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.”
Gucci Gucci
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Yeah)
Ghetto hair on my bitch ('06)
Feel like La Flare in '06
Long ghetto hair on my bitch (it's Gucci)
Yeah (go)
Nigga, this that '06 Gucci Mane
The nigga walk 'round like he Superman
Somebody calm him down, he boutta shoot the man
Nigga, this that '06 Gucci Mane
My trunk won't be still, I'ma play the music loud as the music can
You don't like that way I'm ridin'? Catch an Uber then
Yeah, nigga, let's go
Feel like La Flare in '06 (yeah)
Long ghetto hair on my bitch (uh-huh)
I came from nan', I wasn't shit (what they do?)
Now they sit there and stare at my whip (okay)
I can't even put it in park (nah)
Somebody down to get it (yeah)
I need somebody carryin' my .50
She ran over her man, he a jit
And you could throw my bowl on the floor, I'm a dawg (woof, woof)
Nigga damn near a Pit' (woof, woof)
I don't think none of them niggas with it at all (nah)
Niggas damn near bitches (none of that, nigga)
Won't leave out winter, spring, summer, fall (nah)
Without my hand on the stick (nah, nah)
And I politely pull up in a brand-new car (and bend over his bitch, yeah)
Nigga, this that '06 Gucci Mane
My lil' nigga gone off a pill
The nigga walk 'round like he Superman
Somebody calm him down, he boutta shoot the man
Nigga, this that '06 Gucci Mane
My trunk won't be still, I'ma play the music loud as the music can
You don't like that way I'm ridin'? Catch an Uber then
Yeah, nigga, let's go
I feel like it's me in '06 and '07, '08, and even '09 ('09)
Still hard to kill, the last nigga tried
Go ask him, he didn't survive (what happened?)
I was sittin' in the county, the niggas I fronted didn't help
They ain't send me a dime (fuck 'em)
These niggas be cap, the way I was trappin'
Went platinum before I was signed (huh)
Geeked up, I stayed out of my mind (geeked)
Still was ahead of my time (Wop)
And I was the man in the middle
But made so much profits, you thought it was mine (skrrt)
And everything top of the line (top)
And nothin' ain't changed, I'm still in my prime (burr)
I make it look easy, these niggas some copycats
They'll do whatever to shine (it's Gucci)
Nigga, this that '06 Gucci Mane (haan)
My lil' nigga gone off a pill (yeah)
The nigga walk 'round like he Superman
Somebody calm him down, he bouta shoot the man (haan)
Nigga, this that '06 Gucci Mane (haan)
My trunk won't be still, I'ma play the music loud as the music can
You don't like that way I'm ridin'? Catch an Uber then
Yeah, nigga, let's go
21 (21), 21
Pistol whip your mans (21)
She eat the dick with both her hands (21)
Pourin' up Wock', I'm tryna stand (21)
Clap at the opps like I'm a fan (21)
I got a dub for my advance (21)
Hit for a hunnid on Moreland Ave
Long live Shawty Lo, bitch, I'm the man (21)
Home invasion, we tryna go loot somethin' (straight up)
Put his face on his throat, thought he knew somethin' (straight up)
You a stepper, then go put your boots on (straight up)
He get hit with the K if he move wrong (straight up)
G-Block, yeah, I trapped in the school zone (straight up)
You know I'm the wrong nigga to snooze on (21)
Half a ticket on the Rolex blue stones (21)
Reach for it, face shot, cut the news on, Princeton (21, 21)
Nigga, this that '06 Gucci Mane
My lil' nigga gone off a pill
The nigga walk 'round like he Superman
Somebody calm him down, he boutta shoot the man
Nigga, this that '06 Gucci Mane
My trunk won't be still, I'ma play the music loud as the music can
You don't like that way I'm ridin'? Catch an Uber then
Yeah, nigga, let's go
The song "Gucci Gucci" by Gucci Mane highlights the rapper's indulgent lifestyle and success. The repeated use of the word "Gucci" throughout the song emphasizes the iconic Italian luxury brand, a staple in Gucci Mane's wardrobe. This is further highlighted in the line "I wear Gucci all the time," which also emphasizes Gucci Mane's confidence in his style.
