Radric Davis (born February 12, 1980 in Birmingham, Alabama), better known … Read Full Bio ↴Radric Davis (born February 12, 1980 in Birmingham, Alabama), better known by his stage name Gucci Mane, is an American rapper and CEO of 1017 Brick Squad Records. In 2005 he released his independent debut album, Trap House, which featured the successful single "Icy" that he recorded with Young Jeezy. He has since released a further three albums including 2006's Hard To Kill, 2007's Trap-A-Thon and 2007's Back To The Trap House. His sixth studio album, The State vs Radric Davis, was released in December 2009, just weeks after he was sent back to prison for 12 months for violating his probation. He was released in May 2010 and will now release his seventh studio album, The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted, sometime at the end of 2010.

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.”

My Shadow
Gucci Mane Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Fifty thousand dollars all in the air and shit. HAHA. Brick Squad, dope boi, and the money man..GUCCI!

1st Verse:

I'm a so Icey veteran so you cant say beginners luck. All my boys toute choppaz so your best bet robbin' armored trucks. Georgia boys dont give a fuck we'll jack you then we'll tie you up. 50% chance that we'll trick you if you shop with us. Boulder crest so dirty dirty, zone six boys toute thirty thirties. Glock 9 under falcon jerseys make you need some plastic surge. Bandana under my eye, hat so low cant see my face, and if you got them cake to bake then gucc might do a home invasion. Hi my name is Gucci Gucci meet my homeboy mackie slug. Sawed off AR pulled out shorty you know I got extra slugs. Black T still on when I mob, black lugz still on when I walk. Black pistol 23 my nigga he'll think thats my second job.

CHORUS:
I walk around the city like, it dont matter. The earth my turf nobody tries me cuz they know better. So save the chit chatta I'm too deep you boys shallow. I rhyme for D.P and for 7I, and plus my shadow. Shadow. My shadow, hold me down for whateva. Even if I tried my best I couldnt run from my shadow. So no matter, how wealthy that I get hes not jealous. So when I have no one to talk to, I talk to my shadow!

Second Verse:

Yea im thorough, under my polo, im out on promo. Got these tear drops, under my izzeye, dont make it one more. And I had kilos, one for like 2-0, that was 0-4. I had drizzo, you bad da smizzo, but keep it low tho. Dont tell the po-po, im friend with fizzo, cuz thats a no-no. Smokin guido, me and my vatos, but youz a bozo. Im passin low yo, down to La Plizzo, this shit like Wayco. I got candy paint on my '74, your shit from maaco. And off the tizzop, connect the dizzots, im building legos. Ran the tizan jus like them waffles, I call them eggos. I got hundreds, all in my pocket, a stupid bank roll. If ya try me, coroner gon wrap you, up like an egg roll.

CHORUS

Third Verse:

Bricks, all white bricks. Corner-boy I prolly sold more rocks than a rock pit. Tryin to fill my shoes is like an armless man with chops sticks. Got a dark brown soft top bentley chocolate. Im so mach 6, homeboy you so not shit. Playin free cant come touch me cuz you're not it. Im on fire steaming hot, I can boil grits. Jet-Li with the shoes, Gucci rockin new kicks. ATLiens babygirl lets have a moon day. Got 8 bedrooms im dying for a roommate. I was home schooled, I didnt have a schoolmate. Psych! I went to trap school 60K in 12th grade. Im a millionaire but self made wealth craze. Like a junkie cravin bricks so Im in kitchens all day. Im a millionaire but self made wealth craze. Like a junkie cravin bricks so Im in kitchens all day. SKRRRR!

CHORUS

Overall Meaning

In Gucci Mane's song My Shadow, the rapper talks about his fame and wealth, as well as his reputation for being a tough guy from Georgia. He boasts about his guns and his ability to defend himself and his property, warning others not to mess with him. He claims that even though he has a lot of money, his shadow is not jealous, and it serves as a constant reminder of where he came from.

In the first verse, Gucci starts by saying that he's not just lucky, but he's earned his success as part of the Icey Squad. He describes his friends as all carrying guns, so robbing them would not be a good idea. He talks about his neighborhood, Boulder Crest, and how he and his friends are always armed with guns. He boasts about his black pistol, which his friend might mistake for a second job. In the chorus, he talks about how he walks around his city without fear, knowing that his shadow has his back, even when he has no one to talk to.

In the second verse, Gucci talks about the drugs he used to sell and how he used to live his life. He brags about his expensive car and the money he has earned. He claims that he is untouchable and that he can defend himself against anyone who tries to mess with him. He talks about how he spends his days in the kitchen, cooking up drugs like a junkie, and how he is a millionaire, but self-made, not a trust fund baby.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm a so Icey veteran so you cant say beginners luck.
I am experienced in the So Icey lifestyle and cannot be attributed to beginner's luck.

All my boys toute choppaz so your best bet robbin' armored trucks.
All my associates possess firearms, making robbing armored trucks a risky endeavor.

Georgia boys dont give a fuck we'll jack you then we'll tie you up.
As individuals from Georgia, we are ruthless and will rob you before securing you as a hostage.

50% chance that we'll trick you if you shop with us.
It is a coin toss as to whether we will deceive you during a transaction.

Boulder crest so dirty dirty, zone six boys toute thirty thirties.
Individuals from Boulder Crest and Zone Six are armed with .38 caliber revolvers.

