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.”
CEO Flow
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(30, you a mothafuckin' fool, nigga)
Go
Stop
I fly to Dubai so much, I need a camel or somethin' (wow)
So fly I might need me a camera (ching)
Pour out my heart, talk shop with the mammals (skrrt)
Handsome, my dick like a ransom or somethin' (mwah)
Countin' up money romantic to her (racks)
Think I might purchase her panties or somethin'
Her man is a bum and she still in the slums (bum)
All these guns like the navy or somethin'
People lookin' at me like I'm crazy or somethin' (crazy)
Plus all this ice on my arm
When you come from where I'm from, a nigga gotta stay with a gun (pow)
Stackin' up M's like I'm savin' for somethin' (stackin')
Hitters tote guns and don't tote 'em for fun
Pay a lil' somethin' just to play in her gums (racks)
Drop a few crumbs and I sprayed on her tongue
Upper echelon, in a three-seat coupe (uh)
This a concept one-of-one, I still got two (woo)
Ridin' down Peachtree in a three-piece suit (woo)
And I'm 'bout to write my name on the cement too (Gucci)
Gucci Billy Bathgate, scandalous as Watergate
Heard that the street dry, tryna make the dam break (water)
Open up a new trap, doublin' my fan base
Whippin' up shake, I done made it a pancake (whip it)
Diamonds so big, I don't even want a handshake (clean)
Grew up so broke, when we finished the mayonnaise (damn)
Cleaned out the jar, made a glass for the Kool-Aid
Mom went to work, made it skrrt with a two-way
Unc' in the du-rag, he parkin' the Dually
He ain't even have to rip me up to do it
Think I'm the coach 'cause I point and they shoot
Stay out my business, find somethin' safe to do (bow)
We ball like we hoopin', we robbin', we lootin'
We braggin', we boastin', we causin' commotion (go)
My niggas got motion, it's potent, we smokin'
Pollutin' the bales and you know I'ma move it
He ain't even have to rip me up to do it (no)
Tag on his toe and they filled him with fluid (baow)
Pull up in a Buick, my lawyer, he Jewish
Sell weed like I grew it, I grew here, you flew here
Can tell that you new here, shoot guns like it's new year's
Yeah, we went to school with you, I never knew you
Recruited a shooter, he don't pray to Buddha (yeah)
TEC with a coolant, get smoked like a hookah
Jump off the jet with a big ol' bazooka (jump)
'Rari so fast I be racin' the trooper (skrrt)
Two mil' for the Richard, replacin' the Muller
RIP Grady's, we chasin' the moolah (Grady's)
Earrings are boogers, they hit like Zab Judah (Zab)
Black as a Zulu, a Mille, not a Muller
Young old soul burnin', she look like a cougar (she burnt)
Gucci too turnt, now he think that he bougie (it's Gucci)
In "CEO Flow", Gucci Mane starts with bragging about his wealth, talking about flying to Dubai often, and needing a camel since he goes there so much. He then moves to his sexual prowess, comparing his genitalia to a ransom, and discussing purchasing a woman's panties. Gucci also talks about the roughness of his environment, stacking up money and needing to carry a gun for safety. He flaunts his wealth, boasting that he can drop "a few crumbs" and "spray on her tongue", and mentions driving a three-seat coupe while writing his name on the cement. He is proud of his accomplishments, emphasizing his success and how far he has come, growing up so broke that they made glasses for Kool-Aid out of emptied mayonnaise jars.
In the second verse, Gucci discusses illicit activities, with his group causing commotions, smoking potent weed, and polluting the air. They are unafraid and ready for anything, recruiting a shooter who does not pray to Buddha and carrying a bazooka. Gucci further emphasizes his wealth, talking about buying a $2 million Richard watch and dissing those who wear Muller watches instead. He also mentions losing Grady, his financial business that helps people earn money. Gucci finishes the song by drawing attention to his appearance, referencing his dark skin and comparing himself to a cougar while also managing to throw in a final "it's Gucci".
