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.”
Killed The Parking Lot
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
DJ Holiday, Commission god, mixtape king, whatever you want to call me nigga
Just don't call me broke, I made a million off verbs and nouns nigga you know that
Y'all know what the fuck this nigga gon' do when he gets back
All red Bentley with the shoes, what you lil' boys got to prove
Jimmy Choo belt, bag, and boots, and my glasses Jimmy too
Y'all young boys y'all better move, Gucci Mane got shooters too
Smokin' like Snoop Lion, I'm not lyin', man we fuck with Snoop
Higher than a giant, I'm not lyin', Pee Wee past the booth
I treat this dough like food, I hula-hoop producer cut the soup
I got mad at the world so I said fuck the world and fuck the room
I cross the country, jump across and cross you over alley-oop
A private plane with Gucci Mane, these hoes high as the altitude
RIP to Eazy-E cause them boys was my favorite crew
RIP to Pimp C, cause UGK still my favorite group
Hi my name is Gucci, AKA its Big Guwop
I'm a heavy drinker, yeah I drink codeine a lot
I'm a heavy smoker, yeah I pile green a lot
Yeah I like to gamble, I be out in Liv a lot
I just wanna ball, I be in the mall a lot
I just wanna stunt, I just killed the parking lot
Ball, ball, ball, I just wanna stunt a lot
I just kept the mall, I shut down the parking lot
Mack a hoe and turn her out, work her from the parking lot
Give her all she ever need, D.I.C around the clock
Never let her tell me no, keep her on that main track
Baby got that bang bang, My nigga Gucci Mane back
Makin' money, talkin' shit, is all a nigga wanna do
Plenty bitches in the club, waitin' to see what I'ma do
Roll it up, and pour it out, drink that shit until it fall
Don't matter, smoke shatter, blowin' money at the mall
Cake batter, hundred stacks
We just making flapjacks
If we blow it all, don't matter my nigga
We gon' make that shit right back
Floatin' like a submarine
Flying like a G6
Gucci called the Lion, cause he know I keep that G-shit
Hi my name is Gucci, AKA its Big Guwop
I'm a heavy drinker, yeah I drink codeine a lot
I'm a heavy smoker, yeah I pile green a lot
Yeah I like to gamble, I be out in Liv a lot
I just wanna ball, I be in the mall a lot
I just wanna stunt, I just killed the parking lot
Ball, ball, ball, I just wanna stunt a lot
I just kept the mall, I shut down the parking lot
Thank y'all for comin' out, god bless
Good night, DJ Holiday Guwap
I know you missed this shit
I appreciate each and everyone of y'all for rockin' with the team, nigga
We gone live forever, Zone 6 forever nigga, East Atlanta forever
My nigga Guwop is a god nigga, and I'm a king
We kill 'em
The song "Parking Lot" by Gucci Mane feat. Snoop Dogg is a rap song that discusses the luxurious lifestyle of rappers who are able to stunt and show off their wealth. Gucci starts the song off by establishing his identity as a successful and rich rap artist who has made a lot of money through his profession. He raps about his expensive car, designer clothes and accessories, and his diamond jewelry. He also asserts his dominance in the rap game by stating that he has shooters and that his diamonds are of the highest quality.
The second verse is about Gucci’s vices such as drinking codeine, smoking weed, and his love for gambling. He then talks about his frequent visits to the mall and how he has shut down the parking lots with his extravagance. The third verse is Snoop Dogg's verse where he talks about similar things; money, shattering, luxury, and flying. The song ends with Gucci Mane thanking his fans and promising that he and his crew will continue to be successful for a long time.
Line by Line Meaning
You know the voice, you know the name nigga
I am DJ Holiday, Commission god, mixtape king. Everyone knows me.
Just don't call me broke, I made a million off verbs and nouns nigga you know that
I made a million dollars through my skills and talents as a DJ. I am not broke.
Y'all know what the fuck this nigga gon' do when he gets back
Everyone knows what Gucci Mane is capable of when he returns.
All red Bentley with the shoes, what you lil' boys got to prove
I drive an all red Bentley with expensive shoes. What do these young boys have to prove?
Jimmy Choo belt, bag, and boots, and my glasses Jimmy too
I wear expensive Jimmy Choo accessories, including boots and glasses.
Y'all young boys y'all better move, Gucci Mane got shooters too
These young boys better watch out, because Gucci Mane has his own team of shooters.
