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.”
Choppa Choppa Down
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gucci Mane, Laflare (Gucci Gucci)
We will be be respected (respect)
See we can get it poppin (we can get it poppin)
See we can get it poppin (nigga we can get it poppin)
'Cause I went choppa shoppin (nigga choppa shoppin)
'Cause I went choppa shoppin (yeah we went choppa shoppin)
You niggaz not a army, cause you ain't hard enough
You nothin like a boss, cause y'all ain't smart enough
See we can get it poppin (poppin) cause I went choppa shoppin (shoppin)
I keep one in the chamber (chamber) so I ain't gotta cock it (cock it)
You gets no respect ('spect) I mean none at all (none at all)
I'm in the junk yard (junk yard) runnin body parts (body parts)
Roll another blunt ('nother blunt) Magic another blunt (never blunt)
It might look gravy (gravy) but this ain't what'cha want
My money on the rise (on the rise) yo' money standin still (standin still)
On fire with the tools (tools) better with the steel (steel)
Fuck with my nigga Cat (Cat) nigga watch your mouth (mouth)
'Cause any disrespect ('spect) I'll be at'ch house (house)
See we can get it poppin (we can get it poppin)
See we can get it poppin (nigga we can get it poppin)
'Cause I went choppa shoppin (nigga choppa shoppin)
'Cause I went choppa shoppin (yeah we went choppa shoppin)
Done take your bitch (bitch) - fuck her too
I thought we was cool, but youse a sucker too
See we can shoot it out (shoot it out) or we can duke it out (duke it out)
But all that Hollywood shit I can do without (this fo'real)
I roll with drug dealers (drug dealers) body snatchers (body snatchers)
Cap peelers (cap peelers) and kidnappers (kidnappers)
Murderers (murderers) and burglarers (burglarers)
Mercinaries (mercenaries) you ain't never scary (never scary)
I be locked down in jail eatin commisary
Have yo' body cold like the month of February
Gucci Mane bitch, Big Cat ruckus
You ain't gotta like us, but you must respect us
See we can get it poppin (we can get it poppin)
See we can get it poppin (nigga we can get it poppin)
'Cause I went choppa shoppin (nigga choppa shoppin)
'Cause I went choppa shoppin (yeah we went choppa shoppin)
Uhh
Ay it's a movement, it 'bout to be some changes
We will be respected, what the fuck y'all niggaz thankin? (Hahaha)
We squaded up, camouflaged down, ragged up
We can get it poppin, got ther choppers in the stash box (stash box)
With Magic on the scene (scene) niggaz gettin shook (shook)
We knock 'em down first round and we ain't usin' hooks (nope)
I'm from the streets so you know I think the same way
And plus my gun don't shoot water down dawg naan day
You need bricks nigga? Me and Gucci got it (Gucci got it)
One call and Young Snead'll have them toolies poppin
You could be from the North (North) or from the South (South)
I don't discriminate, I'm shootin if your run your mouth
We ridin speed boats (speed boats), and they full of coke (full of coke)
The word is out - we supply the whole East coast
Lemonhead chains (chains), and my watch is Skittles (Skittles)
New H2 interior like peanut brittle
See we can get it poppin - uhh
Gucci Mane's song "Choppa Shoppin'" is a prime example of the rapper's signature aggressive and confrontational style. The lyrics are all about asserting power and dominance over rivals in the drug trade, with Gucci rapping about his arsenal of weapons, his connections to other dangerous criminals, and his willingness to resort to violence when necessary. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "see we can get it poppin' / 'cause I went choppa shoppin'," refers to Gucci's practice of buying guns in order to stay prepared for any confrontations that might arise.
The first verse puts down other rappers who claim to be tough, suggesting that they lack the intelligence and courage to truly succeed in the drug game. Gucci asserts his own superiority by referencing his gun and his ability to procure spare body parts for his associates. The second verse takes a more aggressive tone, with Gucci threatening violence against anyone who disrespects him or his crew. He brags about his connections to murderers, kidnappers, and other dangerous criminals, and suggests that he doesn't care about the consequences of his actions.
However, Gucci also suggests that he has a code of ethics, noting that he will only resort to violence if provoked. He also references his friendship with fellow rapper Young Snead, suggesting that he has loyalty to those who are loyal to him. Ultimately, the song is a vivid representation of Gucci Mane's persona as a tough and ruthless rapper who will do what it takes to stay on top.