Line by Line Meaning
Go
Let's get started
Stop
Pause for a moment
I fly to Dubai so much, I need a camel or somethin' (wow)
I travel to Dubai frequently and need a new method of transportation
So fly I might need me a camera (ching)
I am so cool that I should be photographed all the time
Pour out my heart, talk shop with the mammals (skrrt)
I speak honestly about my feelings and business with those closest to me
Shitted on the parking lot, might need a pamper or somethin'
I am so successful that I can afford to disrespect a public space, and may need to clean up
Handsome, my dick like a ransom or somethin' (mwah)
I am attractive and have a large penis
Countin' up money romantic to her (racks)
I am counting money in front of my lover to show how wealthy I am
Think I might purchase her panties or somethin'
I am considering buying underwear for my girlfriend
Her man is a bum and she still in the slums (bum)
My romantic interest's partner is unsuccessful and she still lives in a poor area
All these guns like the navy or somethin'
I have many guns, like the military
People lookin' at me like I'm crazy or somethin' (crazy)
Others think I am insane
Plus all this ice on my arm
I am wearing a lot of expensive jewelry on my wrist
When you come from where I'm from, a nigga gotta stay with a gun (pow)
In my upbringing, it is necessary to carry a gun for safety
Stackin' up M's like I'm savin' for somethin' (stackin')
I am accumulating millions of dollars as if I am saving for something specific
Hitters tote guns and don't tote 'em for fun
Gang members carry guns for protection and not for entertainment
Pay a lil' somethin' just to play in her gums (racks)
I will pay a small amount of money for sexual favors
Drop a few crumbs and I sprayed on her tongue
I gave some drugs to someone, and they used them immediately
Upper echelon, in a three-seat coupe (uh)
I am now part of the elite class and drive a luxurious car
This a concept one-of-one, I still got two (woo)
My car is one-of-a-kind and I have two of them
Ridin' down Peachtree in a three-piece suit (woo)
I am driving down a prestigious street while wearing formal clothing
And I'm 'bout to write my name on the cement too (Gucci)
I am going to leave my mark on the streets and make them my own
Gucci Billy Bathgate, scandalous as Watergate
I am scandalous and corrupt, just like the Watergate scandal
Heard that the street dry, tryna make the dam break (water)
The street's drug supply is running out and I am trying to increase the demand
Open up a new trap, doublin' my fan base
I am opening a new drug dealing location to increase profits and popularity
Whippin' up shake, I done made it a pancake (whip it)
I am creating drugs and making them into something new (like a pancake)
Diamonds so big, I don't even want a handshake (clean)
My diamonds are so flashy that no one should even attempt to shake my hand
Grew up so broke, when we finished the mayonnaise (damn)
I grew up extremely poor, so when we finished condiments like mayonnaise, nothing else was left
Cleaned out the jar, made a glass for the Kool-Aid
I was resourceful with my limited options and used a jar as a drinking glass
Mom went to work, made it skrrt with a two-way
My mom had to work hard to provide for our family, and would communicate with me via two-way radio
Unc' in the du-rag, he parkin' the Dually
My uncle is wearing a du-rag and is parking a specific type of truck
He ain't even have to rip me up to do it
He did something effortlessly
Think I'm the coach 'cause I point and they shoot
I am directing the actions of others, as if I am a coach in sports
Stay out my business, find somethin' safe to do (bow)
Others should not involve themselves in my personal affairs and should find non-risky activities to pursue
We ball like we hoopin', we robbin', we lootin'
We live life with the same attitude as the illegal activities we engage in
We braggin', we boastin', we causin' commotion (go)
We draw attention to ourselves by bragging and causing trouble
My niggas got motion, it's potent, we smokin'
My friends move with purpose, and we are smoking high-quality drugs
Pollutin' the bales and you know I'ma move it
I am dealing drugs and causing widespread negative effects on the community
Tag on his toe and they filled him with fluid (baow)
Someone passed away and was given a tag on their toe and filled with embalming fluid
Pull up in a Buick, my lawyer, he Jewish
I arrive in a Buick and my lawyer is of Jewish descent
Sell weed like I grew it, I grew here, you flew here
I sell drugs that I grew myself, while you came here as an outsider
Can tell that you new here, shoot guns like it's new year's
I can tell that you are inexperienced in this area by the way you handle guns
Yeah, we went to school with you, I never knew you
We attended the same school, but I was not familiar with you
Recruited a shooter, he don't pray to Buddha (yeah)
I hired someone to act as a shooter, who does not follow the teachings of Buddha
TEC with a coolant, get smoked like a hookah
We use a firearm with cooling technology that is used to smoke drugs, rather than tobacco
Jump off the jet with a big ol' bazooka (jump)
I jump off a private jet with a large rocket launcher
'Rari so fast I be racin' the trooper (skrrt)
My Ferrari is so quick that I could outrun a police car
Two mil' for the Richard, replacin' the Muller
I spent two million dollars on a Richard Mille watch, replacing my previous Muller watch
RIP Grady's, we chasin' the moolah (Grady's)
Rest in peace to the Grady's, but we are still chasing the money
Earrings are boogers, they hit like Zab Judah (Zab)
My earrings are large and resemble boogers, but are also impactful like Zab Judah's hits
Black as a Zulu, a Mille, not a Muller
My skin is dark like a Zulu, and I wear a Mille watch instead of my previous Muller
Young old soul burnin', she look like a cougar (she burnt)
I am a young old soul, and my lover looks like a cougar (older woman)
Gucci too turnt, now he think that he bougie (it's Gucci)
I am highly intoxicated, and now feel high-class and fancy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Radric Davis, Samuel Gloade
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Lotto Tribe
Gucci Mane spent half his career in a cell. Dude still drops so many projects, gets out and instantly headlines festivals all over this whole rock we're floating on in space. Literally one of a handful of idols left in the industry from the 2000's. Easily a GOAT.
T
Easily ONE OF A KIND. Something like Lil Wayne and im NOT BULLSHITTING, think about it
Fun girl28
No he didn’t lame
Fun girl28
@T your white are you
Fun girl28
@219toChi this new character is garbage u right about that
Tavares Johnson
Damn! One of Gucci's hardest verses hands down! Lyrical and straight to the point
Alva
mans gotten crazy lyrical these past couple of years
Chaka Williams
I literally listen to this everyday this song is flawless from the lyrics to Gucci’s delivery and the beat is beyond 🔥
Spice&sugar2
THIS !!!!! 🗣 absolutely agree
G.L.D. Pace
“I made 105 albums in 25 years”
Guwop really is a blessing