Itβs said that art mirrors life. In hip-hopβs case, thereβs always been a deliberate entanglement of perception and reality. Fans demand their MCs be realβ¦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.
βI wish everybody well whoβs making money in this rap game,β the Atlanta-raised rapper says, dismissing the controversy that followed him in the past. βMy own rap game is going so good, Iβve got so many things on my plate at my label, that I donβt got time for other peopleβs business.β 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.
βI live my life with no regrets. I just wish that a lot of things never happened, but anybody can wish,β says Gucci. Sounds like a man with his eyes on the prize. And youβd 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 βBlack Tee,β 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 βIcyβ single, featuring Jeezy. Clamor over song rights sparked dispute, and the resulting rift grew.
Controversy notwithstanding, Maneβs independence was cemented: βI was on the independent scene for about two years,β he recalls. βItβs 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 itβs a gamble out there with the independent circuit. One thing youβd better have is good music because without that, you go downhill fast in the independent game.β
Good music firmly in hand, Gucci was fast approaching stardom when more tragedy befell him. But letβs backtrack; how did the man born Radric Davis in Bessemer, Alabama, become Gucci Mane, mouthpiece for Atlanta stuntinβ? Mane remembers little from his time in Alabama, just that it was rural, and that itβs changed dramatically since he left at the age of nine. βI gotta shout out Alabama though, because they holdinβ it down,β he affirms. βEvery time I go there to do a show, Iβm impressed with how hip-hop culture has taken root.β
Maneβs identity coalesced when he moved with his mother to Atlanta. βI lived all of my adolescent and adult life in Atlanta,β he explains. βIβm from East Atlanta Zone Six; it was hard, man, it was real rough. I grew up in the Starter jacket era: theyβd take your Starter jacket, your 8Ball jacket, theyβd 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 youβd get jumped. It was wild when I came up.β
Itβs 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. βI was just a young dude in a single parent house most of my life. I canβt complain that much. I would guess itβs like any black child growing up in a single parent household. There are a lot of people who know how that is. I didnβt 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; sheβs been there through the whole struggle. Thereβs a lot that goes along with that; it made me who I am today.β
A stepfather would enter the picture during Maneβs adolescence, introducing not only a male figure, but also inspiration for Maneβs unusual moniker. βMy father came in, the original Gucci Mane; thatβs what people in the neighborhood called him, and thatβs 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.β Drawing inspiration from a pantheon of rappers before him βBig Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, the Beastie Boys, N.W.AβMane went on to release Trap House, a lethal brew of his signature sound: βI call my music straight Gucci: going hard and whatever beats you make you for me, if Iβm feeling it, if Iβm rocking with it, Iβm gonna crush it. When you hear me, you hear a lot of pain, a lot of hood; you hear whatβs going on in the inner city in Atlanta.β
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. βI learned to keep better company, watch where I go, and be mindful of my surroundings at all times,β he reveals. βWatch what I say, watch what I do and how I do it, just keep myself out of the wrong crowd.β
βI always stand up man,β he continues. βIβm one of the toughest guys I know. Itβll take a lot more than that to break me down.β Undeterred, Mane was back in the studio, preparing 2006βs 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: βThere was a bidding war going on, and I liked Atlanticβs approach. They made it known that they wanted me, they felt where I was going and that I could grow with them.β
Asylum/Atlantic Records welcomed Gucci Mane in early β07, 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 ββI got them in training; they be in the weight room, pumping iron, doing pushups, shopping at the mall, buying iceββGucci is focused on his magnum opus, Back to the Trap House. βI started working on the album, and by the third song, I was like βThis is going back to the Trap House.β 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.β
βSince I went major, I want everybody to know Iβm still keeping it street, keeping it hood,β Gucci maintains. βIβm trying to take it back to all my fans that I had when I first started my career. And at the same time, Iβm trying to open up my new album to a new fan base. So itβs a mix for everybody coming together, like my first album was.β Gucci has always prided himself on his innate ability, and his refusal to let guest appearances dictate the tone of his records. βI just want people to know Iβm a great songwriter, man,β he asserts. βIβm passionate about what I do, and itβs 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; itβs a God-given gift and I just get paid for it. It come from God, itβs like wondering what makes a bird fly. He made me a poet like the great poets of the past.β
