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.”
Freestyle
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It just can't be what it can't be 'cause it simply what I say it is (say it is)
Busted out the vacuum seal, you can smell this shit in Fayetteville (smell in Fayetteville)
Black Jaguar, no Jacksonville, I don't even know what year it is (nope)
He didn't guard his taco, now his ground beef on his steering wheel (brrt)
Coachin', now my niggas ballin', you can't peep what play it is (ball)
They're so full of dope, they probably don't even know what day it is (no, no)
Judgin' on my prize, I told big five, "This ain't no fire drill"
Ballin' like the final four, got more devils than duke and them (duke)
Ain't no mean muggin' or shoulder shruggin', see 'em, shoot at them (shoot)
Nigga took down one of my guys, so I want at least two of them (two)
It's a lot of niggas still play both sides (ayy, ayy)
That's why Gucci through with them (let's go)
Ayy, them 7.62s shoot at him (boom)
Don't play with Wop while Pooh with him (ho)
513, we rep that murder gang, just ask or Google them (what?)
Don't talk to me about your opps unless you came from shootin' at them (ho)
I'm clutchin' my bump stock in the drop top, we bumpin' who-is-him
Pop a Perc', now I'm geeked up, guess this how them nerds feel
Pass my nigga a new choppa, let's work on your third kill (fool)
'Fore we pull off, circle the block, see how far my serve is (skrrt)
It's six K for a pint of Wock' if you want your syrup with the seal
That's for sure, keep that Draco in my lap, scream, "TTB"
We trained to blow (boom, boom, boom, boom, boom)
New Cartier head with the Cuban link, had to switch out the rope (ice, ice, ice, ice, ice)
Five hundred shots up in this bitch, if you play, we gon' do the most (ho)
Two baby choppas hid in my coat, bitch, I'm havin' power like Ghost (who?)
AK with the Mercedes, so we gon' open up your belly button (uh)
No, you did not catch the body, why you wanna take credit for it? (Huh?)
All my niggas choppa gang, but different sets like Teletubbies
Nothin' but convicts in this studio, I'm with my felon buddies (well, damn)
Throw back Percocets and pour up Wock', we call that power though(go)
Put four holes up in that big boy's back, call him an Audi truck
Get shot up in your face for cursin', nigga, better not shout at us
Better know who you chasin', they were talkin' 'bout you comin' after us
They say, "30, you done lost it, poured up in the water bottle" (lean)
Strapped up with a judge on me, I got the biggy revolver (ho)
Heard my new opp was a problem, popped out with that problem-solver
I got killers on payroll and they gon' kill you 'bout they dollar (ayy)
Nigga ever play with us, we gon' get active, handle that (we hound up them)
I send Scarr deep on the fly, Big30 bleed, he get the sack (go, let's go)
Pooh let the whole hundred go, so I call him Wilt Chamberlain (brrt, dem birds)
I throw this bomb just like Brady, big Wop like Bill Belichick (Belichick)
Twenty in this F&N (F&N), shoot like Durant, my arms extended (arms extend)
Don't start no conversation (no) 'bout me 'cause, boy, your life will end (don't do no arguin')
I would never play with no man, I shoot first, ask questions later (brrt)
Diamonds on me, frozen nigga, why you think they call me glacier? (Ice, ice)
I smoke Backwoods back to back
I get high like I'm Snoop or somethin' (just like I'm snoop or somethin')
Mama said I need to stop, pretty soon, I'ma need a lung
It's the new 1017, we bangin' like N.W.A. (brrt)
I fuck hoes like Eazy-E, I got the curve without the ace (without the a)
It's the way that I was raised, you break the rules, I gotta spill (gotta show you)
Tool's the ten commandments, we add one, eleven, do 'em in (brrt)
I know your ho wanna fuck because she see these Cuban links (I know she see this ice)
When I stuff your throat with dick
You better look at me, don't blink (bitch, you better not blink)
Nigga, when you hear about it, don't come ask me, ask your ho (ask your ho)
Bitch, it's gutta gang and I get gutta, you know I bang fours (you know we throwin' fours)
When it come to gettin' money, they know that I get aggressive
Think about dissin' me, think again, boy, might as well get the stretcher (brrt)
Brrt, brrt, big brrt, big brrt
In "1017," Gucci Mane teams up with Migos to deliver gritty bars and flex their wealth and status. The song opens up with Gucci Mane setting the tone by stating that what he says is the truth and nothing but the truth. He brags about his wealth, the drugs he has, and the car he drives, while warning those who try to cross him. The chorus features Migos members, Offset, Takeoff, and Quavo, delivering their signature ad-libs and boastful lyrics about their gang affiliates, their weapons, drugs, and their willingness to use them.
