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.”
Long Money
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ugly hoes don't get the time of day
Chiefing on sativa
Smell the reefer from a mile away
Pistol in my coupe
Try my troops
You'll get blown away
Gucci Mane got long money
Gucci mane got long money
That's what them bitches say
Gucci mane got long money
That's what them bitches say
Gucci mane got long money
That's what them bitches say
I ain't even gotta talk
My money conversate
We been stunting
Got a money tree
I drown the bitch with money
Ferrari with
Them bumble-bee
Forgiato sitting up under it
("How many carats in that bracelet baby?")
I think about 200
Plus I hit the club with 50k
Let's keep this shit 100
Got a couple houses
Ghetto spouses
In my penthouse
Smoking ounces
Came up selling ki's and ounces
Half a pound
White, Gold, and Brown
My pants sag
Grams wear 'em down
These cats are trying to go downtown
Just to walk around and window shop
I shut them all down every time
Every time that I hit the scene
Fresher than I wanna be
Cover of the magazine
Back of the limousine
Stacks in my denim jeans
Hoes gone remember me
458 Ship to me from Italy
612 Sitting outside the facilities
911 Gucci ice game killing me
Came a long way from drug dealing
Waking up rich is a great feeling
Couple million stashed for my grandchildren
Just hand counted me a coupe half million
Up on 'em
Pull up on 'em
Like a bird drop low
And shit on 'em
Piss on 'em
Spit on 'em
Tell them haters Gucci got rich on 'em
It's Gucci!
Jacuzzi on the roof
Ugly hoes don't get the time of day
Chiefing on sativa
Smell the reefer from a mile away
Pistol in my coupe
Try my troops
You'll get blown away
Gucci Mane got long money
Bitch that's all I got to say
Gucci mane got long money
That's what them bitches say
Gucci mane got long money
That's what them bitches say
Gucci mane got long money
That's what them bitches say
I ain't even gotta talk
My money conversate
Every city
I make magic
I make money disappear
Cause they attracted me
How clear these diamonds
Blinging in my ear
So many wanna marry me
I'm married to the game
Cocaine put me in position
Swagger brought me all the fame
I need accountants to help me count it
Rolls-Royce I mount it
Corvette painted candy
Drop the top
And bitches crowd it
Houses in Zone 6
All my niggas hustlers
And robbers
Don't fuck with us
You'd be better off
Fucking off with Angel Dust
I'm racked up
Like a pool table
Stay draped up
And Purple Label
Drank purple drank
Smoke purple weed
Got a purple car
And long paper
Every day thank the Lord that I wake
Every day living like my last day
Shine so bright rock stupid ice
More carats in my chain than a carrot cake
Money short
He running out
I'm bussin' out
Can't close the vault
Ain't my fault
It's yo fault
Nobody stays here
This my money's house
Stash house
Stocked up
Try to fuck shit
Get chopped up
I'm rocked up
Stay blocked up
I ain't locked up
But I'm guaped up
It's Gucci!
Jacuzzi on the roof
Ugly hoes don't get the time of day
Chiefing on sativa
Smell the reefer from a mile away
Pistol in my coupe
Try my troops
You'll get blown away
Gucci Mane got long money
Bitch that's all I got to say
Gucci mane got long money
That's what them bitches say
Gucci mane got long money
That's what them bitches say
Gucci mane got long money
That's what them bitches say
I ain't even gotta talk
My money conversate
In "Long Money" by Gucci Mane, the rapper brags about his wealth and success in the music industry. He talks about his luxurious lifestyle, including his penthouse with a jacuzzi on the roof, expensive cars like a Ferrari, and designer clothes. He also mentions the amount of money he carries, carrying 50k to the club and hand-counting half a million.
Gucci Mane's lyrics in this song draw attention to the idea that money is how he communicates. It is how he talks, how he stuns and catches people's attention, and how he ultimately achieves success. Gucci is no longer just a drug dealer but has now moved up in the world, and he is enjoying the fruits of his labor.
In addition to these themes, the song also mentions drugs, with Gucci smoking sativa and talking about his past life selling drugs. He talks about the hustle and grind that got him to the top, and how he is now living the life he always dreamed of. In "Long Money," Gucci Mane focuses on his wealth, success, and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Jacuzzi on the roof
I'm living the high life and even have a Jacuzzi on the roof of my luxurious home
Ugly hoes don't get the time of day
I only pay attention to attractive women and ignore those who don't meet my standards
Chiefing on sativa
I smoke a lot of high-quality marijuana, specifically the Sativa strain
Smell the reefer from a mile away
My marijuana use is so frequent that people can smell it from a long distance
Pistol in my coupe, Try my troops, You'll get blown away
I keep a gun in my car, and if anyone messes with me or my people, they'll face violent consequences
Gucci Mane got long money, Bitch that's all I got to say
I'm incredibly wealthy, and there's not much more to say about it
Gucci mane got long money, That's what them bitches say
Women are attracted to me because of my wealth and financial success
I ain't even gotta talk, My money conversate
I don't need to brag about my wealth because my money speaks for itself
Every city I make magic, I make money disappear, Cause they attracted me
I'm able to make a lot of money wherever I go, but it often disappears mysteriously because people are drawn to my wealth
How clear these diamonds, Blinging in my ear
I wear expensive diamond jewelry that sparkles and shines
So many wanna marry me, I'm married to the game
People are attracted to me because of my success and wealth, but I'm completely committed to my career
Cocaine put me in position, Swagger brought me all the fame
My involvement in the drug trade helped me achieve the financial success that gave me the confidence and swagger that made me famous
Houses in Zone 6, All my niggas hustlers, And robbers
I own expensive homes in a specific area, and all of my friends and associates are involved in illegal activities like drug dealing and robbery
Don't fuck with us, You'd be better off Fucking off with Angel Dust
You shouldn't mess with me or my people because the consequences will be severe. You'd be better off using the drug Angel Dust than crossing us
Money short, He running out, I'm bussin' out
Other people may be struggling financially, but I'm making more money than ever before
Can't close the vault, Ain't my fault, It's yo fault
I have too much money to fit in the safe, and it's not my problem that others can't keep up
Nobody stays here, This my money's house, Stash house
I have so much money that I need a house just to store it in, and nobody else is allowed to stay there
Stocked up, Try to fuck shit, Get chopped up
I'm heavily armed and dangerous, and anyone who tries to cause trouble will face violent consequences
I ain't locked up, But I'm guaped up, It's Gucci!
I'm not in prison, but I'm incredibly wealthy and successful, and people know me as Gucci Mane
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Radric Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ricanboy_787pr5
The nostalgia runs very deep with this Gucci track. Living legend. Let's all give this man his 💐
@NorthFaceShortie
I've always liked this song but today for some reason I realized how hard he REALLY snapped
@billydeeman1718
Q I we
Nm u. whsqbqqqqdddd😮dddkd😅d😮d😮dddddddddddd
@billydeeman1718
Dxxxxxxxxxddxxxxxxxxxxddddddddxx
@tkeyahcruel5966
Still rocking this mannn the Gucci mane era was lit 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@Macluver66
Check out pooh shiesty
@jonathanwilliams1982
He shoulda played this for the versus battle
@anthonyhenry5506
he should of g 👊🏾
@jesuszues3820
This, bite me, block party, rooftop he coulda played soooo many songs i wanted on there smh
@DaxWorldwidexLegacy
lmfaaooo on jesus