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
Drugs Like You
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I drink lean, take pills, smoke weed
Hey man
I smoke an ounce of some shit I couldn't even pronounce
Since I can't say it right now I'm just gon call it that loud
I think I'm Rick James, I pass that shit to the crowd
I think I'm George Clear, cause I'm high and I'm proud
I got my own pharmacy, your prescription get filled
Who want a percocet? Who want a laura tab?
Who want some clean molly? You want some oxycodeine?
Oh you's a drug user? Man you know Gucci got it
They call me Gucci Gouger, if I don't got it, find it
I got that rock abs, eat up the stomach lining
She got a titty ring, I got that nose candy
She eat pockets the back to back like they was Jolly Ranchers
And those Vercaci jeans she wear look like they body painted
She went to rehab, she bout to relapse
You know I leave it dry, man I don't need cash
On on the E way, I'm in the V12
I got that molly sitting I'm on the beach with seashells
Ain't you a rapper Gucci? Why you got three scales?
Man I don't e-mail, Gucci mail bails
What kind drugs you like? What kind of drugs you like?
She said her man don't love her right, what kind of drugs you like?
What kind drugs you like? What kind of drugs you like?
She said her man don't love her right, what kind of drugs you like?
What kind drugs you like? What kind of drugs you like?
We in the club, we high on drugs tonight
What kind drugs you like? What kind of drugs you like?
She said her man don't love her right, we high on drugs tonight
One too many drugs got me fucked up
I got down to four drugs all in one cup
Styrofoam cup, it cost me like a hundred bucks
Five hundred dollars every time I'm pulling up
Three hundred dollar blunts when I'm rolling up
I spent twenty five hundred and he had my lunch
OG kush on break before a champion, my morning junk
Promenthazyne on every thing, gon pour lean on my Captain Crunch
Let's no much, not sober once, which one y'all wanna have some fun?
Get you some, on your tongue, need a little.
Plan to get you high, that's that shit that Jimi Hendrix on
Smoking cronic, me and Snoop Lion need to get you some
Clean bricks how we mix we some, lick five hit had more than one
Syrup I get grind up on but then my mouth is frowned upon
He say he on cloud nine but I don't know what cloud I'm on
It's Gucci man, no roster mess, someone please roll the ganja, man
What kind drugs you like? What kind of drugs you like?
She said her man don't love her right, what kind of drugs you like?
What kind drugs you like? What kind of drugs you like?
She said her man don't love her right, what kind of drugs you like?
What kind drugs you like? What kind of drugs you like?
We in the club, we high on drugs tonight
What kind drugs you like? What kind of drugs you like?
She said her man don't love her right, we high on drugs tonight
The lyrics to Gucci Mane's song Drugs Like You are an ode to drug use and the lifestyle that comes with it. The song is a candid description of Gucci Mane's drug use and the culture surrounding it. The first few lines are an introduction to Gucci, where he says that he drinks lean, takes pills, and smokes weed. He then goes on to describe how he smokes an entire ounce of weed he couldn't even pronounce and passes it to the crowd. He compares himself to popular figures like Rick James and George Clear, who were known for their excessive drug use. He also talks about having his own pharmacy and fills prescriptions himself.
Throughout the song, Gucci talks about different drugs, from molly to oxycodeine to percocet, and how he is the go-to person for anyone who needs them. He describes how he has access to a variety of drugs and can get his hands on anything his clients want. He mentions how he has a woman who is addicted to drugs and how he can provide her with whatever kind she needs. The chorus of the song repeats the question "what kind of drugs you like?" as a nod to the drug culture and the different preferences people have.
Overall, the song is a raw and honest representation of the drug culture that exists in some parts of society. It shows the effects of drug use and how it can be all-consuming, but it also glorifies drug use and can be seen as a celebration of the lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
My name is Gucci
The song is being performed by Gucci Mane himself.
I drink lean, take pills, smoke weed
Gucci Mane consumes a variety of drugs such as lean, pills, and weed.
I smoke an ounce of some shit I couldn't even pronounce
Gucci Mane smokes a large amount of a drug that he can't even say the name of.
Since I can't say it right now I'm just gon call it that loud
To make it easy, Gucci Mane refers to the drug as 'loud'.
I think I'm Rick James, I pass that shit to the crowd
Gucci Mane feels like Rick James and shares his drug with the crowd.
I think I'm George Clear, cause I'm high and I'm proud
Gucci Mane thinks he's George Clinton because he's really high and proud of it.
I think I'm Michael Jackson, my doctor give me the scripts
Gucci Mane compares himself to Michael Jackson and mentions how his doctor gives him prescriptions.
I got my own pharmacy, your prescription get filled
Gucci Mane has so many drugs that he considers himself his own pharmacy.
Who want a percocet? Who want a laura tab?
Gucci Mane offers to share his percocets and laura tabs with anyone who wants them.