Throughout the song, the trio of Migos, and Gucci Mane rap about criminal activities, including drug dealing and violence, which highlights their dominance in the rap game. Additionally, they address those who attempt to cross them, letting them know that they will get what's coming to them. The hypnotic beat adds to the ominous aura that the song portrays, making it an instant classic in the world of trap music.
Overall, "1017" is a perfect representation of the trap genre, featuring irresistible beats, braggadocious lyrics, and a penchant for violence that has helped it remain a timeless hit in modern hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
It just can't be what it can't be 'cause it simply what I say it is (say it is)
I have complete control over my own reality, and what I say goes.
Busted out the vacuum seal, you can smell this shit in Fayetteville (smell in Fayetteville)
I have so much potent product that you can even smell it in a different city.
Black Jaguar, no Jacksonville, I don't even know what year it is (nope)
I have luxury cars but I'm so focused on my success that I don't pay attention to time.
He didn't guard his taco, now his ground beef on his steering wheel (brrt)
Someone didn't protect themselves, and now they're facing the consequences.
Coachin', now my niggas ballin', you can't peep what play it is (ball)
I'm guiding my team to success, and our moves are strategic and hard to predict.
They're so full of dope, they probably don't even know what day it is (no, no)
Some people are so intoxicated with drugs that they're oblivious to their surroundings.
I rocked the middleman, he probably don't even know who year it is
I bypassed the middleman and conducted business directly, leaving him unaware of current events.
Judgin' on my prize, I told big five, 'This ain't no fire drill'
People may underestimate my accomplishments, but I confidently remind them that this is the real deal.
Ballin' like the final four, got more devils than duke and them (duke)
I'm at the top of my game, surpassing even the most successful individuals.
Ain't no mean muggin' or shoulder shruggin', see 'em, shoot at them (shoot)
I won't tolerate any disrespect or threats, and I will take immediate action to defend myself.
Nigga took down one of my guys, so I want at least two of them (two)
If someone harms one of my crew, I seek revenge by taking down at least two of theirs.
It's a lot of niggas still play both sides (ayy, ayy)
There are many individuals who pretend to be loyal but secretly work against us.
That's why Gucci through with them (let's go)
Because of their disloyalty, I have completely severed ties with those individuals.
Ayy, them 7.62s shoot at him (boom)
We use powerful firearms to intimidate and attack our enemies.
Don't play with Wop while Pooh with him (ho)
Do not underestimate or provoke me while I have my loyal companion by my side.
513, we rep that murder gang, just ask or Google them (what?)
We proudly represent our violent and feared group, and our reputation can be easily verified.
Don't talk to me about your opps unless you came from shootin' at them (ho)
I don't want to hear about your rivals unless you have engaged in direct violence against them.
I'm clutchin' my bump stock in the drop top, we bumpin' who-is-him
I am fully armed and ready to defend myself, driving a convertible car, not caring about anyone else.
Pop a Perc', now I'm geeked up, guess this how them nerds feel
I consume drugs to enhance my state of mind, experiencing a high similar to what nerds feel when they engage with their passions.
