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.”
Head Shots
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I gave the bitch 500 fuck it, I ain't even crabby
Now I'm getting older rocking Gucci, Louie loafers
I still remember the first day that I ain't have to serve smokers
You brought sand to the beach, I brought toast to the social
I gave your girlfriend an autographed Gucci Mane poster
It ain't no motherfucking secret, hell yeah I got shooters
I'm the plug to the plug, I'm a goddamn booster
And you getting in my way 'cause ya homegirl choosing
On my birthday, Gucci want a brand new Uzi
On my worst day, I'm worth 10 mil no jewelry
Killers waiting in the bushes just to tie ya ass up
Gave my young nigga a dub and told him fire ya ass up
It seem like everywhere you go, somebody try yo ass up
I got real money nigga, I can buy my own luck
Headshots, headshots
All my young niggas aiming headshots
Headshots, headshots
Put a dub on your head, headshots
Headshots
Your son called you a dead beat
Step on my feet nigga, you dead meat
I'm grinding up this ground beef
I think they just wanna surround me
Self made with a brick too
Nigga shoes dirty but the stick new
In the twelfth grade with a big crew
Now I'm well paid, I can flip you
Holding on to my dick, Michael Corleone, bitch
Head shot like Fredo, fuck nigga don't flinch
The empire back, that empire back
I got some whip out in Fulton, my brick just keep bouncing back
Killers waiting in the bushes just to tie ya ass up
Gave my young nigga a dub and told him fire ya ass up
It seem like everywhere you go, somebody try yo ass up
I got real money nigga, I can buy my own luck
Headshots, headshots
All my young niggas aiming headshots
Headshots, headshots
Put a dub on your head, headshots
Headshots
Couple niggas got killed at my show last weekend
But how am I to blame if they were already beefing
When they first started shooting man we was just leaving
Try Bricksquad and we won't let you get off that easy
Gucci Mane the CEO I feel like Eazy
The rap game love me but the dope game need me
Baby says she never seen a nigga so freezy
But these VVS diamonds make me feel like Meech
I had a pistol in the club the first day I met Weezy
AR in the car the first day I met Jeezy
When I first started dissing niggas it was just teasing
Glock 40 on my hip, it was just me and Mac Bre-Z
Killers waiting in the bushes just to tie ya ass up
Gave my young nigga a dub and told him fire ya ass up
It seem like everywhere you go, somebody try yo ass up
I got real money nigga, I can buy my own luck
Headshots, headshots
All my young niggas aiming headshots
Headshots, headshots
Put a dub on your head, headshots
Headshots
In Gucci Mane's song "Head Shots," he talks about his success and how far he has come in life. He boasts about his fashion sense, talking about how he's rocking designer clothes like Robin jeans, Gucci and Louis Vuitton loafers. He talks about his growth from having to sell drugs to being able to afford designer clothes. He also mentions how he gave a woman $500 as if it's petty cash to him. Further, he expresses that he has shooters and is the plug to the plug stating that it is no secret he is well-protected. He calls out those who try to mimic him, saying that they are not real gangsters but mere groupies, and adds that he can buy his own luck.
In the next verse, Gucci talks about how he has had to deal with threats and that he has real money to cover up for himself. He talks about head shots, noting that all his young niggas are aiming for them. He also mentions that people always try to test him, but he knows how to defend myself so they won't get far.
