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.”
Orange
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Smoking on the gas, got the best thing blowing
Tattoo's on my face, it's my face not yours
Spanish broads, Gucci clothes, nigga everything foreign
Pop a pill, popped a seal, then I start back pouring
Yellow horses on my cars, like they rocking Ralph Lauren
Bought an old school yesterday just to paint the bitch orange
So much money in my pocket I could paint a bitch orange
I'm in hot pursuit, I'm stacking loot, you niggas sweet as apple juice
Your girlfriend got an apple-bottom, suck dick like she Snaggle-tooth
She walk round with an attitude, I show that bitch no gratitude
I'm a tycoon, I can change her longitude and latitude
Slap niggas with pistols til' they only can eat baby food
Colder than a refrigerator, hotter than a stove that cook
I woke up in the morning, rolled a blunt and than I cooked this deuce
I cracked the seal, poured up a 4, than put it in a Mountain Dew
Word on the street, I'm the best thing going
Smoking on the gas, got the best thing blowing
Tattoo's on my face, it's my face not yours
Spanish broads, Gucci clothes, nigga everything foreign
Pop a pill, popped a seal, then I start back pouring
Yellow horses on my cars, like they rocking Ralph Lauren
Bought an old school yesterday just to paint the bitch orange
So much money in my pocket I could paint a bitch orange
They be stupid, dumb, bad with that crazy Gucci bag
Her man buy her a Jag, how you gon' compete with that
Wanna take her on a date, then you must fuck up a set
She so spoiled, if he gave her to you would give her back
You can love me all you want but I'ma lock you from a distance
Egging me to pay you, I'ma pay you no attention
Fresher than my pad, baby girl you got me twisted
I heard you got a boyfriend, don't your man play for the Pistons?
I had a girl named Susie and she used to go the distance
She sucked dick like a porno flick, I gave that bitch the business
She asked me for a [?] , I told her today must be Christmas
Just like the Sprite and Promethazine, bitch you got me mixed up
Word on the street, I'm the best thing going
Smoking on the gas, got the best thing blowing
Tattoo's on my face, it's my face not yours
Spanish broads, Gucci clothes, nigga everything foreign
Pop a pill, popped a seal, then I start back pouring
Yellow horses on my cars, like they rocking Ralph Lauren
Bought an old school yesterday just to paint the bitch orange
So much money in my pocket I could paint a bitch orange
The lyrics to Gucci Mane's song "Orange" express his confidence and boastful attitude. The phrase "word on the street, I'm the best thing going" asserts that Gucci is highly regarded and respected in his community. He references smoking high-quality marijuana, indicated by "smoking on the gas, got the best thing blowing."
Gucci Mane also mentions his facial tattoos, emphasizing that they are a part of his identity and not something to be judged by others. He flaunts his luxurious lifestyle, from his Spanish women to his designer clothes, highlighting his affinity for everything foreign.
The mention of popping pills and pouring up a drink suggests Gucci's indulgence in drug culture, which is also reflected in his lyrics. He further expresses his wealth and materialistic tendencies by mentioning his cars with yellow horses (a symbol for Ferrari) and his recent purchase of an old school car, which he plans to paint orange. The repetition of the phrase "so much money in my pocket I could paint a bitch orange" reinforces his extravagant wealth and his willingness to spend it lavishly.
In the second verse, Gucci's lyrics take a more aggressive tone as he boasts about his dominance over others. He compares his financial success to others' lack thereof, mocking their attempts to compete with him. Gucci manipulates women, keeping them at a distance and not giving in to their demands or paying them attention. He asserts his superiority by claiming to be fresher than anyone else and questions if a girl he mentions has a boyfriend who plays basketball for the Detroit Pistons. He describes a sexual encounter with a girl named Susie, highlighting her skills while also referencing his own dominance.
Overall, "Orange" is a braggadocious track through which Gucci Mane showcases his confidence, wealth, and mastery in his craft.