Crazy how my diamonds do, and I'm sittin' on 22's
My diamonds are incredibly flashy, and I am riding on 22-inch wheels.
Smokin' like Snoop Lion, I'm not lyin', man we fuck with Snoop
I smoke heavily like Snoop Dogg and we are friends.
Higher than a giant, I'm not lyin', Pee Wee past the booth
I am very high, with Pee Wee by my side.
I treat this dough like food, I hula-hoop producer cut the soup
I handle my money well, like it's food. The producer keeps it all well-organized.
I got mad at the world so I said fuck the world and fuck the room
I was so angry at the world that I didn't care about anyone or anything else around me.
I cross the country, jump across and cross you over alley-oop
I travel across the country and even in your space like a basketball alley-oop move.
A private plane with Gucci Mane, these hoes high as the altitude
I am flying on a private plane with Gucci Mane, and the women with us are as high as the altitude.
RIP to Eazy-E cause them boys was my favorite crew
Rest in peace Eazy-E, because N.W.A. was my favorite music group.
RIP to Pimp C, cause UGK still my favorite group
Rest in peace Pimp C, because UGK is still my favorite music group.
Hi my name is Gucci, AKA its Big Guwop
My name is Gucci Mane, but I also go by Big Guwop.
I'm a heavy drinker, yeah I drink codeine a lot
I drink a lot of codeine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug.
I'm a heavy smoker, yeah I pile green a lot
I smoke a lot of marijuana, or 'green.'
Yeah I like to gamble, I be out in Liv a lot
I enjoy gambling and spending time at the nightclub 'Liv.'
I just wanna ball, I be in the mall a lot
I enjoy spending my money and living luxuriously, often at the mall.
I just wanna stunt, I just killed the parking lot
I want to show off my wealth and success, and I am doing so by taking up the entire parking lot.
Ball, ball, ball, I just wanna stunt a lot
I want to live a luxurious lifestyle and show off my wealth.
I just kept the mall, I shut down the parking lot
I have spent so much money at the mall that I effectively shut down the parking lot.
Mack a hoe and turn her out, work her from the parking lot
I will seduce and manipulate women, starting from the parking lot.
Give her all she ever need, D.I.C around the clock
I will provide her with everything she needs, and my team will be there to support her, 24/7.
Never let her tell me no, keep her on that main track
I will never let her deny me anything and keep her under my control.
Baby got that bang bang, My nigga Gucci Mane back
This woman is sexually experienced, and I am back with my friend Gucci Mane.
Makin' money, talkin' shit, is all a nigga wanna do
I want to make money and talk trash, and that is my only concern.
Plenty bitches in the club, waitin' to see what I'ma do
There are many women in the club waiting to see how I will act.
Roll it up, and pour it out, drink that shit until it fall
I will smoke and drink until I can no longer do so.
Don't matter, smoke shatter, blowin' money at the mall
It doesn't matter what I do; I will continue to spend my money recklessly, even smoking shatter.
Cake batter, hundred stacks
I have a lot of money, represented by stacks of cash.
We just making flapjacks
We are using our money to make even more money.
If we blow it all, don't matter my nigga
It doesn't matter if we spend all of our money; we will make more.
We gon' make that shit right back
We will always make more money no matter how much we spend.
Floatin' like a submarine
I am feeling very high, as if I am floating on water like a submarine.
Flying like a G6
I am feeling very high, as if I am flying like a G6 aircraft.
Gucci called the Lion, cause he know I keep that G-shit
Gucci Mane calls me the Lion because I am skilled and able to keep my cool in difficult situations.
Thank y'all for comin' out, god bless
Thank you for attending this event, may God bless you all.
Good night, DJ Holiday Guwap
Goodnight, from DJ Holiday Guwap.
I know you missed this shit
I know you have missed me and my music.
I appreciate each and everyone of y'all for rockin' with the team, nigga
I appreciate everyone who supports me and my team.
We gone live forever, Zone 6 forever nigga, East Atlanta forever
Our music and legacy will live on forever; we are from Zone 6 and East Atlanta.
My nigga Guwop is a god nigga, and I'm a king
Gucci Mane is a highly-skilled and respected musician, and I am a king in my own right.
We kill 'em
We dominate and excel in the music industry.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes
Written by: Radric Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind