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
Dance with the Devil
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Aye, Lil Metro on that beat)
A hundred grand'll make a nigga cool, wanna dance with the devil
Get the gloves and the shovel, he's tryna dance with the devil
A ghetto superstar make a bitch want to dance with the devil
When she glance at the bezel, she wanna dance with the devil
Hoo, diamonds on a nigga neck dancing, dancing
Diamonds on my pinky ring dancing, dancing
Big booty bitch keep dancing, dancing
Real trap niggas take chances, flirting with the devil, slow dancing
Real street bitches take chances, flirting with the devil, romancing, dancing
Dancing all night, ten grand make you dance, dance
Hundreds in my pants turn your chick to my girlfriend (damn)
Gucci in the battle box I just walked out the bullpen (woo)
Pitching dog food, make a junkie out your husband (ha)
Hundred stacks'll make 'em shoot you clean in your dad head (pow)
Catch you at the trap and shoot you clean out your hellcat (pow)
Everybody wanna be the kingpin man (ha)
The feds snatched 'em up now we ain't seen this man (woo)
2017, everybody get high (high)
Taking street drugs like they ass can't die (high)
And I ain't tryna preach 'cause I got high too (ya)
I'm an ex-drug dealer, nigga how about you? (hm)
I'm an ex-con, ex-hood, long with a dope bomb (dope)
Niggas don't make twenty-one where I come from (wow)
Took a chance and fucked the hood ho, no condom (huh)
Took a chance and put a price tag on your little one (grah)
A hundred grand'll make a nigga cool, wanna dance with the devil
Get the gloves and the shovel, he's tryna dance with the devil
A ghetto superstar make a bitch want to dance with the devil
When she glance at the bezel, she wanna dance with the devil
Hoo, diamonds on a nigga neck dancing, dancing
Diamonds on my wrist and fish dancing, dancing
Diamonds on my pinky ring dancing, dancing
Big booty bitch keep dancing, dancing
Real trap niggas take chances, flirting with the devil, slow dancing
Real street bitches take chances, flirting with the devil, romancing, dancing
Tattoos all over but she bougie (bougie)
Acting stiff but her booty keep choosing (huh?)
In every neighborhood there's a Gucci (hoo)
The neighborhood dealer with an Uzi
Baby started off right as a good girl (good girl)
Now she's tryna act hard like a hood girl (wow)
Tryna catch a nigga playing for the Falcons (falcons)
But steady sucking up the nigga with the dragons (skrrt)
Diamonds on my neck and wrist lit, that's a combo
Yellow bitch, her dark skin friend, call it gumbo (muah)
Pull up in a lot and the car cost a condo
Leave with your chick but send her back with a grand though (ya)
Yeah, yeah, it's Gucci Mane and Metro
If Metro don't trust you I'mma foot you in your asshole (damn)
Yeah, I started from the bando
I took her to the 6 but no that's not Toronto (ooh)
A hundred grand'll make a nigga cool, wanna dance with the devil
Get the gloves and the shovel, he's tryna dance with the devil
A ghetto superstar make a bitch want to dance with the devil
When she glance at the bezel, she wanna dance with the devil
Hoo, diamonds on a nigga neck dancing, dancing
Diamonds on my wrist and fish dancing, dancing
Diamonds on my pinky ring dancing, dancing
Big booty bitch keep dancing, dancing
Real trap niggas take chances, flirting with the devil, slow dancing
Real street bitches take chances, flirting with the devil, romancing, dancing
The lyrics to Gucci Mane's "Dance With The Devil" speak about the dangerous allure of money, fame, and power. In the first verse, Gucci Mane speaks about how a hundred grand can make someone want to "dance with the devil," meaning that they're willing to take risks and do dangerous things for the sake of achieving wealth and success. He also talks about how his expensive jewelry makes women want to be with him, even if it means "dancing with the devil."
The second verse delves deeper into the themes of risk-taking and danger, with Gucci Mane rapping about drug dealing, violence, and sexual exploits. He also mentions how everyone in 2017 seems to be getting high and taking drugs, but he doesn't preach because he's been there himself. The final verse speaks about the glamor and excess of Gucci Mane's life, with him rapping about expensive cars, women, and jewelry.
Line by Line Meaning
A hundred grand'll make a nigga cool, wanna dance with the devil
Money can bring people to make dangerous decisions, such as showing interest in engaging with evil forces.
Get the gloves and the shovel, he's tryna dance with the devil
Some individuals may go to extremes to involve themselves with evil forces, which could cause disastrous consequences.
A ghetto superstar make a bitch want to dance with the devil
Even individuals of high status can struggle with temptations that can lead them down a path of destruction.
When she glance at the bezel, she wanna dance with the devil
Material possessions can influence people's desires for more and push them towards making dangerous choices.
Hoo, diamonds on a nigga neck dancing, dancing
The use of flashy and expensive jewelry can lead people to make unwise decisions and take unnecessary risks.
Real trap niggas take chances, flirting with the devil, slow dancing
Individuals that are involved in the drug trade may be more prone to make dangerous decisions and flirt with evil forces.
Taking street drugs like they ass can't die
Drug addiction can cause people to have a false sense of invincibility and take dangerous risks.
Tryna catch a nigga playing for the Falcons
People may use superficial methods in an attempt to gain wealth or status, even if it means being with someone of higher status or wealth.
Diamonds on my neck and wrist lit, that's a combo
Expensive jewelry can be used to show off wealth and success, even if it leads to dangerous situations.
If Metro don't trust you I'mma foot you in your asshole
Some people may go to dangerous lengths to ensure their safety and success, even if it means harming others.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kevin Gomringer, Leland Tyler Wayne, Radric Delantic Davis, Tim Gomringer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexe4627
The flow on this track is fucking nuts
@chase5817
Absolutely coocoo bananas
@aprilmick2630
How nuts is your e46? Slammed with camber? π₯π₯π₯
@aprilmick2630
With Gucci bumping. PROPER π€
@brightonnyabasa4850
Young Metro The Best Producer Alive !!!
@fndmusic
the best ever?
@shivashiri61
FNDmusic tf are u talking about?? lmfao cAn YoU rEaD??
@fndmusic
i don't think i can read.
@if.1.ruledtheworld858
Best EVER?? R like he in the top chosen few? Idk tha ppl shld vote onit first.. Cuz that basically a crown ππ₯π― π
@jordikatlego9108
No,Southside is