Pass my nigga a new choppa, let's work on your third kill (fool)
I provide my associate with a fresh firearm, encouraging him to increase his kill count.
'Fore we pull off, circle the block, see how far my serve is (skrrt)
Before we leave, we drive around the area to assess the quality of the drugs we are selling.
It's six K for a pint of Wock' if you want your syrup with the seal
If you want high-quality cough syrup mixed with other substances, it will cost you a significant amount of money.
That's for sure, keep that Draco in my lap, scream, 'TTB'
I always carry a powerful firearm with me and proudly represent my crew, TTB.
We trained to blow (boom, boom, boom, boom, boom)
We are highly skilled and prepared to engage in acts of violence.
New Cartier head with the Cuban link, had to switch out the rope (ice, ice, ice, ice, ice)
I upgraded my jewelry with a new expensive watch, replacing the necklace I used to wear.
Five hundred shots up in this bitch, if you play, we gon' do the most (ho)
I am equipped with a large number of bullets, ready to respond with extreme violence if necessary.
Two baby choppas hid in my coat, bitch, I'm havin' power like Ghost (who?)
I am concealing two small firearms in my jacket, asserting my dominance and referencing the character Ghost from 'Power.'
AK with the Mercedes, so we gon' open up your belly button (uh)
I carry an AK47 with me, and we will violently inflict harm on you, targeting your abdomen.
No, you did not catch the body, why you wanna take credit for it? (Huh?)
You did not commit the act of murder, so why are you trying to claim responsibility for it?
All my niggas choppa gang, but different sets like Teletubbies
All of my associates are armed with firearms, but we come from various gangs, similar to the characters from the children's show 'Teletubbies.'
Nothin' but convicts in this studio, I'm with my felon buddies (well, damn)
I am surrounded by individuals with criminal records in this recording studio, my close friends who have been convicted of crimes.
Throw back Percocets and pour up Wock', we call that power though(go)
Consuming old Percocet pills and drinking cough syrup mixed with other substances gives us a sense of power and invincibility.
Put four holes up in that big boy's back, call him an Audi truck
We shot multiple bullets into a heavily built person, leaving four gunshot wounds resembling the ventilation holes of an Audi truck.
Get shot up in your face for cursin', nigga, better not shout at us
If you disrespect us or become aggressive, we will retaliate with gunfire, aiming for your face.
Better know who you chasin', they were talkin' 'bout you comin' after us
You should be aware of who you are pursuing, as others were discussing your intentions of targeting us.
They say, '30, you done lost it, poured up in the water bottle' (lean)
Some people believe that I have gone crazy because I consume a purple liquid, commonly known as lean, poured into a water bottle.
Strapped up with a judge on me, I got the biggy revolver (ho)
I am carrying a firearm and I am not afraid to use it, ready to take on any threats that come my way.
Heard my new opp was a problem, popped out with that problem-solver
I became aware of a new enemy who poses a challenge, so I prepared myself with a firearm to swiftly resolve the issue.
I got killers on payroll and they gon' kill you 'bout they dollar (ayy)
I have hired individuals who are willing to murder for money, and they are extremely dedicated to their tasks.
Nigga ever play with us, we gon' get active, handle that (we hound up them)
If someone dares to disrespect us, we will immediately take aggressive action to address the situation and deal with them.
I send Scarr deep on the fly, Big30 bleed, he get the sack (go, let's go)
I deploy Scarr to take a deep position while Big30 secures the target, ensuring a successful act of violence.
Pooh let the whole hundred go, so I call him Wilt Chamberlain (brrt, dem birds)
Pooh fired a full hundred rounds, showcasing his shooting skills, similar to the basketball player Wilt Chamberlain's scoring abilities.
I throw this bomb just like Brady, big Wop like Bill Belichick (Belichick)
I deliver explosive performances and dominate just like the quarterback Tom Brady, while I am guided by the strategies of my mentor, Bill Belichick.