Glock 9 under falcon jerseys make you need some plastic surge.
We hide our Glock 9mm pistols under Falcons jerseys and will use it violently enough to require plastic surgery.

Bandana under my eye, hat so low cant see my face, and if you got them cake to bake then gucc might do a home invasion.
I conceal my face with a bandana and low hat and may commit home invasion if you have wealth to steal.

Hi my name is Gucci Gucci meet my homeboy mackie slug.
My name is Gucci Gucci, and I introduce you to my friend Mackie Slug.

Sawed off AR pulled out shorty you know I got extra slugs.
I possess a sawed-off AR-15 and carry extra shells.

Black T still on when I mob, black lugz still on when I walk.
I wear black T-shirts and Lugz boots on all occasions.

Black pistol 23 my nigga he'll think thats my second job.
I carry a black pistol, which my friend assumes I use professionally.

I walk around the city like, it dont matter.
I stroll through the city confidently and without fear.

The earth my turf nobody tries me cuz they know better.
As the territory is mine, people know better than to challenge me.

So save the chit chatta I'm too deep you boys shallow.
I am too immersed in my lifestyle to participate in meaningless conversation with those less involved.

I rhyme for D.P and for 7I, and plus my shadow.
I create music for D.P, 7I, and even for my shadow, representing my inner self.

My shadow, hold me down for whateva.
My shadow is a constant support and presence for me, no matter what happens.

I'm too deep you boys shallow.
I am deeply involved in my lifestyle while others are not, making them shallow in comparison.

Even if I tried my best I couldnt run from my shadow.
No matter how hard I try, my inner self or shadow will always be with me.

So no matter, how wealthy that I get hes not jealous.
Regardless of how wealthy I become, my shadow will not be jealous of me.

So when I have no one to talk to, I talk to my shadow!
If I have no one else present, I will engage in self-talk as if conversing with my shadow.

Yea im thorough, under my polo, im out on promo.
I am thorough and professional even during promotional events and wear a Polo shirt to match the occasion.

Got these tear drops, under my izzeye, dont make it one more.
I have one teardrop tattoo under my eye and will not add any more.

And I had kilos, one for like 2-0, that was 0-4.
I possessed a large quantity of cocaine, one of which weighed 20 kilos and was acquired in 2004.

I had drizzo, you bad da smizzo, but keep it low tho.
I had a cup of lean, and I know you have some too, but let's keep our drug use hidden.

Dont tell the po-po, im friend with fizzo, cuz thats a no-no.
Do not report my associations with Mr.Fizzo to law enforcement as it is a prohibition.

Smokin guido, me and my vatos, but youz a bozo.
I am smoking weed with my comrades but believe you are foolish to not join.

Im passin low yo, down to La Plizzo, this shit like Wayco.
I am keeping my profile low and heading toward La Plizzo, the drug trade is similar to the Wayco area.

I got candy paint on my '74, your shit from maaco.
My 1974 car has colorful glossy paint while yours was cheaply painted at Maaco.

And off the tizzop, connect the dizzots, im building legos.
After drinking lean, I connect random things, such as Legos, for entertainment.

Ran the tizan jus like them waffles, I call them eggos.
I sipped lean like I eat waffles, and my mates called them eggos.

I got hundreds, all in my pocket, a stupid bank roll.
I carry a large sum of cash in my pocket, making it a reckless decision.

If ya try me, coroner gon wrap you, up like an egg roll.
If you test me, you will be severely beaten and dragged in a similar way to the wrapping of an egg roll.

Corner-boy I prolly sold more rocks than a rock pit.
I have likely sold more drugs than even a drug dealer's supply source.

Tryin to fill my shoes is like an armless man with chops sticks.
Attempting to match my accomplishments is as futile as an armless individual attempting to use chopsticks.

Got a dark brown soft top bentley chocolate.
I own a brown soft-top Bentley, which resembles chocolate color.

Im so mach 6, homeboy you so not shit.
I am incredibly fast and successful, while you are nothing in comparison.

Playin free cant come touch me cuz you're not it.
You are not important enough to challenge me or my lifestyle.

Im on fire steaming hot, I can boil grits.
I am on an incredible winning streak and can even cook grits on my own heat.

Jet-Li with the shoes, Gucci rockin new kicks.
I am as fast as Jet-Li and wear fashionable new shoes from the brand Gucci.

ATLiens babygirl lets have a moon day.
Being from Atlanta, I suggest a date where we observe the moon, baby girl.

Got 8 bedrooms im dying for a roommate.
I have 8 empty bedrooms, and I am eagerly searching for a roommate to fill them.

I was home schooled, I didnt have a schoolmate.
I received education at home and had no peers or classmates.

Psych! I went to trap school 60K in 12th grade.
But kidding aside, I went to trap school and earned $60,000 in my final year.

Im a millionaire but self made wealth craze.
I achieved millionaire status through my own hard work and motivation for wealth.

Like a junkie cravin bricks so Im in kitchens all day.
I constantly crave the acquisition of wealth, so I spend all day in the kitchen producing drugs.

Bricks, all white bricks.
I produce drugs, specifically cocaine, in solid white brick form.

Jet-Li with the shoes, Gucci rockin new kicks.
I am incredibly fast and wear fashionable new shoes from the brand Gucci.