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.”
Opposite
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Earring same size as cantaloupes
They glow with my homeboy and low
Goddamn, little shorty got a camel toe
Hands on like a iPhone or a laptop or a iPad
So I make money like a ballplayer
So my pockets look like thigh pads
I'm the man, got the car with the trunk in the rear
Smoke a blunt, pop a pill
Snort a line, who cares
Get the popcorn out, it's a movie
Sir Mix-a-Lot, serve bricks a lot
Got a big old watch on my time clock
Push the button and my top drop
And I ain't even have to go to no chop shop
[Chorus]
You niggas think the same, I think the opposite
Put my trunk in the front, that's the opposite
All red guts, but the paint is chocolate
Steering wheel on the side, that's the opposite
Gucci Mane, Southside, thinking opposite
Love stacking cabbage, but I'm smoking broccoli
You gonna pay her, eat the box, I'm the opposite
I'mma break her, cut her off, that's the opposite
Money don't make me, I make money
You niggas funny, I'm too real
Smoke big stank, got big bank
I'm heart-stopping, I'm hard to kill
Make a hundred million, God willing
Leave a hundred million to my little children
Got no ceiling and no feelings
I'm the truth, nigga, that's what it is
Got two million on my ice bill
Rolling cause I'm on two pills
I'm throwing money like a windmill
I'm so cold, lowering the wind chill
In a Maserati on Candler Road
Me and Mojo, and I'm blowing dro
Is you filthy rich? I might be
Is you best at it? I think so
[Chorus]
I was locked up, no sunshine
Now I'm out and I'm balling too hard
Got two scrubs, no b-girl
My jewelry game is retard
Like a six-shot, I'm fully loaded
At Magic City, I'm getting loaded
Smoked so many blunts with your girlfriend
I thought that her head exploded
It's ooh-wop in that new drop
Got four o's in my soda pop
I'm so faded, I'm so wasted
I thought that I had dreadlocks
Make money at a fast pace
Don't come out here cause it ain't safe
Roll orange and I drink grape
I can't feel my damn face
It's Gucci!
[Chorus]
In the song "Opposite" by Gucci Mane, he speaks of his lavish lifestyle, detailing his car, his jewelry, and his drug use. He opens the song with the line "Way sick, no antidote" which could be interpreted as a reference to his wealth being so intoxicating that there is no cure or antidote. He continues on to speak about the size of his jewelry, one earring being the same size as a cantaloupe, and the glow reflecting off his friend's jewelry. In the chorus, Gucci Mane repeats the phrase "I think the opposite" suggesting that his way of living and thinking is not like anyone else's. He talks about having his trunk in the front of his car, his steering wheel on the opposite side and smoking broccoli instead of stacking cabbage. The song ends with Gucci talking about his fast-paced lifestyle of making money and doing drugs, and how he can't feel his face.
Line by Line Meaning
Way sick, no antidote
I am extremely sick and there is no cure for my level of fame and power.
Earring same size as cantaloupes
I have large and flashy earrings that are meant to show my wealth and extravagance.
They glow with my homeboy and low
My earrings are glowing and shining, even in low light environments, which shows how much money I've spent on them.
Goddamn, little shorty got a camel toe
I am commenting on the appearance of a woman's genital area in a vulgar and disrespectful way.
Hands on like a iPhone or a laptop or a iPad
I am always working hard and making money, just like someone who is constantly using their hands to operate technology devices.
So I make money like a ballplayer
I am constantly making a lot of money, just like a successful athlete.
So my pockets look like thigh pads
My pockets are bulging with money and are so full, they resemble the pads worn by football players to protect their thighs.
I'm the man, got the car with the trunk in the rear
I have a lot of power and influence, and I drive a car that is designed to show off my wealth and status.
Five mil a year, that's Gucci
I earn five million dollars annually and that's just the kind of lifestyle I lead.
Smoke a blunt, pop a pill
I indulge in drugs and substances that are harmful to my health without much regard for the consequences.
Snort a line, who cares
I don't care about the risks of snorting drugs and I engage in this behavior without much thought.
Get the popcorn out, it's a movie
My life is like a movie because it's so exciting and filled with drama and action.
Sir Mix-a-Lot, serve bricks a lot
I am like Sir Mix-a-Lot, a famous music artist, but instead of making music, I sell drugs and make a lot of money doing it.
Got a big old watch on my time clock
I have a flashy and expensive watch that shows off my wealth and success.
Push the button and my top drop
I drive a luxurious and expensive car that has an automatic top that can be lowered with the press of a button.
And I ain't even have to go to no chop shop
I didn't need to engage in any illegal behavior or steal to acquire my wealth and success.
You niggas think the same, I think the opposite
Most people think and act similarly, but I pride myself on being different and standing out from the crowd.
Put my trunk in the front, that's the opposite
I have a unique and unconventional car that turns heads because the trunk is located in the front instead of the back.
All red guts, but the paint is chocolate
My car has red interior upholstery, but the exterior paint is a dark chocolate color - a contrast that makes it stand out and look unique.
Steering wheel on the side, that's the opposite
My car's steering wheel is located on the opposite side from where it is usually placed in most cars.
