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
Gas and Mud
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aye Scream, time to turn up my nigga
Iβm on my hood rich shit right now
Iβm on my Brick Squad shit right now man
Iβm on my trap God shit man, trap God man
It time to turn up, it time to go crazy out here man
You know what Iβm talkin bout?
Slow down Gucci, steel bomb Gucci
Remember when I used to drive all that hoof (fuck it)
Get packed shawty, dirty call shawty
And why they calling em out your pocket
Ainβt no God damn bounce,
I would run to sun valley with a damn thing sign
And I canβt lie I try to serve every God damn judge
Smoking gas and drinking mud but you can keep your Budweiser
Sheβs a blind begging bitch so I donβt wanna stand by em
If you pull ounces up then I donβt wanna drink with ya
If you ainβt get money I donβt wanna languish
I bring the pot to the water I could catch a sandwich
I had to kick you out the squad, you was the weakest link nigga
[Hook:]
Gas gas you know I got the cash
Kinda threw you up, check 4 thousand for a benz
Gas gas send it really fast
The Benjies canβt win, you know this shit the game
Mud, mud gotta keep it mud
Anger little pint nigga I can show you love
Mud, mud you know Iβm drinking mud,
I might pull the whole paint βcause I donβt give a fuck
[Verse 2:]
All this mud drink the bush, standing rocking round the club
Iβm a drug dealer, real killer, mean mugging fuck
I have you licking for this nigga Iβm the one that shot your drow
And if you really wanna go to war then I donβt give a fuck
Got em Bentley with the paper tint, booth back full of gas
Pockets canβt hold on all the cash, I can lawn your man some swag
And I pull that pistol fat PIPs hang out my ass
You said your money buy the jet but bitch I could go buy your jet
Remember 1990 since the year that I will rock it back
I wasnβt even 20 yet, I Twitted with 20 bricks
Had to deal al kind of shit, yaβll nigga just full of shit
I just run too faster that you try to drink your pain away
[Hook:]
Gas gas you know I got the cash
Kinda threw you up, check 4 thousand for a benz
Gas gas send it really fast
The Benjies canβt win, you know this shit the game
Mud, mud gotta keep it mud
Anger little pint nigga I can show you love
Mud, mud you know Iβm drinking mud,
I might pull the whole paint βcause I donβt give a fuck
[Verse 3:]
Donβt drag it dirty, woke up really late,
I used to drag up early I like the way it taste
Drinkin all these haters this our love to drag the grace
They catch you with this purse my nigga you might catch a case
You lost the toss up, proceed with caution
On the buzz and I ainβt takin no loses
Smoke the gas, let em sippin no possin
Pull up on and Iβm a hear my talking
Got a body but it be my charge,
Two Ferrari is I got real horses,
New charge and I send it on forges
G 5 touchdown on mallin
Poppin pills like I have buses
Middle school or just buy three Porsches
Louie Vuittons but I wear it like bosses
Burberry in my box is shortless
Louie V this where my shorts is
So in Philly thatβs where my heart is
26s so Iβm sending real high, ride in the sky say play by law it is
[Hook:]
Gas gas you know I got the cash
Kinda threw you up, check 4 thousand for a benz
Gas gas send it really fast
The Benjies canβt win, you know this shit the game
Mud, mud gotta keep it mud
Anger little pint nigga I can show you love
Mud, mud you know Iβm drinking mud,
I might pull the whole paint βcause I donβt give a fuck
The song "Gas and Mud" by Gucci Mane is a classic trap song that showcases the artist's braggadocious style. In the first verse, Gucci Mane reflects on his past life of drug dealing and hustling before proceeding to talk about his current wealth and status. He boasts about smoking weed and drinking mud while also dismissing people who can't keep up with him financially. The second verse of the song is all about Gucci Mane's success and the things his money can buy. He talks about owning a Bentley with paper tint, his pockets full of cash, and being able to purchase his very own private jet. The third and final verse features Gucci Mane discussing his fashion sense and expensive taste. He name-drops designer brands and talks about his love for high-end cars.