Overall, the song portrays Gucci Mane as a successful man who has managed to rise above the challenges he faced when he was young. He is proud of his success and wealth, and he is not afraid to say it in his lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I got them Robin jeans saggin' and I ain't even bragging
I'm wearing expensive designer jeans, but I'm not boasting about it
I gave the bitch 500 fuck it, I ain't even crabby
I gave a woman some money without being upset about it
Now I'm getting older rocking Gucci, Louie loafers
As I age, I still wear high-end clothing
I still remember the first day that I ain't have to serve smokers
I recall the day when I no longer had to sell drugs to make money
You brought sand to the beach, I brought toast to the social
You didn't bring anything useful to the party, while I brought something that people would appreciate
I gave your girlfriend an autographed Gucci Mane poster
I gave your girlfriend a signed poster of myself
It ain't no motherfucking secret, hell yeah I got shooters
I have people who are willing to shoot others for me, and it's not a secret
I'm the plug to the plug, I'm a goddamn booster
I have access to drugs and can get them for others
You ain't no mothafuckin' gangsta, you's a goddamn groupie
You're not a real gangster, you're just a follower
And you getting in my way 'cause ya homegirl choosing
You're interfering with me because your friend is attracted to me
On my birthday, Gucci want a brand new Uzi
I want a new gun as a birthday present
On my worst day, I'm worth 10 mil no jewelry
Even on my worst day, I'm still worth millions, even without expensive accessories
Killers waiting in the bushes just to tie ya ass up
There are people who want to harm you, and they're just waiting for an opportunity
Gave my young nigga a dub and told him fire ya ass up
I gave a young person some money and instructed them to shoot you
It seem like everywhere you go, somebody try yo ass up
It appears that people are always looking to harm you
I got real money nigga, I can buy my own luck
I have enough money that I don't need to rely on luck or others' help
Headshots, headshots
Shootings aimed at the head
All my young niggas aiming headshots
All the young people I have working for me are aiming for headshots
Put a dub on your head, headshots
I've placed a $20,000 bounty on your head for a headshot
Your son called you a dead beat
Your child has referred to you as someone who doesn't take care of their responsibilities
Step on my feet nigga, you dead meat
If you step on my feet, I will harm you
I'm grinding up this ground beef
I'm working hard to build up my success
I think they just wanna surround me
I believe that there are people who want to harm me or bring me down
Self made with a brick too
I built my wealth through illegal means
Nigga shoes dirty but the stick new
My shoes may be dirty, but I have a new gun
In the twelfth grade with a big crew
I was in high school with a large group of friends
Now I'm well paid, I can flip you
I now have a lot of money and can manipulate or control you
Holding on to my dick, Michael Corleone, bitch
I'm asserting my power and dominance, like Michael Corleone from The Godfather
Head shot like Fredo, fuck nigga don't flinch
I'll shoot you in the head like the character Fredo from The Godfather, so don't try to avoid it
The empire back, that empire back
My power and influence have returned
I got some whip out in Fulton, my brick just keep bouncing back
I have a car in Fulton that I use for illegal activities, and I'm able to maintain my success despite setbacks
Couple niggas got killed at my show last weekend
A few people were murdered at a concert I performed at recently
But how am I to blame if they were already beefing
I don't see how I can be held responsible for their conflict if they had issues prior to the concert
When they first started shooting man we was just leaving
The violence started as my team and I were leaving the venue
Try Bricksquad and we won't let you get off that easy
If you try to harm me or my team, we won't let you escape unpunished
Gucci Mane the CEO I feel like Eazy
I see myself as a successful business owner, much like Eazy-E from N.W.A.
The rap game love me but the dope game need me
I'm popular in the music industry, but I'm also essential to the drug trade
Baby says she never seen a nigga so freezy
My partner thinks I'm extremely stylish and cool
But these VVS diamonds make me feel like Meech
The quality of the diamonds I have make me feel like Demetrius 'Big Meech' Flenory from the Black Mafia Family
I had a pistol in the club the first day I met Weezy
When I met Lil Wayne for the first time, I had a gun in the club
AR in the car the first day I met Jeezy
When I met Young Jeezy for the first time, I had an AR-15 rifle in my car
When I first started dissing niggas it was just teasing
When I first began insulting other rappers, it was all in good fun
Glock 40 on my hip, it was just me and Mac Bre-Z
I had a Glock 40 handgun on me, and I was with my friend and fellow rapper, Mac Bre-Z
Headshots, headshots
Shootings aimed at the head
All my young niggas aiming headshots
All the young people I have working for me are aiming for headshots
Put a dub on your head, headshots
I've placed a $20,000 bounty on your head for a headshot
Headshots
Shootings aimed at the head
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RADRIC DAVIS, WILLIAM ROBERTS, STACKS TARENTINO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rasalarhyme9013
Who's still hitting it? 2020 May🔥🔥🔥
@sweades
2020 august hahah
@hoodgamingtv9338
Nigga I’m hitting this 2020 October
@jonathanhernandez2986
2020 november
@Internettoughguy547
2021 I still remember when I didn't have to serve smokers
@benjaminal_khaleej_bin_kaa840
I'm here 2021 July..bars on bars
@shorties8106
This song never get old
@jameshughes2560
Frfr nigga. Gv my young niggas dove told him 🔥 ur ass up.
@sweades
August 2020
@dozzda4103
April 2022