Line by Line Meaning
Big Cat, Laflare
Introducing themselves as Big Cat and Laflare
Gucci Mane, Laflare (Gucci Gucci)
Gucci Mane is also introducing himself as Laflare, with his common nickname Gucci Gucci
We will be be respected (respect)
The group states their goal to be respected by others
See we can get it poppin (we can get it poppin)
Asserting that they are ready to start something
See we can get it poppin (nigga we can get it poppin)
Continuing the assertion that they are ready to start something with stronger language
'Cause I went choppa shoppin (nigga choppa shoppin)
Implying that they have purchased guns (choppas) from the dealer (shoppin)
'Cause I went choppa shoppin (yeah we went choppa shoppin)
Further emphasizing their recent gun purchase
You niggaz not a army, cause you ain't hard enough
Dismissing the opposing group as not being tough enough to be considered an army
You nothin like a boss, cause y'all ain't smart enough
Insulting the opposing group by stating that they are not intelligent enough to be considered leaders
I keep one in the chamber (chamber) so I ain't gotta cock it (cock it)
Explaining that they keep a round in the chamber of their guns to save time on preparing to shoot
You gets no respect ('spect) I mean none at all (none at all)
Continuing to insult the opposing group by stating that they do not deserve any respect
I'm in the junk yard (junk yard) runnin body parts (body parts)
Alluding to illegal activities such as disposing of a body in a junkyard
Roll another blunt ('nother blunt) Magic another blunt (never blunt)
Suggesting that they will continue to smoke marijuana, but without sharing with Magic
It might look gravy (gravy) but this ain't what'cha want
Warning the opposing group that things may look easy, but it is not what they really want
My money on the rise (on the rise) yo' money standin still (standin still)
Boasting about their financial success relative to the opposing group
On fire with the tools (tools) better with the steel (steel)
Claiming to be skilled with both guns and knives
Fuck with my nigga Cat (Cat) nigga watch your mouth (mouth)
Threatening anyone who disrespects Big Cat with physical harm
'Cause any disrespect ('spect) I'll be at'ch house (house)
Continuing the threat to show up at the opposing group's house in response to disrespect
Done take your bitch (bitch) - fuck her too
Boasting about sleeping with someone's girlfriend and not feeling remorseful
I thought we was cool, but youse a sucker too
Expressing disappointment in the opposing group for betraying their friendship
See we can shoot it out (shoot it out) or we can duke it out (duke it out)
Suggesting that they can either fight with guns, or with fists
But all that Hollywood shit I can do without (this fo'real)
Expressing frustration with fake personalities and pretending to be something you're not
I roll with drug dealers (drug dealers) body snatchers (body snatchers)
Claiming to associate with people who deal drugs and remove dead bodies
Cap peelers (cap peelers) and kidnappers (kidnappers)
Adding to the list of criminal associations, such as those who commit armed robberies and abductions
Murderers (murderers) and burglarers (burglarers)
Continuing to describe their criminal connections, such as those who commit homicides and burglaries
Mercinaries (mercenaries) you ain't never scary (never scary)
Boasting that they are not intimidated by anyone, even if they are paid to be violent
I be locked down in jail eatin commisary
Admitting to spending time in prison, where inmates often purchase food from the commissary
Have yo' body cold like the month of February
Implying that they are capable of killing someone and leaving their body to freeze, like winter weather
Gucci Mane bitch, Big Cat ruckus
Reiterating their names and nicknames
You ain't gotta like us, but you must respect us
Demanding respect even if others do not like them
Ay it's a movement, it 'bout to be some changes
Referring to their group as a movement and hinting at upcoming actions
We squaded up, camouflaged down, ragged up
Describing their group as being united and dressed in camouflage clothing, with bandanas tied around their heads
We can get it poppin, got ther choppers in the stash box (stash box)
Restating that they are ready to start something, and hinting that they have hidden their guns
With Magic on the scene (scene) niggaz gettin shook (shook)
Implying that Magic's presence alone is enough to intimidate others
We knock 'em down first round and we ain't usin' hooks (nope)
Asserting that they will win a fight quickly and without resorting to dirty tactics
I'm from the streets so you know I think the same way
Announcing that street smarts and toughness are an integral part of who they are
And plus my gun don't shoot water down dawg naan day
Boasting that their gun is not a toy and is capable of causing serious harm
You need bricks nigga? Me and Gucci got it (Gucci got it)
Offering to sell drugs to someone who needs them, and jokingly referring to Gucci as the supplier
One call and Young Snead'll have them toolies poppin
Implying that they have a friend who is willing to use guns on their behalf
You could be from the North (North) or from the South (South)
Stating that they do not discriminate based on geography
I don't discriminate, I'm shootin if your run your mouth
Clarifying that they are willing to use violence against anyone who disrespects them, regardless of other factors
We ridin speed boats (speed boats), and they full of coke (full of coke)
Boasting about owning luxury boats, and implying that they transport and/or sell drugs on them
The word is out - we supply the whole East coast
Claiming to be the main source of drugs for the entire eastern region of the United States
Lemonhead chains (chains), and my watch is Skittles (Skittles)
Describing their flashy and colorful jewelry, with a combination of a brand name and a type of candy
New H2 interior like peanut brittle
Describing the interior of their expensive car as resembling the snack food peanut brittle
See we can get it poppin - uhh
Repeating the assertion that they are ready to start something
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RADRIC DELANTIC DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rodvasold1796
The memories are all coming back man 😎
@GSWAGFLYNUWVOYCE
11 years ago was the best era in time
@nickbuck5918
Bro I used to bump this all the way back in 2011
@patrick106309
1017 GLO GANG !
@user-ov9py6my3l
Love to both of y'all Gucci Montana ❤
@laceykeysha
Riverdale, GA ❤️💯💯❤️
@antonioreid3501
Still summer of 17 😎
@eriksniped5111
Antonio Reid here here
@antwilder
2020
@SirZim
This whole mixtape is 🔥🔥🔥🔥