Twenty in this F&N (F&N), shoot like Durant, my arms extended (arms extend)
I am armed with a firearm with a magazine capacity of twenty rounds, shooting accurately and powerfully, similar to basketball player Kevin Durant extending his arms to make shots.
Don't start no conversation (no) 'bout me 'cause, boy, your life will end (don't do no arguin')
Do not engage in any discussions or gossip about me, as it will result in severe consequences, potentially ending your life.
I would never play with no man, I shoot first, ask questions later (brrt)
I do not engage in games or disrespect towards anyone, resorting to violence immediately and delaying any inquiries or explanations.
Diamonds on me, frozen nigga, why you think they call me glacier? (Ice, ice)
My jewelry is adorned with diamonds, representing my wealth and cold, unforgiving nature, which is why I am nicknamed 'glacier.'
I smoke Backwoods back to back
I continuously smoke Backwoods cigars without taking breaks in between.
I get high like I'm Snoop or somethin' (just like I'm snoop or somethin')
I indulge in drugs and experience a euphoric state similar to the rapper Snoop Dogg.
Mama said I need to stop, pretty soon, I'ma need a lung
My mother has expressed concern about my excessive drug use, and I may develop respiratory issues in the future.
It's the new 1017, we bangin' like N.W.A. (brrt)
We represent the new era of 1017, and our impact and influence in the industry are comparable to the rap group N.W.A.
I fuck hoes like Eazy-E, I got the curve without the ace (without the a)
I engage in sexual relationships with women just like Eazy-E, and I confidently approach them without using any tricks or manipulation.
It's the way that I was raised, you break the rules, I gotta spill (gotta show you)
I was brought up with the mindset that if someone disrespects me or breaks the rules, I am obligated to respond with violence.
Tool's the ten commandments, we add one, eleven, do 'em in (brrt)
Our weapons, like the ten commandments, guide our actions, but we go beyond those rules and continue to cause harm.
I know your ho wanna fuck because she see these Cuban links (I know she see this ice)
I am aware that your partner desires a sexual encounter with me because she is enticed by my expensive Cuban link jewelry.
When I stuff your throat with dick
When I engage in sexual activities and offer intense pleasure to my partner.
You better look at me, don't blink (bitch, you better not blink)
Pay full attention to me and do not miss any details, or else you will face consequences.
Nigga, when you hear about it, don't come ask me, ask your ho (ask your ho)
If you hear rumors about something, do not come to me for clarification, ask your partner instead.
Bitch, it's gutta gang and I get gutta, you know I bang fours (you know we throwin' fours)
I am part of a rough street gang, and I engage in violent activities, representing myself and my crew with the number four.
When it come to gettin' money, they know that I get aggressive
When it comes to acquiring wealth, people are aware of my determination and willingness to act ruthlessly.
Think about dissin' me, think again, boy, might as well get the stretcher (brrt)
If you entertain the idea of disrespecting me, reconsider it immediately, as it will result in severe consequences, potentially even requiring a stretcher.
Brrt, brrt, big brrt, big brrt
The sound of gunfire, emphasizing the violent and dangerous nature of our actions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Rodney Wright, Carlton Mays Jr., Kwame Khalil Brown, Lontrell Williams, Radric Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hoodaffairs
GUCCI MANE DVD https://linkpop.com/hoodaffairs
@The13GlockMan
I come here to this masterpiece every other week
@surgiobutler-nl1ke
😅pp
@TerrellRobertson-dt2ig
😯😎😈
@joemcdaniel7441
Would you mind I sampled like 15 seconds of this video for a song? If I need to cash app you some money or anything like that just let me know. I figured I’d at least ask.
@mrroberts472
What
@daviddouglas2213
Craziest part is OJ not even trying to rap. He just telling y'all all the stuff he was just doing before he showed up there. 😂😂😂
@DeeGrant-qi1dt
😂😂😂😂😂😂
@khristionlouvatin6874
😂🤣
@untipcubreton
💀💀💀