, that's a terrible sickness
Warning against getting involved in drug selling
I got bird flu shawty, in the summer, it's Christmas
Indication of being able to sell drugs all year round
Catch that bird flu, shawty, nigga, handle yo business
Encouragement to be successful in the drug-selling business
(It's Gucci)
Final call for attention and indication of authorship
Gucci, done it does, it John Rubert Stoddard
Name-dropping for the purpose of flaunting his success
That's colored covered, that's flooded studder
Description of his jewelry being flashy and filled with diamonds
[Unverified] re Leonard skinner watch sherbet pervert
Unclear phrase, possibly referencing his custom watch
Look flagerently fun, it's an Aston martin
Description of one of his customized cars
If you trick didn't notice, watch me, don't lose focus
Encouragement to pay attention and not get distracted by others
Trap boys, get bricks athletes, gets trophies
Comparison of drug dealers to athletes and their respective achievements
Gucci Mane, get cake, it's my birthday party
Reference to his success and wealth being a source of celebration and pride
Want a sweet sixteen, that's two times forty
Intention of doubling any celebration, such as a 'sweet sixteen'
Watch look like Diddy, chain look like fifty
Comparison of his jewelry style to other successful rappers
Gucci Mane fuck wit me, shawty, move chickens
Phrase indicating support for Gucci Mane will lead to success, with 'move chickens' referring to drug dealing
Shawty, I do live it, wanna take ad lib it
Confident claim of living the life he raps about and challenging others to do the same
I'm so hood wit it, you hip hop critic
Indication of staying true to his roots and not caring about critique from the hip hop community
Uh, uh, it's Gucci
Reiteration of the introductory call for attention
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHADWICK ALEXANDER SIMON, RADRIC DAVIS, RADRIC DELANTIC DAVIS, SIR ROAN THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-oe2ov7du8l
Everytime I hear this song I think of my bro lol he stayed playing this I swear it was like everyday for 2 yrs str8 😂😂
@josephgarcia6293
My first Gucci song i heard when i was a kid. And this still my shit 🔥🔥🔥👌
@lieutenantslime7322
This that real Gucci fam
@drekelley2352
I remember not feeling Gucci back when he first was coming out. Then my friend and I got amped off this in his new escalade. RIP to my friend. I listened to Gucci alot after this song
@wiseman5676
2019 and this still go hard 🔥🔥🔥🔥
@tookszn8493
2020 Still Got That BirdFlu 💯GUCCI
@yaya.k
Damn near 2023
@GoodVibes-en4be
Shit brings some good memories back from high school, 2008 baby , great track.
@isaiahbennett8765
“100 thousand dollar murder charge i made bond” 📌 illest line ever 💯💯
@77GOD77
2:26 That flow was HARD ash