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
Gucci Intro 2
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
I'm starting off the day with the paper, the paper
Me and Flockaveli nigga ballin' is my major
70K tucked like I'm robbing, I'm robbing
BrickSquad bandanna in me Robins, me Robins
Me and YG Hootie, he from Compton that's Bompton
Half a onion bought it from the game room, that's Thompson
Ten 17 on my face and my necklace
Mob so deep we wish a nigga would disrespect us
Put me in the game, I might score a triple-double
Kush, purp, lean, awww man, they in trouble
Meet me at the Georgia Dome, standing on da 50
With 50 on my wristy wristy, 80 in my Dickies
It's Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
The paper, the paper, I'm 'bout that, 'bout that
Ferrari black and yellow, got one yellow black
Back to back in 'Rarris, who the fuck is that? (It's Gucci!)
The Brick Squad boss, anybody get it
I got so much money if I want the bitch
I go into my bag, everybody hit it
I'm at Club Onyx fuckin' with the strippers
I tip em, squeeze your nipples, squeeze your nipples
I got crazy choppers, crazy choppers
I send you to the doctor, to the doctor
All-black Phantom pull up the opera
Bad white bitch call her Cindy Lauper
It's Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
The lyrics to Gucci Mane's song "Gucci 2 Times" are fairly straightforward, repeating the phrase "Gucci 2 Times" multiple times throughout the song. The song starts with Gucci Mane stating that he begins his day with a newspaper, and that he and Flockaveli are "ballin'". Gucci mentions he has $70,000 on him, and wears a BrickSquad bandanna. He also claims to have a lot of friends who have his back, stating that they "wish a nigga would disrespect" them.
Gucci Mane goes on to mention a few other things he enjoys, such as kush, purp and lean. He mentions meeting someone at the Georgia Dome, and the fact that he has "50 on my wristy wristy, 80 in my Dickies". The chorus is then repeated multiple times, with Gucci telling listeners to say "Gucci 2 Times".
In the second verse, Gucci again emphasizes his wealth and power, mentioning his Ferrari and his ability to get any woman he wants. He talks about going to a strip club called Club Onyx and tipping the strippers before squeezing their nipples. He also talks about his "crazy choppers" and his ability to send people to the doctor. The song ends with multiple repetitions of the chorus.
The simple repetition of the phrase "Gucci 2 Times" throughout the song could be seen as a representation of Gucci Mane's wealth and status, as well as his ability to live his life with few cares. The chorus also works as a catchy hook that is easy to remember and sing-along to. Overall, "Gucci 2 Times" is a classic Gucci Mane song that emphasizes his power, money, and status within the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
It's Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
I'm Gucci Mane, and I'm making a statement with this song. Say it twice to really emphasize it.
Gucci Gucci 2 times, say it 2 times
This is my brand, my name, and I'm saying it twice to assert my dominance in the rap game.
The paper, the paper, I'm 'bout that, 'bout that
Money is everything to me, it's all I care about and all I'm focused on.
Ferrari black and yellow, got one yellow black
I have a Ferrari with black and yellow colors, the same colors as my brand.
Back to back in 'Rarris, who the fuck is that? (It's Gucci!)
I'm driving two Ferraris back to back, showing off my wealth and status. And it's clear who I am, I'm Gucci Mane.
The Brick Squad boss, anybody get it
I'm the leader of the Brick Squad gang, and anyone who messes with us will pay the price.
I got so much money if I want the bitch
I have so much money that I can have any woman I want.
I go into my bag, everybody hit it
I have a bag full of drugs and everyone around me is using them.
I'm at Club Onyx fuckin' with the strippers
I'm at a strip club, doing what I do best - being a player with the ladies.
I tip em, squeeze your nipples, squeeze your nipples
I'm tipping the strippers and being very hands-on with them during my visit.
I got crazy choppers, crazy choppers
I have guns, powerful and dangerous ones.
I send you to the doctor, to the doctor
If you cross me or my gang, you'll end up in the hospital.
All-black Phantom pull up the opera
My all-black Phantom (luxury car) is pulling up to the opera, showing off my style and wealth.
Bad white bitch call her Cindy Lauper
I have a hot, white woman by my side and I'm nicknaming her Cindy Lauper, showing my playful side.
Meet me at the Georgia Dome, standing on da 50
I'm challenging anyone to meet me at the Georgia Dome (a large arena) and face me.
With 50 on my wristy wristy, 80 in my Dickies
I have a $50,000 watch on my wrist and $80,000 in my Dickies (pants), emphasizing my wealth and style.
Lyrics Β© BIXIO MUSIC GROUP LTD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JasonPerrotta
In Gucci eyes he will always be one of the greatest
@jmanjacks3053
In that category he willπͺπΏ
@ericyoung2136
RIP DUNK.
@rickgall4168
This shit one of his best songs fr
Gotta appreciate him dropping this salute to all the trappers
@chrisstevens4696
What an intro. GUCCI NEVER fails.
@SlyMajix
This song is so hard, one of my top Gucci songs
@TOCHIjd
best fucking intro i've heard in a while, this instrumental just fucking slams!!
@Ipearlblunts414
2020 still jammin π―ππ
@erweez7669
Been grinding hard 29 years finally took a vacation π€π½
@IamWoundedDuck
Wow.. how have I never heard this before. Like a history of Gucci.. this is amazing holy shit #freeGucci