Radric Davis (born February 12, 1980 in Birmingham, Alabama), better known … Read Full Bio ↴Radric Davis (born February 12, 1980 in Birmingham, Alabama), better known by his stage name Gucci Mane, is an American rapper and CEO of 1017 Brick Squad Records. In 2005 he released his independent debut album, Trap House, which featured the successful single "Icy" that he recorded with Young Jeezy. He has since released a further three albums including 2006's Hard To Kill, 2007's Trap-A-Thon and 2007's Back To The Trap House. His sixth studio album, The State vs Radric Davis, was released in December 2009, just weeks after he was sent back to prison for 12 months for violating his probation. He was released in May 2010 and will now release his seventh studio album, The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted, sometime at the end of 2010.

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.”

Birds of a Feather
Gucci Mane Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Huh
Birds of a feather, it's Guwop!
Chyeah, huh
I got my nigga Rock with me, shit is epic
On 13 shit

I fuck with Rocko 'cause he's a hustling motherfucker (A1)
You know I fuck with Flocka 'cause he's a crazy motherfucker(BSM)

You know I fuck with Scooter, he's a robbin' motherfucker(BMG)
I used to fuck with Gotti till he turned into a buster (fuck em)
I did a song with T.I. but the nigga still a sucker
OJ got locked up taking some bridge down to Augusta
You know I fuck with Hot but he's a shysty motherfucker
You know I fuck with Mojo, he's a hustling motherfucker
In nineteen ninety seven I was a petty motherfucker
Two thousand seven, I was trappin' heavy on Custer
I did a song with Keyshia Cole, I wish I woulda fucked her
I miss that girl Misha, she was a fine motherfucker
I used to fuck with Keyshia Dior and I still kinda love her
I wish that I could fuck her now because my mind in the gutter
You know I fuck with P and Buck, I'm they fucking third brother
The nigga killed Dunk get out, I'll be a locked up motherfucker

Most of these niggas, half of these hoes
A couple of my pistols, fuck all of my foes
A few more swishers, a couple more M's
I'm tryna get richer and free all of my niggas

I need all of mine, nigga
All of my niggas
I'm trying to get richer to free all of my niggas

I need all of mine, nigga
All of my niggas
I'm trying to get richer to free all of my niggas

Shout out that nigga Meech, he's a loyal motherfucker (BMF)
I got no respect for Jeezy, he wouldn't even buy a lawyer
Yeah I respect Big Cat but he's a dirty motherfucker
I still fuck with Coach K but he's a nerdy motherfucker
You know I signed Young Dolph, he's a juggin' motherfucker
But I still say that Project Pat is my favorite rapper
Free my nigga Boosie, he's a gangsta motherfucker
Free my nigga B.G., he's a gangsta motherfucker
R.I.P. to Soulja Slim, I miss that motherfucker
R.I.P. to Pimp C, 'cause I miss that motherfucker
When I lost Dunk, it's like I lost my own brother
R.I.P. my grandaddy and I lost my grandmother
Well, ever since I had my son I never fucked my baby mother
And every bitch in the industry want to be my baby mother
My nigga says he loves his girl, but I just seen her with Usher
A nigga rob me in ninety six, when he get out I'mma touch him

Most of these niggas, half of these hoes
A couple of my pistols, fuck all of my foes
A few more swishers, a couple more M's
I'm tryna get richer and free all of my niggas

I need all of mine, nigga
All of my niggas
I'm trying to get richer to free all of my niggas

I need all of mine, nigga

All of my niggas
I'm trying to get richer to free all of my niggas

Overall Meaning

In "Birds of a Feather", Gucci Mane raps about his loyalty to his close circle of friends and associates, who are all involved in the drug and crime world. He mentions various names of people he has worked with or associated with in the past, including Rocko, Flocka, Scooter, Gotti, T.I., Keyshia Dior, P and Buck, Young Dolph, and more. While he speaks highly of most of these individuals, he also has some negative things to say about some of them, including Gotti and Jeezy, whom he no longer consorts with. Gucci also mentions his personal losses, including the death of his friend Dunk and his grandparents. The overall message of the song seems to be about staying true to oneself and one's circle and striving to attain more wealth and freedom.

One interesting fact about the song is that it was released in 2013 while Gucci Mane was in prison serving a sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Another fact is that Gucci Mane and Rocko had a falling out in 2013 over a dispute about money, with Gucci accusing Rocko of not giving him proper credit for his contributions to the song. The track was produced by fellow Atlanta rapper Zaytoven, who has been a frequent collaborator with Gucci Mane throughout his career. "Birds of a Feather" contains a sample from the song "Lose Control" by Silk, a 1992 R&B group. It also features a guitar riff that resembles the one in the classic rock song "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath. The music video for the song was directed by Cricket, who has worked on a number of Gucci Mane's videos over the years. The visual shows Gucci and Rocko hanging out in various locations, including a recording studio and a strip club. Lastly, the song has been remixed by various artists, including Lil Wayne, Wale, and Yo Gotti.

Chords (unavailable)

Line by Line Meaning

Birds of a feather, it's Guwop!
Gucci Mane is addressing his rap clique and introducing himself as the leader.

I got my nigga Rock with me, shit is epic
Gucci Mane values Rocko because he is a successful hustler and they have a great working relationship.

On 13 shit
Gucci Mane is referring to his 1017 Brick Squad record label and saying they work hard and do not tolerate any nonsense.

I fuck with Rocko 'cause he's a hustling motherfucker (A1)
Gucci respects Rocko's hard work and dedication in the music industry.