But donβt mistake Gucciβs confidence for self-absorption. The vicissitudes of his career have dictated a longer view. Lyrics aside, heβs less preoccupied with visible means and more so with acting as an emissary from his under-repped block. βIβm not the one to glorify what goes on in the hood,β he insists. βWe have everything there, the whole range from violence to people getting on the bus and going to work. Thereβs a lot more to the hood than just drugs. Itβs a bigger story, thereβs 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. Iβm 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.β
And Gucciβs professional aims have matured as well. While other rappers stress platinum plaques, Gucci hasnβt forgotten the route he took to stardom. βI made a lot of CDs on my own. People fucked with me and supported me, and just made me the man I am today. Thatβs 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 jobβs been done.β
Fortunately for Gucci, he should be prepared to welcome an army of new fans with Back to the Trap House. But longstanding fans shouldnβt fear; theyβll recognize βFreaky Gurl,β 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 Gucciβs 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 βBird Flu,β the albumβs number two single, laced by New-York based Supa Sonics. Elsewhere, firm guest verses from Rich Boy and Pimp C of UGK round out Gucciβs regional flavor, while Bay-area producer Zaytoven (of βIcyβ renown) locks down Gucciβs 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. βIβm best known for controversy but Iβm 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. Iβll be banging them out till I canβt bang no more.β
Both
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(If Young Metro don't trust you, I'm gon' shoot you)
I got so many felonies
I might can't never go to Canada
But Drake said he gon' pull some strings
So let me check my calendar
I just popped me one of them what-you-call-its
Now I'm fuckin' her on the banister
Guess I just East Atlanta'd her
I'm in an all red drop tarantula
Fuck a Challenger
Damn these hoes ain't got no manners, bruh
Where's the manager?
I keep throwin' rubber bandies up
Hoe, pull your panties up
'Cause you fuck like a granny fuck
You're just an amateur
This Patek Philippe gon' make this crooked judge
Try throw the book at me
I look like half a million worth of heroin
When she look at me
But you ain't gotta fuck with me my nig'
But you're stuck with me
But how you called the cops on me my nig'?
You grew up with me
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
But I'm both right now, got me talkin' 'bout my life
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
But I'm both right now
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
But I'm both right now and I need ya in my life
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
But I'm both right now
Yeah, I'm both
Yeah, I had a drink, yeah, I smoked
Yeah, you think I need you, but I don't
Just left out Dubai with all my folk
Open water, my location is remote
Shout out Yachty but this ain't a lil' boat
This some shit I wrote about when I was broke
See the power of the mind is not a joke
Man, I said that I would do it and I did
Used to get leftovers out the fridge
Nobody was famous where I lived
'Til I got it jumping at the crib
Took a lot to be able to give, I mean
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
But I'm both right now, got me talkin' 'bout my life
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
But I'm both right now
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
But I'm both right now and I need ya in my life
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
But I'm both right now
(Southside)
The lyrics to Gucci Mane's song "Both" are reflective of his personal experiences, including his legal troubles and substance use. The opening lines suggest that he has many felonies, which means he may not be allowed to enter Canada. However, he mentions that rapper Drake may be able to help him out with this issue. He then goes on to describe his recent drug use, saying that he popped something that boosted his stamina, and is now having sex with a woman on a banister. He jokes that he just "East Atlanta'd her", referencing his hometown.
Gucci next brags about his flashy car, an all-red drop tarantula, and dismisses another car, a Challenger. He then complains about the behavior of the women around him, saying that they have no manners and he can't find their manager. He's throwing rubber bandies (slang for stacks of cash) around and tells a woman to pull her panties up. He further belittles her sexual abilities, calling her an amateur and comparing her to a granny.
He then delves into a more serious topic, alluding to a criminal case where a judge may try to sentence him to jail time, suggesting his expensive watch may be able to keep him out of it. He says he looks like half a million worth of heroin when someone looks at him, suggesting his wealth might be a target for law enforcement. Finally, he remarks that someone who called the cops on him grew up with him, expressing confusion and disappointment.
Overall, "Both" is a song about the ups and downs of Gucci Mane's life and some of the consequences of his lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
I got so many felonies
I have committed a lot of serious crimes that could prevent me from traveling to Canada.
I might can't never go to Canada
My criminal record may make it impossible for me to visit Canada.
But Drake said he gon' pull some strings
Drake, who has connections with the Canadian authorities, has promised to help me gain entry into Canada.
So let me check my calendar
I need to look at my schedule to see when I can travel to Canada with Drake's help.
I just popped me one of them what-you-call-its
I took a drug whose name I don't remember.
And it boosted my stamina
The drug I took has given me more energy and endurance for sexual activity.
Now I'm fuckin' her on the banister
I am having sex with a woman on a handrail of a staircase.
Guess I just East Atlanta'd her
I have just had sex with the woman, like a typical person from East Atlanta.
I'm in an all red drop tarantula
I am driving an expensive red sports car, specifically, a drop-top Aston Martin Vantage or Porsche 911 Turbo S.
Fuck a Challenger
I do not care about the Dodge Challenger, a less impressive sports car.
Damn these hoes ain't got no manners, bruh
These women I'm having sex with do not know how to conduct themselves with social grace and respect.
Where's the manager?
I am dissatisfied with the service of these women and want to speak to their manager.
I keep throwin' rubber bandies up
I am throwing stacks of money sealed with rubber bands in the air to show off my wealth.
Hoe, pull your panties up
I am telling the woman I'm having sex with to adjust her underwear.
'Cause you fuck like a granny fuck
Your sexual performance is extremely unsatisfactory, comparable to that of an elderly grandmother.
You're just an amateur
You're inexperienced and unskilled at sex.
This Patek Philippe gon' make this crooked judge
I am wearing an incredibly expensive watch that I hope will influence a biased judge in my favor during my trial.
Try throw the book at me
The judge is threatening to impose the maximum possible sentence on me.
I look like half a million worth of heroin
I appear to be worth a lot of money, possibly due to my flashy attire.
When she look at me
The woman I'm with thinks I'm very attractive.
But you ain't gotta fuck with me my nig'
You're not obligated to associate with me, my friend.
But you're stuck with me
Despite your lack of obligation, you're still in my company and can't escape.
But how you called the cops on me my nig'?
How could you betray me by calling the authorities on me, especially since we grew up together?
You grew up with me
We have known each other since childhood.
Yeah, I'm both
I am both drunk and high.
Yeah, I had a drink, yeah, I smoked
I have consumed alcohol and drugs in combination.
Yeah, you think I need you, but I don't
You are under the false impression that I require your presence or attention, but I do not.
Just left out Dubai with all my folk
I have recently traveled to Dubai with my friends or associates.
Open water, my location is remote
I am alone in a remote or isolated area, such as a body of water.
Shout out Yachty but this ain't a lil' boat
I acknowledge rapper Lil Yachty, but I am in a much more impressive vehicle than a small boat.
This some shit I wrote about when I was broke
These lyrics are about the struggles I faced when I was financially struggling.
See the power of the mind is not a joke
I want to emphasize the importance and influence of mental attitude and mindset.
Man, I said that I would do it and I did
I committed to something and successfully followed through with it.
Used to get leftovers out the fridge
I used to have very little food or resources, so I had to make do with leftovers.
Nobody was famous where I lived
No one in my community was particularly successful or well-known.
'Til I got it jumping at the crib
But after I hosted social events at my house, things became much more lively and exciting for everyone.
Took a lot to be able to give, I mean
It was very difficult for me to accumulate wealth and become successful, but I now have the ability to be charitable towards others.
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
I am doing something I don't normally do, which is express myself emotionally, but I attribute it to being under the influence.
But I'm both right now, got me talkin' 'bout my life
Being both drunk and high is causing me to open up and share personal details about myself.
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
Repeating that I don't typically express myself emotionally, unless I'm drunk or high.
But I'm both right now
Repeating that I am currently both drunk and high.
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
Repeating that I don't typically express myself emotionally, unless I'm drunk or high.
But I'm both right now and I need ya in my life
Being under the influence is causing me to feel like I need someone in my life.
I don't usually do this 'less I'm drunk or I'm high
Repeating that I don't typically express myself emotionally, unless I'm drunk or high.
But I'm both right now
Repeating that I am currently both drunk and high.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Radric Davis, Aubrey Graham, Joshua Luellen, Leland Wayne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ColdShawama
I don't usually listen this type of music unless I'm drunk or high but I'm both right now
@skywalkerq81
Mackenzie White No you're not
@religous8094
Yousef AlOtaibi how tf would you knoπ
@JohnSmith-fr6bx
trust me jese
@MsKim87
Love this
@leoniums
i dont know rick..... i think he already burn the song
@jasondmarajh
"I don't usually do this unless I'm drunk or I'm high,
But I'm both right now, got me talking about my life." πππ₯ #OVO #Guwop βοΈ
@nygellpatricecharlesarnoux9230
Jason D. Marajh yeah you think I need. you but I don't.
@Yensyden
Jason D. Marajh lets go the trini flag
@Juju_20_20
Jason D. Marajh