Overall, the song explores themes of wealth, power, and materialism that are common in trap music. The lyrics are full of references to drugs, luxury items, and violence.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow down Gucci, steel bomb Gucci
Gucci Mane is being advised to slow down, but instead he's ramping things up
Remember when I used to drive all that hoof (fuck it)
Gucci is reminiscing about his past, but he's not dwelling on it - he's moving on to bigger and better things
Get packed shawty, dirty call shawty
Gucci is telling someone to get ready because things are about to get wild
And why they calling em out your pocket
People are jealous of Gucci's success and are trying to take advantage of him
Ainβt no God damn bounce,
Gucci is not slowing down or taking a break - he's always on the go
I would run to sun valley with a damn thing sign
Gucci will do whatever it takes to get ahead and stay on top
And I canβt lie I try to serve every God damn judge
Gucci has been in trouble with the law but he's not letting it hold him back - he's trying to keep moving forward
Smoking gas and drinking mud but you can keep your Budweiser
Gucci is living life on his own terms and doesn't care about what others think
Sheβs a blind begging bitch so I donβt wanna stand by em
Gucci doesn't want to be associated with someone who is a burden or a nuisance
If you pull ounces up then I donβt wanna drink with ya
Gucci doesn't want to associate with anyone who isn't on his level or doesn't have similar goals
If you ainβt get money I donβt wanna languish
Gucci is all about making money and won't waste his time on anyone who isn't serious about it
I bring the pot to the water I could catch a sandwich
Gucci is always looking for ways to make things happen and get ahead
I had to kick you out the squad, you was the weakest link nigga
Gucci won't tolerate anyone who isn't contributing to his success - he's all about surrounding himself with winners
Gas gas you know I got the cash
Gucci has plenty of money to burn
Kinda threw you up, check 4 thousand for a benz
Gucci can afford to spend big money on luxury items
The Benjies canβt win, you know this shit the game
Gucci knows that money is power and he's always looking for ways to stay ahead
Mud, mud gotta keep it mud
Gucci is all about keeping things real and staying true to his roots
Anger little pint nigga I can show you love
Gucci can be tough and ruthless but he also has a softer side
Mud, mud you know Iβm drinking mud,
Gucci isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and work hard for what he wants
I might pull the whole paint βcause I donβt give a fuck
Gucci is willing to take risks and do whatever it takes to get ahead
Iβm a drug dealer, real killer, mean mugging fuck
Gucci is a tough and street-smart guy who knows how to survive
I have you licking for this nigga Iβm the one that shot your drow
Gucci is warning others that he's not to be trifled with and has no problem using violence to protect himself
And if you really wanna go to war then I donβt give a fuck
Gucci is always ready for a fight and won't back down from anyone
Got em Bentley with the paper tint, booth back full of gas
Gucci has a lot of expensive toys and likes to show them off
Pockets canβt hold on all the cash, I can lawn your man some swag
Gucci has so much money he doesn't know what to do with it all - he can even buy other people's style
You said your money buy the jet but bitch I could go buy your jet
Gucci is saying he has so much money he could even buy someone else's private jet
Remember 1990 since the year that I will rock it back
Gucci has been in the game for a long time and he's still going strong
I Twitted with 20 bricks
Gucci has a lot of drugs and is ready to sell them
Had to deal al kind of shit, yaβll nigga just full of shit
Gucci has been through a lot and seen a lot - he knows who's real and who's fake
I just run too faster that you try to drink your pain away
Gucci is always moving forward and won't let anything hold him back - he has a will to win
Donβt drag it dirty, woke up really late,
Gucci is telling his haters to stop talking trash and focus on their own lives
I used to drag up early I like the way it taste
Gucci knows what it takes to be successful and doesn't mind putting in the hard work
Drinkin all these haters this our love to drag the grace
Gucci enjoys rubbing his success in the faces of his detractors
They catch you with this purse my nigga you might catch a case
Gucci is saying that if you're caught with something incriminating, you could be in a lot of trouble
You lost the toss up, proceed with caution
Gucci is warning others that they need to be careful and weigh the risks before making decisions
On the buzz and I ainβt takin no loses
Gucci is always looking to come out on top and won't accept defeat
Smoke the gas, let em sippin no possin
Gucci likes to smoke weed and doesn't care if others don't approve
Pull up on and Iβm a hear my talking
Gucci is ready to negotiate and make deals to get ahead
Got a body but it be my charge,
Gucci has gotten into trouble with the law in the past and it's a part of his reputation
Two Ferrari is I got real horses,
Gucci has two Ferraris and he likes to show them off
New charge and I send it on forges
Gucci is keeping busy and always looking for new opportunities
G 5 touchdown on mallin
Gucci has a private jet and he's not afraid to use it
Poppin pills like I have buses
Gucci likes to take pills and isn't afraid of the consequences
Middle school or just buy three Porsches
Gucci has been successful for a long time and can afford to buy expensive cars
Louie Vuittons but I wear it like bosses
Gucci likes to wear expensive designer clothes and he always looks good doing it
Burberry in my box is shortless
Gucci has expensive clothes from many different brands and he likes to mix and match them
Louie V this where my shorts is
Gucci likes to wear shorts and he has expensive ones from Louis Vuitton
So in Philly thatβs where my heart is
Gucci has a special connection to Philadelphia and he loves it there
26s so Iβm sending real high, ride in the sky say play by law it is
Gucci is living life to the fullest and enjoying his success
Contributed by Dominic M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
senuah
Gucci the only rapper who can get 5mill on a video without even standing up
Ben Veitch
Best comment
EvilWithinTheShadows
Lol
lwatsonaddict
Even 7 mill
RsKing toogoody
You are so right π
Sergio Sanchez
Goat
HC1997
this song helped me learn the quadratic formula and now im enrolled in harvard thanks gucci
Allabout TheWoodrows
800 a pint I accept cash app hahaha
DeathTrap
@Allabout TheWoodrows I was jamming Ranbow colors by Three 6 the other day and flip started dropping prices in the bars. $240 for a pint!!!! The drank game got stupid.
CareerCrackAddict
Amen