You know I fuck with Flocka 'cause he's a crazy motherfucker(BSM)
Gucci likes Waka Flocka Flame because he is fearless and bold.

You know I fuck with Scooter, he's a robbin' motherfucker(BMG)
Gucci respects Scooter's street credibility and willingness to do whatever it takes to survive.

I used to fuck with Gotti till he turned into a buster (fuck em)
Gucci used to associate with Yo Gotti until he lost respect for him due to his actions.

I did a song with T.I. but the nigga still a sucker
Gucci Mane is dissing T.I. and implying that he is less authentic and genuine than he pretends to be.

OJ got locked up taking some bridge down to Augusta
Gucci is referencing OJ da Juiceman and saying that despite his legal troubles, he is still loyal to him and his music.

You know I fuck with Hot but he's a shysty motherfucker
Gucci admits that Young Hot is not the most trustworthy person, but still considers him an important part of his crew.

You know I fuck with Mojo, he's a hustling motherfucker
Gucci respects Mojo's work ethic and appreciates his contributions to the team.

In nineteen ninety seven I was a petty motherfucker
Gucci is reflecting on his past mistakes and acknowledging that he used to be immature and irresponsible.

Two thousand seven, I was trappin' heavy on Custer
Gucci is referencing a time when he was heavily involved in drug dealing on the street known as Custer Avenue.

I did a song with Keyshia Cole, I wish I woulda fucked her
Gucci did a collaboration with Keyshia Cole in the past and expresses his attraction to her.

I miss that girl Misha, she was a fine motherfucker
Gucci is reminiscing about a past love interest named Misha and saying that he still finds her attractive.

I used to fuck with Keyshia Dior and I still kinda love her
Gucci had a relationship with model Keyshia Dior in the past and still has some emotional attachment to her.

I wish that I could fuck her now because my mind in the gutter
Gucci is admitting that he has sexual desires and enjoys expressing them through his music.

You know I fuck with P and Buck, I'm they fucking third brother
Gucci considers Pimp C and Young Buck to be like family to him and is proud to be associated with them.

The nigga killed Dunk get out, I'll be a locked up motherfucker
Gucci is referencing the murder of his friend Dunk and saying that if the killer were ever to be released from prison, he would take matters into his own hands.

Most of these niggas, half of these hoes
Gucci is expressing his frustration with the music industry and how many people in it are not genuine or trustworthy.

A couple of my pistols, fuck all of my foes
Gucci is saying that he relies on his guns to protect himself from his enemies and does not care about them.

A few more swishers, a couple more M's
Gucci likes to smoke cigars and is always trying to make more money.

I'm tryna get richer and free all of my niggas
Gucci's ultimate goal is to become financially successful and use his wealth to help those close to him.

I need all of mine, nigga
Gucci is saying that he deserves everything that he has worked for and expects to receive it.

All of my niggas
Gucci values his relationships with his crew and supports them in any way he can.

Shout out that nigga Meech, he's a loyal motherfucker (BMF)
Gucci is giving a shoutout to his friend Meech and acknowledging his loyalty to him and the BMF rap clique.

I got no respect for Jeezy, he wouldn't even buy a lawyer
Gucci is dissing Jeezy for being stingy and selfish, and implying that he does not trust him.

Yeah I respect Big Cat but he's a dirty motherfucker
Gucci appreciates Big Cat's role in helping him succeed, but admits that he is not always honest and upfront with him.

I still fuck with Coach K but he's a nerdy motherfucker
Gucci likes Coach K's work ethic and dedication, but acknowledges that he is not as street smart as some of his other friends.

You know I signed Young Dolph, he's a juggin' motherfucker
Gucci discovered rapper Young Dolph and respects his abilities as a hustler and drug dealer.

But I still say that Project Pat is my favorite rapper
Gucci admits that Project Pat is his favorite rapper and that he respects his talent and hustle.

Free my nigga Boosie, he's a gangsta motherfucker
Gucci is expressing support for rapper Boosie who is currently incarcerated, and acknowledging his reputation as a gangster.

Free my nigga B.G., he's a gangsta motherfucker
Gucci is expressing support for rapper B.G. who is currently incarcerated, and acknowledging his reputation as a gangster.

R.I.P. to Soulja Slim, I miss that motherfucker
Gucci is paying tribute to rapper Soulja Slim, who passed away and expressing sadness at his loss.

R.I.P. to Pimp C, 'cause I miss that motherfucker
Gucci is paying tribute to rapper Pimp C, who passed away and expressing sadness at his loss.

When I lost Dunk, it's like I lost my own brother
Gucci is grieving his friend Dunk who was murdered and saying that the loss feels like losing a family member.

R.I.P. my grandaddy and I lost my grandmother
Gucci is mourning the loss of his grandparents and implying that he misses their guidance and support.

Well, ever since I had my son I never fucked my baby mother
Gucci is saying that he has not had sex with his child's mother since the birth of his son, implying that he has become more responsible and mature.

And every bitch in the industry want to be my baby mother
Gucci is saying that many women in the music industry are interested in having a child with him.

My nigga says he loves his girl, but I just seen her with Usher
Gucci's friend claims to be in love with his girlfriend, but Gucci has evidence that she is cheating with R&B singer Usher.

A nigga rob me in ninety six, when he get out I'mma touch him
Gucci is saying that he was robbed in 1996 and when the perpetrator is released from prison, he plans to seek revenge.

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Radric Davis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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