Line by Line Meaning
Word on the street, I'm the best thing going
People are talking about me, I'm the most successful and admired individual
Smoking on the gas, got the best thing blowing
I'm smoking high-quality marijuana, it's the best kind available
Tattoo's on my face, it's my face not yours
I have tattoos on my face, it's a personal choice and doesn't concern you
Spanish broads, Gucci clothes, nigga everything foreign
I surround myself with attractive Spanish women and wear expensive Gucci clothing, everything I have is imported and luxurious
Pop a pill, popped a seal, then I start back pouring
I take drugs and drink lean (codeine), then I continue pouring and drinking it
Yellow horses on my cars, like they rocking Ralph Lauren
My cars have yellow details, like they're wearing Ralph Lauren clothing
Bought an old school yesterday just to paint the bitch orange
I purchased a classic car recently just to have it painted in a vibrant orange color
So much money in my pocket I could paint a bitch orange
I have an enormous amount of money; I could use it to do something extravagant like painting someone orange
I'm in hot pursuit, I'm stacking loot, you niggas sweet as apple juice
I'm aggressively pursuing success and accumulating wealth, while you guys are weak and insignificant
Your girlfriend got an apple-bottom, suck dick like she Snaggle-tooth
Your girlfriend has a curvaceous rear end and performs oral sex enthusiastically
She walk round with an attitude, I show that bitch no gratitude
She carries herself arrogantly, but I don't show any appreciation towards her
I'm a tycoon, I can change her longitude and latitude
I'm a powerful and influential individual; I can completely alter her circumstances and location
Slap niggas with pistols til' they only can eat baby food
I physically assault people with guns until they are reduced to consuming soft baby food
Colder than a refrigerator, hotter than a stove that cook
I am emotionally detached and unfazed like a refrigerator, but also sexually attractive and desirable like a cooking stove
I woke up in the morning, rolled a blunt and than I cooked this deuce
I started my day by rolling and smoking a marijuana joint, then I prepared and consumed a drink mixed with codeine
I cracked the seal, poured up a 4, than put it in a Mountain Dew
I opened the bottle of lean (codeine) syrup, poured a significant amount into a cup, and mixed it with Mountain Dew
They be stupid, dumb, bad with that crazy Gucci bag
Other people are foolish and ignorant, but they try to compensate by carrying a flashy Gucci bag
Her man buy her a Jag, how you gon' compete with that
Her boyfriend bought her a Jaguar car, how can you compare yourself to him
Wanna take her on a date, then you must fuck up a set
If you want to date her, you better have a lot of money and be willing to spend extravagantly
She so spoiled, if he gave her to you would give her back
She is excessively pampered, if her current partner gave her to you, you would return her because of the high-maintenance nature
You can love me all you want but I'ma lock you from a distance
You can have strong feelings for me, but I will keep my emotional distance and not reciprocate
Egging me to pay you, I'ma pay you no attention
You're trying to provoke me into giving you money, but I will ignore your demands
Fresher than my pad, baby girl you got me twisted
I'm more stylish and fashionable than my luxurious home, you have a distorted perception of me
I heard you got a boyfriend, don't your man play for the Pistons?
I heard you have a boyfriend, isn't he a professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons?
I had a girl named Susie and she used to go the distance
I had a girl named Susie who was willing to go to great lengths for me
She sucked dick like a porno flick, I gave that bitch the business
She performed oral sex with expertise, and I had intense sexual encounters with her
She asked me for a [?], I told her today must be Christmas
She requested something from me, and I sarcastically responded that today must be a special occasion like Christmas
Just like the Sprite and Promethazine, bitch you got me mixed up
Similar to the combination of Sprite and Promethazine in lean (codeine), you have a misconstrued view of me and my intentions
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Radric Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Diego Rojas Sebastian
He should've kept the original instrumental, that shit went hard as
roh_gamu
Where can I find the original instrumental?
Adan Deleon gonzalez
Where can I find it
Lalo Sanchez
Shadow https://youtu.be/wMYxxiJI7ac at 1:40
roh_gamu
@Lalo Sanchez thank you so much ! This beat still goes hard tho
Jay P
Still slapping ! 🔈🔉🔊 #NASH21
aftermathsample305
Inches away from 2023 and still going hard at this
Z Dubb_214
That damn 808 tho. 🔥🔥🔥
john oglesby
Gucci mane been killing rap since he started
Cra- Z
Yo niggaz sweet as apple juice