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.”
Photo Shoot
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm fucking on a camera
More stamina
Than Animals
Gucci is no amateur
Jeru the Damaja
Could damage you or handle you
2 girls on my bike, one on the back one on the handle bars
Got Canada on calendar, so shout out to my manager
I walk through in South Africa
I showed them my 4 Acuras
I flip it just like spatula
So suck me just like Dracula
Polo like a college boy
No I'm not a college boy
I am a So Icey boy
I'm tatted like a biker boy
We are the So Icey gang
Tatted like a biker gang
Dreaded up
Redded up
Wetted up
And bet it up
Bitch you don't want bet
Pull up in my Chevy Vett
Nah you ain't ready yet
Wetter than your girl get
Dolce 'Bana, Dolce shades, Don't you wanna see the boy?
See the boy, see the boy
Come and take a Polaroid, Polaroid
Camera flash, camera flash I see your ass
Looking with your looking ass
So come and take a camera flash
Jewelry game amazing
Car game crazy
Gucci Mane LaFlare walking 'round the city, say cheese
Riding with my broad, it's a photo shoot
When I hit the mall, it's a photo shoot
When I'm in the club, it's a photo shoot
Gone and get your camera phone on, it's a photo shoot
It's a photo shoot
Girl it's a photo shoot
It's a photo shoot
Girl it's a photo shoot
When I'm with your girl every time it's a photo shoot
Gone get your camera phone on it's a photo shoot
Photogenic chain man
Photographic memory
I can fuck your thang but I don't fuck hoes in industry
Gucci Mane LaFlare So Icey you remember me
Remember me from TV turning on your TV
Hip-hop police say they looking after me
How you looking after me? You know I had a murder beat
Yea I got a murder beef, I'm just trynna get something to eat
Me and my lil main squeeze
Give a nigga brain please
Chain on Frigidaire, watches on the refrigerate
Friderate, refriderate I'm freezing like a polar bear
Red carpet shawty and the paparazzi chasing me
How they gone catch me? I'm riding in a Lamborghin'
Riding with my broad, it's a photo shoot
When I hit the mall, it's a photo shoot
When I'm in the club, it's a photo shoot
Gone and get your camera phone on, it's a photo shoot
It's a photo shoot
Girl it's a photo shoot
It's a photo shoot
Girl it's a photo shoot
When I'm with your girl every time it's a photo shoot
Gone get your camera phone on it's a photo shoot
Me and Boosie smoking fruity
It look like a photo shoot
Shout out to my nigga Webbie, my hoes independent too
Me and Shawty Lo in a Duely smoking purple dro
Me and Gotti in a Benz
Man you know we get it in
Me, Black, And Gorilla Zoe
In the studio by Club Enzo
And Zone 6 Morning Avenue Memorial Drive you know
For sure
Shawnna fine and Trina tight
I kill them girls like Killa Mike
Killa Mike, I kill the mic
So shout out to Slick, Killa Mike
Me and Plies chinky eyes
Back to back in Hummers so its ten times
Double wide
30 inches on you guys
UGK my favorite group for years been riding with them guys
8 ball told 'em lay it down and I did that 'bout 30 times
Riding with my broad, it's a photo shoot
When I hit the mall, it's a photo shoot
When I'm in the club, it's a photo shoot
Gone and get your camera phone on, it's a photo shoot
It's a photo shoot
Girl it's a photo shoot
It's a photo shoot
Girl it's a photo shoot
When I'm with your girl every time it's a photo shoot
Gone get your camera phone on it's a photo shoot
In Gucci Mane's song "Photo Shoot," the rapper discusses his extravagant lifestyle and sexual escapades as if he is constantly being photographed for a magazine. He compares himself to Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson, two iconic figures who have been known for their sex tapes, and claims to have more stamina than animals, emphasizing his prowess in the bedroom. Gucci also boasts about his traveling habits, mentioning his presence in Canada and South Africa, and showing off his "4 Acuras," flipping them like a spatula. He then switches topics, describing his involvement with the So Icey gang, highlighting his numerous tattoos, and declaring his impressive jewelry and car collection.
Throughout the song, Gucci Mane uses the theme of a photoshoot to symbolize his fame and influence. He presents himself as an influential figure with countless admirers, hogging the spotlight and experiencing all the perks that come with it. The camera flashes become a representation of his celebrity status, while the photo shoot concept suggests how he is always performing and posing for the public. The lavish lifestyle he portrays, along with all the details of the people he hangs out with, are all meant to show off his wealth and success.
One notable aspect of "Photo Shoot" is the inclusion of various hip-hop artists who have collaborated with Gucci Mane in the past, such as Boosie, Webbie, Shawty Lo, Gotti, Black, Gorilla Zoe, and Plies. He name-drops them throughout the track, adding to the theme of being part of a big group that shares the same lavish lifestyle. Given that this song is a part of his debut album "Back to the Traphouse," it was released at the height of his popularity in 2007 and showcases some of Gucci's most recognizable styles.
