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.”
HOW YA FEEL
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(It's Gucci)
It's Dolph
One a big house and it's full of bad bitches
I'm just sayin', can a young nigga live?
2 million worth of cars parked in the front yard
But want another Rolls Royce, that's how I feel
Hope you got your receipt, go and get your hunnid back
For the new coupe, I paid 400 flat
Smash your baby mama, wow, then I sent her back
Sittin' in the truck, smokin' on a blunt
Then I realized, I think I hear somebody shooting
You think I'm goin' out like Pac and Biggie, you must be stupid
The millions keep callin' my phone and I'm headed straight to it
Shippin' money by the mail, I just came back with the bales
Now I'm dancin' in the truck, that's how I feel
I'm in a coupe, cost half a mill, I just redid my Chevelle
Got 2 Maybachs in both, that's just how I feel
I got 2 bitches at the 'tel, hope that they don't kiss and tell
I'm way too much for just one bitch, that's just how I feel
You know that salt can kill a snail but can do nothin' to a player
I'm way too trill, I'm hard to kill, that's how I feel
Only Gucci, twin Ks, I just made the front page
Please stay out my lane, mane 'cause I got road rage
Fresh up out the cage, I'm the jack of all trades
And you suckers can't kill me, I'mma die of old age
Put your hands on Gucci, then I'm jumpin' off stage
Choppa'll turn a nigga dreads to a high top fade
Call me drop top Wop, I'm in a hard top Wraith
'Bout to roll the window down and start throwin' out grenades
Nigga, this is how you feel when you walk up out the jail
And walk up in that bank and tell 'em give you 20 mil'
And this is how she feel when you do her hair and nails
And dick so good, she can't keep it to herself
Shippin' money by the mail, I just came back with the bales
Now I'm dancin' in the truck, that's how I feel
I'm in a coupe, cost half a mill, I just redid my Chevelle
Got 2 Maybachs in both, that's just how I feel
I got 2 bitches at the 'tel, hope that they don't kiss and tell
I'm way too much for just one bitch, that's just how I feel
You know that salt can kill a snail but can do nothin' to a player
I'm way too trill, I'm hard to kill, that's how I feel
The lyrics of Gucci Mane's song "How Ya Feel" are all about living the high life and exuding confidence. Throughout the song, Gucci tells listeners exactly how he feels about his luxurious lifestyle. He starts the song by rapping about his big house that's full of bad bitches, and how he simply wants to live as a young black man. The rapper goes on to boast about his expensive cars, including Rolls Royce, and how he's willing to spend even more money to get another car. Gucci also brags about being able to pay $400K for a new coupe and claims to have slept with someone's baby mama before sending her back.
The rapper then moves on to discuss his status as a rich and successful artist. He talks about shipping his money by mail and coming back with bales of cash. Gucci's confidence shines through as he details all of the extravagant things he's purchased, including a half a million dollar coupe and two Maybachs. He even talks about having two women with him and how he's way too much for just one woman, and even references the phrase "salt can kill a snail but can do nothing to a player".
The song is all about living life on Gucci's terms and being confident in oneself. The lyrics showcase Gucci's life and his ability to live the way he wants, without any regrets or apologies. The song's upbeat tempo and sick beats make it a catchy and enjoyable listen, despite the somewhat boastful nature of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
It's Dolph
Dolph is present
(It's Gucci)
Gucci Mane replies to Dolph's presence
It's Dolph
Dolph is still present
One a big house and it's full of bad bitches
Gucci has lots of women at his place
I'm just sayin', can a young nigga live?
Gucci wants to enjoy his success and freedom
2 million worth of cars parked in the front yard
Gucci has an expensive car collection
But want another Rolls Royce, that's how I feel
Gucci wants even more luxury
For 100 shots, I heard you paid 100 stacks
Someone spent a lot of money on bullets
Hope you got your receipt, go and get your hunnid back
Gucci thinks buying that many bullets is foolish and money wasted
For the new coupe, I paid 400 flat
Gucci bought a new car and paid $400k for it
Smash your baby mama, wow, then I sent her back
Gucci slept with someone's ex and sent her home
Sittin' in the truck, smokin' on a blunt
Gucci is relaxing in his truck
Then I realized, I think I hear somebody shooting
Gucci notices gunshots nearby
You think I'm goin' out like Pac and Biggie, you must be stupid
Gucci isn't scared of being killed like those famous rappers
The millions keep callin' my phone and I'm headed straight to it
Gucci is busy making more money
Shippin' money by the mail, I just came back with the bales
Gucci just received a shipment of money
Now I'm dancin' in the truck, that's how I feel
Gucci is so happy that he's dancing in his truck
I'm in a coupe, cost half a mill, I just redid my Chevelle
Gucci has an expensive car collection
Got 2 Maybachs in both, that's just how I feel
Gucci has even more high-end cars
I got 2 bitches at the 'tel, hope that they don't kiss and tell
Gucci is spending time with two women
I'm way too much for just one bitch, that's just how I feel
Gucci feels like one woman is not enough for him
You know that salt can kill a snail but can do nothin' to a player
Gucci is confident that he is unstoppable
I'm way too trill, I'm hard to kill, that's how I feel
Gucci thinks he's very tough to defeat
Only Gucci, twin Ks, I just made the front page
Gucci made headlines for his recent activities
Please stay out my lane, mane 'cause I got road rage
Gucci is warning people to stay out of his business
Fresh up out the cage, I'm the jack of all trades
Gucci is feeling free and confident
And you suckers can't kill me, I'mma die of old age
Gucci believes he will die of old age and not by anyone's hand
Put your hands on Gucci, then I'm jumpin' off stage
Gucci will fight anyone who tries to touch him
Choppa'll turn a nigga dreads to a high top fade
Gucci has a dangerous weapon
Call me drop top Wop, I'm in a hard top Wraith
Gucci is showing off his cars again
'Bout to roll the window down and start throwin' out grenades
Gucci is committing violent acts
Nigga, this is how you feel when you walk up out the jail
Gucci is happy to be out of jail
And walk up in that bank and tell 'em give you 20 mil'
Gucci has a lot of money and is confident
And this is how she feel when you do her hair and nails
Gucci is referring to the pleasure he brings women
And dick so good, she can't keep it to herself
Gucci is bragging about his sexual prowess
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Adolph Thornton, Christopher Golson, Radric Delantic Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chanelspearman6305
DA REAL GUCCI MANE!!! thanks so much for uploading!!!
@anthonyucin9487
Underated
@tracysimmons8086
Im jukin so hard GUCCI!
@acxeldigital8249
Straight fuegoooo alaaavvv
@anthonyucin9487
Yuh
@spreadlovenotlies77
you gotta be a real fan to know this track
@enricorodrigues9920
do you know who is the feature singing with it?
@manman5879
This jam dope ... I don't want no ticket but the bitches really dig it. And yu don't really want it...
@marcsogone
Somebody please bring this Gucci mane back from the dead
@shanmcfowler8402
Ok