Who want some clean molly? You want some oxycodeine?
Gucci Mane also offers clean molly and oxycodeine to those who are interested.
Oh you's a drug user? Man you know Gucci got it
Gucci Mane brags about having all kinds of drugs for other drug users.
They call me Gucci Gouger, if I don't got it, find it
Gucci Mane is known as Gucci Gouger and will find any drug he doesn't have.
I got that rock abs, eat up the stomach lining
Gucci Mane has drugs that can damage the stomach lining.
She got a titty ring, I got that nose candy
Gucci Mane compares a woman's body piercing to his cocaine.
She eat pockets the back to back like they was Jolly Ranchers
The woman consumes drugs like they are candy.
And those Vercaci jeans she wear look like they body painted
The woman's tight jeans make it look like her body is painted on.
She went to rehab, she bout to relapse
The woman previously went to rehab and is now close to a relapse.
You know I leave it dry, man I don't need cash
Gucci Mane does not need money to obtain drugs.
On on the E way, I'm in the V12
Gucci Mane is driving a fast car on the highway while intoxicated.
I got that molly sitting I'm on the beach with seashells
Gucci Mane has molly and is relaxing on the beach.
Ain't you a rapper Gucci? Why you got three scales?
Someone asks Gucci Mane why he has three scales as a rapper.
Man I don't e-mail, Gucci mail bails
Gucci Mane uses bail bonds instead of email.
What kind drugs you like? What kind of drugs you like?
Gucci Mane repeatedly asks someone what type of drugs they prefer.
She said her man don't love her right, what kind of drugs you like?
A woman confides that her man does not love her and Gucci Mane offers her drugs.
We in the club, we high on drugs tonight
Gucci Mane and others are in the club and under the influence of drugs.
One too many drugs got me fucked up
Gucci Mane has consumed too many drugs and is feeling the negative effects.
I got down to four drugs all in one cup
Gucci Mane has mixed four different drugs into one cup.
Styrofoam cup, it cost me like a hundred bucks
Gucci Mane's Styrofoam cup is expensive.
Five hundred dollars every time I'm pulling up
Gucci Mane spends a lot of money on drugs each time he purchases them.
Three hundred dollar blunts when I'm rolling up
Gucci Mane spends a lot of money on blunts when he rolls them.
I spent twenty five hundred and he had my lunch
Gucci Mane spent $2,500 on drugs and it satisfied him like a meal would.
OG kush on break before a champion, my morning junk
Gucci Mane considers OG kush to be his 'morning junk' before a championship.
Promenthazyne on every thing, gon pour lean on my Captain Crunch
Gucci Mane puts Promenthazyne on everything and even pours lean on his cereal.
Let's no much, not sober once, which one y'all wanna have some fun?
Gucci Mane is not sober and wants to know who wants to have fun with drugs.
Get you some, on your tongue, need a little.
Gucci Mane encourages others to try drugs.
Plan to get you high, that's that shit that Jimi Hendrix on
Gucci Mane claims that his drugs are strong enough to get someone as high as Jimi Hendrix was.
Smoking cronic, me and Snoop Lion need to get you some
Gucci Mane and Snoop Lion smoke weed together and want others to try it.
Clean bricks how we mix we some, lick five hit had more than one
Gucci Mane mixes clean drugs and has taken multiple hits.
Syrup I get grind up on but then my mouth is frowned upon
Gucci Mane aggressively consumes syrup but regrets it afterwards.
He say he on cloud nine but I don't know what cloud I'm on
Someone claims to be on cloud nine, but Gucci Mane doesn't know what high he's feeling.
It's Gucci man, no roster mess, someone please roll the ganja, man
Gucci Mane identifies himself and asks for someone to roll marijuana.
Contributed by Eli N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nigelallen6023
Old Gucci a real deal classic for me man, I used to bump his shit every day going to school, I donβt really listen to his new music but coming back to some music favs just takes me back to my teens βΊοΈ
@columbussweatstain3885
Been sober for almost a year and it sounds better than when I was banging it on them drugs
@alexx1073
I was put on game with Gucci not long ago. It was these old songs he put out that made me a fan.
Classic π§π₯
@childofgod4747
Came back to this track, years later: CLASSIC
@1pk15
Cus you comment, I got recommendation on this masterpiece! Thanks π€πΏπΆπ§π¬π
@wanyamace6569
Fashoo
@ethanhodges7278
miss this gucci man has he changed but good for him and honestly if it makes him feel better than tf is wrong with it, just glad the man has learned not to abuse drugs
@darealjaybands6703
I feel like this song deserves a lot more views, this is a bumpy ass classic πͺ
@cassandraking6603
"They call me Gucci Google, if I ain't got I'll find it" lol... I love this guy. He, and Project Pat, got me to loving gangsta rap.
@rubiggalo3536
Lol