Line by Line Meaning
Like Tommy Lee and Pamela
Comparing his sexual endeavors to the high-profile sex video by Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson
I'm fucking on a camera
He's having sex while being recorded on camera
More stamina / Than Animals
He has impressive endurance
Gucci is no amateur
He is experienced and skilled
Jeru the Damaja / Could damage you or handle you
Jeru the Damaja is known for his fierce lyrics and Gucci either wants to compete or cooperate with him
2 girls on my bike, one on the back one on the handle bars
He has two girls riding his bike with one sitting on the back and one on the handlebars
Ferrari F-430, so I call that bitch Tarantula
He calls his Ferrari F-430 'Tarantula'
Got Canada on calendar, so shout out to my manager
He has a scheduled event in Canada and appreciates his manager for booking it
I walk through in South Africa / I showed them my 4 Acuras
He recently visited South Africa and showed off his collection of 4 Acuras
I flip it just like spatula / So suck me just like Dracula
He can handle and control things with ease, and he wants someone to do a sexual act on him
Polo like a college boy / No I'm not a college boy
He wears Polo like a college kid but he's not actually in college
I am a So Icey boy / I'm tatted like a biker boy
He's a member of the So Icey gang and has tattoos like a biker
We are the So Icey gang / Tatted like a biker gang
The So Icey gang is tatted up like a biker gang
Dreaded up / Redded up / Wetted up / And bet it up
He has dreadlocks, wears red, has a lot of jewelry, and is confident in himself
Bitch you don't want bet / Pull up in my Chevy Vett
He's willing to make a bet and he drives a Chevy Corvette
Nah you ain't ready yet / Wetter than your girl get
His opponent is not ready and he makes a reference to his sexual prowess
Dolce 'Bana, Dolce shades, Don't you wanna see the boy?
He's wearing Dolce & Gabbana clothes and sunglasses and he's asking if people want to see him
Come and take a Polaroid, Polaroid / Camera flash, camera flash I see your ass / Looking with your looking ass / So come and take a camera flash
He wants people to take pictures of him and he's making fun of people for staring
Jewelry game amazing / Car game crazy
He has an impressive collection of jewelry and a lot of nice cars
Gucci Mane LaFlare walking 'round the city, say cheese
He's walking around the city and wants people to smile for a photo
Photogenic chain man / Photographic memory
His chain looks good in photos and he has a good memory for things
I can fuck your thang but I don't fuck hoes in industry
He's capable of having sex with women but he does not want to get involved with people in the music industry
Gucci Mane LaFlare So Icey you remember me / Remember me from TV turning on your TV
He wants people to remember him and he's been on TV
Hip-hop police say they looking after me / How you looking after me? You know I had a murder beat / Yea I got a murder beef, I'm just trynna get something to eat
The hip-hop police are watching him and he's trying to minimize his involvement in a murder case
Me and my lil main squeeze / Give a nigga brain please
He's with his girlfriend and wants oral sex from her
Chain on Frigidaire, watches on the refrigerate / Friderate, refriderate I'm freezing like a polar bear
He's got his chains on the fridge and his watches in the freezer and he's cold like a polar bear
Red carpet shawty and the paparazzi chasing me / How they gone catch me? I'm riding in a Lamborghin'
He's walking on the red carpet and paparazzi are following him but he's too fast in his Lamborghini
Me and Boosie smoking fruity / It look like a photo shoot
He and Boosie are smoking weed that looks like it would be cool in a photo
Shout out to my nigga Webbie, my hoes independent too / Me and Shawty Lo in a Duely smoking purple dro
He's shouting out Webbie and saying his women are independent and he's smoking weed with Shawty Lo in a truck
Me and Gotti in a Benz / Man you know we get it in
He's riding with Gotti in a Benz and they're doing well
Me, Black, And Gorilla Zoe / In the studio by Club Enzo / And Zone 6 Morning Avenue Memorial Drive you know / For sure
He's hanging out with Black and Gorilla Zoe in a studio near Club Enzo, in Zone 6 on Morning Avenue
Shawnna fine and Trina tight / I kill them girls like Killa Mike / Killa Mike, I kill the mic / So shout out to Slick, Killa Mike
He thinks Shawnna and Trina are attractive and brags about being able to rap better than them, alluding to Killa Mike's name
Me and Plies chinky eyes / Back to back in Hummers so its ten times / Double wide / 30 inches on you guys / UGK my favorite group for years been riding with them guys / 8 ball told 'em lay it down and I did that 'bout 30 times
He and Plies have small eyes and they're riding in Hummers side by side. He has a wide and large car with big rims. He's also been riding with UGK for a long time and he references one of their songs
Riding with my broad, it's a photo shoot / When I hit the mall, it's a photo shoot / When I'm in the club, it's a photo shoot / Gone and get your camera phone on, it's a photo shoot
He looks good and wants people to take pictures of him with his girlfriend. He looks good at the mall and in the club and encourages people to take out their camera phones to take pictures of him
Girl it's a photo shoot / When I'm with your girl every time it's a photo shoot / Gone get your camera phone on it's a photo shoot
He looks good with any girl and wants people to take pictures of them together
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER GHOLSON, CHRISTOPHER JAMES GHOLSON, RADRIC DAVIS, RADRIC DELANTIC DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bodine.
it’s 2024 still feel like this shit still ahead of its time 🔥
@9pmKingGo2sleep
Agreed indubitably
@Colombiana__
Ufff those clubbing days ❤🎉😎
@TripleJJJay
THAT NICCA GUCCI WAS GOIN CRAZY on THIS SHYT. GOT DAM I MISS THAT ERA OF RAP.
@mexicanakuma
ITS A PHOTO SHOOT GURRL
@GTheGenius
You can play this at any club today and I bet the club goes crazy.
@zlovin7579
G The Genius Beats I just heard it in the club last week..... Shit went crazy
@neelee8512
G The Genius Beats Fact !
@oliverrando6463
word
@antonioromero878
no doubt