The opening line "Gucci just gave me M's" refers to receiving money from the brand, further highlighting Gucci Mane's wealth and relationship with the brand. In contrast, Gucci Mane references his humble beginnings in the line "Came a long way from trapping in a shotgun house in Alabama," emphasizing his hard work and journey to success.
The song also contains explicit and suggestive content, typical of Gucci Mane's music. For example, references to sexual acts with women, wearing expensive jewelry, and violence are all present in the lyrics.
Overall, "Gucci Gucci" is an ode to Gucci Mane's luxurious lifestyle and his love for the Gucci brand. The song also highlights his journey to success and the hard work it took to get there.
Line by Line Meaning
Gucci, Gucci, Gucci, Gucci, Gucci
Repetition of Gucci brand, emphasizing its significance on the rapper's life and image.
Gucci just gave me M's, haha
Gucci brand pays rapper significant amount of money, making him laugh joyously.
Chillin' on the beach with my million-dollar freak, I let the water clean the sand out her sandals
Rapper is enjoying leisure time with his wealthy lover, letting the ocean clean her footwear.
Came a long way from trappin' out a shotgun house in Alabama, passing eagles like Randall
The rapper has progressed from selling drugs in a poor, southern home to making a lot of money with ease.
Red carpet shawty with a bitch like a Barbie and a tailor-made suit from Alessandro
The rapper has a beautiful female partner that resembles a Barbie doll while he wears high-end clothing brands.
I did a robbery, a nigga tried to buck on the pistol, I reversed it and hit him with the handle
The rapper was involved in a violent altercation where he was forced to defend himself and ended up using the gun handle as a weapon.
Yeah, it's hard, but it's fair, but it's tough on a square
Life is difficult, but it's just and fair, while it's harder for those who play honestly and legally.
Sell water to a whale, put a whale on a scale
Accomplishing a difficult feat such as selling water to a whale would be similar in difficulty to weighing a large sea creature on a scale.
When the hammer hit the motherfuckin' nail
A metaphorical statement about achieving success through hard work and dedication.
Send a bale in the mail, fuck the judge and the jury
Sending illegal contraband through the postal service while disregarding the legal system.
Know Chanel and it's Gucci, you can tell
Being affluent enough to have knowledge of expensive designer brands such as Chanel and Gucci.
This exclusive, can't get it online
An item of clothing or accessory is very high-end and is not available for purchase on the internet.
Shawty party all the time, and she fine, dead fine
The rapper's female partner enjoys partying frequently and is very attractive.
Tailormade, I don't do the cleaners no more
Rapper's clothing is so high-end and expensive that he no longer uses common laundry services.
Link with the gang, don't sell your soul
Connect with a group of people, but do not compromise your morals or values in the process.
Whip it off the stove, gotta use another bowl
Cooking drugs on the stove and having to switch to a new bowl because the original is too hot.
Fish in the dish, tryna find Nemo
Metaphor for searching for something of value or significance in a situation or environment.
Took a nine and a half, made a whole kilo
Using a specific, large shoe size measurement as a symbol of being able to create something valuable from very little.
Diamonds in my right ear, diamonds in my wife ear
The rapper and his partner both have very expensive, diamond accessories.
I hit more bitches than Rocky Balboa
Rapper is successful with a high number of female partners, comparing himself to a famous movie character known for his boxing victories.
She call me Prince and I'm fuckin' her raw
The rapper and his partner have a very close and intimate relationship, even engaging in sexual activity without protection.
I'm rockin' Dior and it ain't in the store
A musician has a unique or rare article of designer clothing that cannot be bought in most stores.
Cuban link on me thick as a rope
The rapper is wearing a chain with large links, likening its thickness and strength to a sturdy rope.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jonathan Kirk, Mathias Daniel Liyew, Nik Dean, Radric Delantic Davis, Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind