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.”
Gone And Tell Dat
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
50 bird stat
50 purp bags
O u a snitchin nigga(pussy)
Well gone and tell dat(pussy)
My niggas mail dat
I'm bustin out da boxs
I'm workin with da tools
[Verse 1:]
100 birds, heap of pills, n alot of work
I toke da pills, smoke da purp, but I sold da work
Old skool cool but I'm n my new vert
No top, no gurlfriend, no shirt
No friend cause my best friend den turned snitch
Tried snitchin out I'm talkin 2 hit main bitch
5 glocks, 2 pumps n a lot of K's
U fuck around n b da 4th tear on my face
Ball player money cause I make big plays
20 grands, 500 grand eeryday
Catch n da 6
U wanna buy a brick
I pay 16 I'll charge u 26
[Chorus x2]
[Verse 2:]
We don't walk it out(nope)
So icey trap it out(dope)
Bankhead bouncin million 2 my bank account
Check my paper route
I'll take her out
Probably ice her out
But I'm a kill her mouth
See I'm from da Crest n dats n da south
N I been a king
Betta shut yo mouth
I'm your favorite trappa favorite killer
It'z Gucci Mane LaFlare u kno I'm fuckin with ya
N I'm trappin with ya
I'll git it 2 ya
Goon servin, curb servin I'll git it 2 ya
Gotta Mexican, I can work a pan
Say wat u luv Gucci
I LUV DEM XTRA GRAMSSSSSSSSS
[Chorus x2]
[Verse 3:]
Rent out a lite mane, go rob a dice game
Go rob da dope mane, n buy a lite mane
Step up yo ice game
Still servin white lame
I'm servin blocks mane
Now servin ya'll mane
Aww dats yo boss mane
U work 4 dat lame
I'm 6 cKars, 10 chains, 12 earring
Still got my Jacob watch but customized my brightlen
How much it cost
It cost AR-15
So Icey Ent. we tatted like a bike gang
No shirt n da club let my chain swang
So Icey Boys n we rockin like a rock band
Gucci Mane save money like a white mane
[Chorus x2]
In "Gone And Tell Dat" by Gucci Mane, the rapper talks about his illegal activities and the way he earns his money. He boasts about the amount of drugs he has and how he sells them. Gucci uses slang in his rhymes to emphasize his point of him not being someone to mess with. In the chorus, he talks about how he has 50 bird stats and 50 purple bags, insinuating he has a lot of drugs on him. He then goes on to say that if anyone snitches on him, he is not afraid to retaliate, which is a common theme in many rap songs.
In the first verse, he talks about his wealth and how he makes it. He mentions that he has a lot of pills and work and how he is always working even when people think that he is not. He then proceeds to talk about a former friend who became a snitch and how he tried to snitch Gucci out to the authorities, which made him thoroughly angry. Gucci then goes on to mention his various weapons and how he is not afraid to use them. He also boasts about how he makes a lot of money, which everyone knows in his circle.
In the second verse, Gucci talks about his gang and how they make their money by dealing drugs. They do not walk it out, but always trap it out, which means they are actively selling drugs. He mentions his bank account and earnings, along with his paper route. Gucci then goes on to say how he can take a girl out and maybe even ice her out, but if she talks, he will kill her mouth. He then claims he is from the South and has been a king for a long time.
Line by Line Meaning
50 bird stat
I have 50 birds (which can mean cocaine or birds for cockfighting) ready to sell.
50 purp bags
I also have 50 bags of purple marijuana to sell.
O u a snitchin nigga(pussy)
If you are a snitch, that means you are a coward.
Well gone and tell dat(pussy)
You can go ahead and tell people that I sell drugs, but that won't change anything.
My niggas mail dat
My friends will sell those drugs for me.
I'm bustin out da boxs
I am breaking out of prison or jail.
I'm workin with da tools
I have weapons to defend myself or to commit crimes.
I'm workin with da block
I am in the business of selling drugs on the streets.
100 birds, heap of pills, n alot of work
I now have 100 birds, a lot of pills, and plenty of work to do (to sell everything).
I toke da pills, smoke da purp, but I sold da work
I use pills and smoke marijuana, but I make my living by selling drugs.
Old skool cool but I'm n my new vert
I might be old school (in my attitude or style), but I'm driving a new car.
No top, no gurlfriend, no shirt
I don't have a roof on my car, a girlfriend, or even a shirt.
No friend cause my best friend den turned snitch
My former best friend betrayed me and is now cooperating with the police.
Tried snitchin out I'm talkin 2 hit main bitch
If anyone tries to snitch on me, I will take care of them (possibly violently).
5 glocks, 2 pumps n a lot of K's
I own 5 pistols, 2 shotguns, and a lot of Kalashnikov rifles (AK-47s).
U fuck around n b da 4th tear on my face
If you mess with me, you might make me cry (if I have to kill you or go to prison).
Ball player money cause I make big plays
I make a lot of money because I make big deals and sell drugs to important people.
20 grands, 500 grand eeryday
I make 20,000 dollars and sell 500,000 dollars worth of drugs every day.
Catch n da 6
I am driving a BMW 6 Series.
U wanna buy a brick
Do you want to buy a kilogram of cocaine?
I pay 16 I'll charge u 26
I can buy a kilogram of cocaine for 16,000 dollars and sell it to you for 26,000 dollars.
We don't walk it out(nope)
I don't dance in clubs.
So icey trap it out(dope)
I prefer to sell drugs in the street rather than dance.
Bankhead bouncin million 2 my bank account
I made a lot of money and deposited a million dollars in my bank account.
Check my paper route
Look at the way I make money by selling drugs.
I'll take her out
I will take a girl out on a date (or possibly order a hit on her).
Probably ice her out
I will buy her expensive jewelry.
But I'm a kill her mouth
I will use her to make money (selling drugs) and then dispose of her.
See I'm from da Crest n dats n da south
I am from the neighborhood called The Crest, which is in the southern part of Atlanta.
N I been a king
I have been a successful drug dealer for a long time.
Betta shut yo mouth
You better be quiet and listen to me.
I'm your favorite trappa favorite killer
I am the drug dealer that other drug dealers respect and admire.
It'z Gucci Mane LaFlare u kno I'm fuckin with ya
You already know who I am and what I do (selling drugs).
N I'm trappin with ya
I am also selling drugs with you (the listener).
I'll git it 2 ya
I will bring the drugs to you.
Goon servin, curb servin I'll git it 2 ya
I can provide drugs to you whether you want them delivered to your house or just bought on the street.
Gotta Mexican, I can work a pan
I have a Mexican who cooks (cracks) cocaine for me.
Say wat u luv Gucci
Just say what you like about me, Gucci.
I LUV DEM XTRA GRAMSSSSSSSSS
I love selling extra grams of drugs to my customers.
Rent out a lite mane, go rob a dice game
I will rent a house and use it as a base to plan and rob a game of craps.
Go rob da dope mane, n buy a lite mane
I will rob drug dealers and use the money to rent a house.
Step up yo ice game
Improve the quality of the jewelry you wear.
Still servin white lame
I am still selling cocaine to unsuspecting customers.
I'm servin blocks mane
I am selling drugs in different neighborhoods or blocks.
Now servin ya'll mane
I am now also selling drugs to you (the listeners).
Aww dats yo boss mane
Oh, that's your boss?
U work 4 dat lame
You work for someone who is not as successful as I am.
I'm 6 cKars, 10 chains, 12 earring
I own 6 luxury cars, 10 gold chains, and 12 diamond earrings.
Still got my Jacob watch but customized my brightlen
I still wear my Jacob & Co. watch, but I had the bracelet (or strap) customized to make it unique.
How much it cost
How much does something cost?
It cost AR-15
It costs the price of an AR-15 rifle (around $800).
So Icey Ent. we tatted like a bike gang
Everyone (in my record label, So Icey Ent.) has tattoos like members of a motorcycle gang (e.g. Hells Angels).
No shirt n da club let my chain swang
I am wearing no shirt in a club and letting my gold chain swing (as a sign of wealth and style).
So Icey Boys n we rockin like a rock band
My crew (So Icey Boys) is wearing a lot of jewelry and looking tough and cool, like a rock band.
Gucci Mane save money like a white mane
I, Gucci Mane, save money like white people do (who are stereotypically known for being frugal).
Contributed by Grace I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dee Bethea
2019 we still bumping GUCCI MANE. MISS THIS SONG IN HIGH SCHOOL 💪💯🎯
BIGsam DaDon
Blocca Bethea I’m witchu 🤞🏽💯💯
lilbricks8037
good job. gucci mane mixtapes is killing jeezy at making mixtapes
Skeet Skeet
lilbricks8037 dang bro u was an OG fan
Idir izem
This didn't age well
Kenny Lo
@Idir izem it definitely did. Jeezy washed
HellRell
I love dat beat 💩 go to hard
Fred Baldwin III
This the Real Gucci
Rae Jackson
50 purp bags #Wop! The dirty south trap shit... Gucci mane since 04' you kno I'm fucking wit cha🏋️♂️
The giant Troll
🔥🔥