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.”
I Smoke Kush
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I smoke kush and I pop bean
And I don't give a damn how you feel about me
I sip lean pure codeine
And I don't give a damn what you say about me
I'm so iced up feel me up
I'm so kushed up dog I'm stuck
I bought a whole pound
And I smoked da shit up
No more purp lets restore
Call da cush man tell him bring much more
We ask anotha 2 litter
We gon do four
I'm so drowzy I might snore
Chain so bright that you got a eye sore
If yu aint wanna fuck what yu spend the night for
Pulled all da ho's
Dats what I got da ice for
To win all da money
Is what I shot da dice for
Leaned to myself
Damn I'm high
I rolled anotha swisha
I'm lookin for some fire
I'm dui we so drunk
Yo girl manned up
Wen she seen my trunk
Pussy nigga it's gucci
Chorus 2x
I smoke kush and I pop bean
And I don't give a damn how you feel about me
I sip lean pure codeine
And I don't give a damn what you say about me
While yall sell ounces
Nigga I blow pounds
Pussy ass fuck nigga
Get tha fuck from round
Gucci class clown
Nigga you can laugh now
Neva back down east a-town
Boulder crest my stompin ground
I make sun valley proud
Me and throwback what it do blood
We showin hood love
Nigga we some hood thugs
I'm hot I'm cold hood I'm street
So iced out check my new piece
Heart shaped diamonds baby heart aint sweet
Gucci frames on so I can't see
Gucci mvp, I bring dat heat
In my all white dump
Wit tha all chrome seats
Yeeeeaaa I'm on fire
Catch me in da hood
Drag racin for tires
Chorus 2x
I smoke kush and I pop bean
And I don't give a damn how you feel about me
I sip lean pure codeine
And I don't give a damn what you say about me
The song "I Smoke Kush" by Gucci Mane is a representation of his affinity towards drugs which he openly talks about throughout the lyrics. The chorus itself, "I smoke kush and I pop bean And I don't give a damn how you feel about me I sip lean pure codeine And I don't give a damn what you say about me" represents his rebellious mindset towards society's disapproval of his lifestyle.
Gucci Mane talks about his addiction to drugs and how he feels unstoppable when he is high. He mentions how he bought an entire pound of kush and smoked it all up alone. He talks about how he sips on lean which is pure codeine, a powerful opioid drug that is highly addictive. His lyrics showcase how he chases the high from the drugs and doesn't care what people say or feel about it.
He also mentions how his wealth and lavish lifestyle is a result of his drug dealing business. He talks about his shiny chains and flashy car and how he attracts women with his wealth. Overall, the song is a representation of Gucci Mane's addiction, while also boasting about his wealth and street credibility.
Line by Line Meaning
Chorus 2x
I smoke kush and I pop bean
And I don't give a damn how you feel about me
I sip lean pure codeine
And I don't give a damn what you say about me
I'm so iced up feel me up
I am adorned with so much jewelry, it can be overwhelming
I'm so kushed up dog I'm stuck
I'm so high from smoking kush that I can't move
Sumbody help me I can't get up
I need assistance getting up due to being too stoned
I bought a whole pound
And I smoked da shit up
I purchased a pound of kush and smoked it all
No more purp lets restore
Call da cush man tell him bring much more
We ask anotha 2 litter
We gon do four
We've run out of purple kush, let's get some more from the dealer and get even more than last time
I'm so drowzy I might snore
Chain so bright that you got a eye sore
I'm becoming very sleepy and may even fall asleep soon. My jewelry is so bright it may hurt your eyes
If yu aint wanna fuck what yu spend the night for
Pulled all da ho's
Dats what I got da ice for
If you didn't want to have sex with me, then why did you spend the night? I use my jewelry to attract women
To win all da money
Is what I shot da dice for
I play dice games in order to win money
Leaned to myself
Damn I'm high
I rolled anotha swisha
I'm lookin for some fire
I am reflecting on how high I am and proceed to roll another joint. I'm also looking for more kush
I'm dui we so drunk
Yo girl manned up
Wen she seen my trunk
I am getting a DUI due to being intoxicated. Your girlfriend took on a more masculine demeanor when she saw my car trunk filled with money
Pussy nigga it's gucci
Don't worry about it, I'm in charge here
While yall sell ounces
Nigga I blow pounds
While others sell smaller amounts of kush, I purchase and smoke larger quantities
Pussy ass fuck nigga
Get tha fuck from round
Gucci class clown
Nigga you can laugh now
Neva back down east a-town
Boulder crest my stompin ground
I take offense to someone trying to challenge me. I have a reputation for being the class clown but I will not back down in my hometown of East Atlanta and Bouldercrest
I make sun valley proud
Me and throwback what it do blood
We showin hood love
Nigga we some hood thugs
I am proud to represent my community in Sun Valley. My friend Throwback and I are showing support for our neighborhood and demonstrating that we are tough guys from the hood
I'm hot I'm cold hood I'm street
So iced out check my new piece
I can be both friendly and ruthless. My new jewelry is incredibly expensive and extravagant
Heart shaped diamonds baby heart aint sweet
Gucci frames on so I can't see
My heart-shaped diamond is not a representation of my sweet nature. I wear Gucci frames that are so dark, I can't see very well
Gucci mvp, I bring dat heat
In my all white dump
Wit tha all chrome seats
I am a valuable player in my community and bring the intensity. I drive an all-white car with chrome seats
Yeeeeaaa I'm on fire
Catch me in da hood
Drag racin for tires
I am feeling very confident and unstoppable. You can find me in the hood racing cars
Contributed by Camilla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mike lopez
1 of Guccis best top 10 jams ! Still banging in 2022!!!
Rell Kush
I know everyone remember when this drop lol memories come back instantly 💯💯💯
C. Williams
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaa
Antario Pittman
Man I miss this Gucci mane 😢😢😢
Peyton Harmon
What happened to him?
Yeezus 2.0
@Peyton Harmon nothing
Yahawashi Yahawadah
💯 idk who that new Gucci’s is
Iman Rich The Swag Lord
2022 Still Slappin 🔥🔥🔥🔥💨💨💨💨
DimpSinatra
This song was my life
ckshotyou
2022 still hittin.