Gucci Mane, Southside, thinking opposite
Despite growing up in the Southside area, where most people think and act the same way, I have a unique perspective and pride myself on being different.
Love stacking cabbage, but I'm smoking broccoli
I enjoy making money and am great at it, but I indulge in smoking marijuana and other substances, which is not a smart financial decision.
You gonna pay her, eat the box, I'm the opposite
Most men would be willing to pay for sexual favors, but I prefer the opposite - I would rather be the one receiving pleasure without paying for it.
I'mma break her, cut her off, that's the opposite
Instead of paying for sex or being in a relationship, I prefer to engage in casual sex and then abruptly end things with the person, which is the opposite of what is expected in a romantic relationship.
Money don't make me, I make money
I am self-made and do not rely on money to feel successful or fulfilled.
You niggas funny, I'm too real
I am authentic and honest, while most people pretend to be something they're not.
Smoke big stank, got big bank
I smoke high-quality marijuana, but I also have a lot of money in the bank.
I'm heart-stopping, I'm hard to kill
I am fearless and strong, and it's difficult to harm me or bring me down.
Make a hundred million, God willing
I plan to make one hundred million dollars, and hope that God is on my side in this quest.
Leave a hundred million to my little children
I plan to leave a large inheritance for my kids so that they too can benefit from my success.
Got no ceiling and no feelings
I am limitless and nothing can stop me from achieving my goals, even if it means not having emotions or empathy along the way.
I'm the truth, nigga, that's what it is
I am the real deal, and there can be no denying that.
Got two million on my ice bill
I have spent two million dollars on expensive and flashy jewelry.
Rolling cause I'm on two pills
I am driving and under the influence of two drugs or medicines that have been prescribed or taken without permission.
I'm throwing money like a windmill
I am spending money carelessly and recklessly without much regard for the future or the consequences.
I'm so cold, lowering the wind chill
My demeanor and personality are icy and distant, causing those around me to feel cold or uneasy in my presence.
In a Maserati on Candler Road
I am driving a luxury car on a famous and wealthy street known for its status and glamour.
Me and Mojo, and I'm blowing dro
I am smoking high-quality marijuana with my friend named Mojo.
Is you filthy rich? I might be
I am extremely wealthy and successful, and I may be even richer than most people think.
Is you best at it? I think so
I am the best at what I do, and that's something that I believe wholeheartedly.
I was locked up, no sunshine
I was in prison and there was no hope or light in my life during that time period.
Now I'm out and I'm balling too hard
Now that I'm out of prison, I am living a lavish and extravagant lifestyle.
Got two scrubs, no b-girl
I have two women that I am romantically involved with, but neither of them is a high-class or sophisticated woman.
My jewelry game is retard
My collection of jewelry is excessive and over the top, even to the point of being considered mentally challenged.
Like a six-shot, I'm fully loaded
I am fully armed and prepared for any situation, just like a gun with six bullets in it.
At Magic City, I'm getting loaded
I am at a famous strip club that is known for parties and wild behavior, and I am indulging in drugs and alcohol.
Smoked so many blunts with your girlfriend
I have smoked so much marijuana with your girlfriend that it's almost as if her head exploded.
I thought that her head exploded
This line is likely figurative and simply meant to imply that I've smoked so much weed with someone's girlfriend that it feels like she's lost her mind or blown a fuse.
It's ooh-wop in that new drop
I am cruising around in a brand new and flashy convertible car that is making people say 'ooh-wop!'
Got four o's in my soda pop
This line is likely just a brag about how rich and extravagant I am - I can afford to put four 'o's in my soda pop just because I feel like it.
I'm so faded, I'm so wasted
I am heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol and it's affecting my mind and behavior.
I thought that I had dreadlocks
This line is likely a reference to my altered state of mind - I may have mistakenly thought that my hair had turned into dreadlocks when it really had not.
Make money at a fast pace
I am making a lot of money quickly and at an impressive rate.
Don't come out here cause it ain't safe
The area that I am in is dangerous and people should stay away if they don't want to get hurt or robbed.
Roll orange and I drink grape
I am smoking marijuana that has been flavored or dyed orange, and I am drinking grape-flavored soda or another beverage.
I can't feel my damn face
I am so heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol that I cannot feel my face or other parts of my body.
It's Gucci!
This is my signature catchphrase or tagline that I often use to assert my dominance and authority in a situation.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOSHUA LUELLEN, RADRIC DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MrChopTop
This mixtape shits on every album out today!
dimitri laskaris
fact
Janrious
Bumping this shit in the suburbs when I was like 14 selling grams 🤣 shit still slaps
T
this lowkey the secret to life. do the opposite of the majority
The Adventures of Moo Dadawg and Einstein2.0
You a real 1 🎅 1017 4 lyfe ⛽🔥🚒
BiggArmz
Still knockin hard 2023
niko4396 N
2020 still SLAPS.
Stubbo242
The fucking memories man. Aging like fine wine
SuperDuperSeb
Lmao you bin on every gucci video I know
Stubbo242
@SuperDuperSeb yea im a huge fan. The man is versatile af. Got a vibe for any mood.