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.”
Sh*tt*n Onum
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A steerin' wheel charm 'bout the size of a dinner plate
Too many VVS, and when you see you got to say
(Gawd damn sheit)
Is your lights on? (Yeah) Iced on (Yeah)
Diamonds on my chest my name right on my wrist my fist
it be like (Gawd damn)
Then the niggaz be like diamonds on the chest thick
Wrist, arm, fist, man, Gucci Mane, La Flare, he the shit
Gucci Mane in the party, bump whoa Kemosabe
So sick with the words think I need chemotherapy
No simpleton, but this beat, it's a sicken them
Gucci Mane the maestro but you should take a whiff of it
Halloween down to chain, hoes wanna trick or treat
Brother trick it off, 'fore I take yo' bitch out to eat
Buyin' chain so foolish, girl I spent a hundred G's
I can trick my bright land then, and, get a hundred G's
Hundred G's ain't nothin' to me, I need least two thousand ki's
Where are those two thousand pizzas it been dry out here a week
Laugh not for the kid dawg, twenty thousand for a fee
Ten cars, got a fleet, I done rolled and everything
Too many VVS, and when you see you got to say
(gawd damn,sheit!)
Is your lights on? (Yeah) Iced on (Yeah)
Diamonds on my chest my name right on my wrist my fist
it be like (Gawd damn)
All the hoes sayin' (Sheit)
Then the niggaz be like diamonds on the chest thick
Wrist, arm, fist, man, Gucci Mane, LaFlare, he the shit
See the second verse better so get your air freshener
Wanna be like Gucci? Little buddy eat your vegetables
I'm on another level, I'm Gucci Boosay
Gucci boots were purchased 'fore they came out schedule
Thirty-five thou' just to come to your house
say happy birthday, ate cake and bounced out
Now Gucci is a drought, whereabout, not in this house
Pills pills powder traphouse like a drug sto'
Never too much, I'm the shit, like the commode
Toilet stool breath ass girl, you need to back up
Shawty so fine she need to slow it up, slow it up
Shawty showin legs but she still ain't seen enough
Too many VVS, and when you see you got to say
(gawd damn,sheit!)
Is your lights on? (Yeah) Iced on (Yeah)
Diamonds on my chest my name right on my wrist my fist
it be like ("Gawwwwd damn!")
All the hoes sayin ("Sheeeeeeit!")
Then the niggaz be like diamonds on the chest thick
Wrist, arm, fist, man, Gucci Mane, LaFlare, he the shit
Speedy, Gucci
The So Icey boys baby girl, see our diamond watches
All the girls are jockin cause they know, that my diamonds poppin
Floppin, flies around me, cause they know that Gucci's funky
Toppin, and bossin, and save the posses for the runnin
AK-47, is still, what's shakin for me
So Icey squad pussy nigga, we cross the country
See I'm the man, bland pussy nigga we the army
We made a plan, and, and, look we formed a company
So mad, told y'all that we gettin money
Every day they cocky, and dirty laundry
1500, just to clean my garbage
I'm Gucci Mane, LaFlare, I'm from the projects
Too many VVS, and when you see you got to say
(gawd damn,sheit!)
Is your lights on? (Yeah) Iced on (Yeah)
Diamonds on my chest my name right on my wrist my fist
it be like (Gawd damn!)
All the hoes sayin (Sheit)
Then the niggaz be like diamonds on the chest thick
Wrist, arm, fist, man, Gucci Mane, LaFlare, he the shit
(gawd damn,sheit!)
(gawd damn,sheit!)
In Gucci Mane's song "Sh*tt*n Onum," the rapper is assertive in expressing his wealth, as he flaunts his diamonds and chains, expensive cars, and his luxurious lifestyle. In the first verse, he mentions his large steering wheel charm, which is about the size of a dinner plate, and boasts of the numerous diamonds on his chest, wrist, and fist – all of which elicit "gawd damn" reactions from his admirers. Gucci Mane is confident in his wealth, as evidenced by his declaration that “Hundred G's ain't nothin' to me, I need least two thousand ki’s.” He also mentions the struggle to stay on top and maintain his level of wealth in the rap game.
In the second verse, Gucci Mane takes aim at those who try to emulate his success, stating that he is on another level and advising them to "eat their vegetables" if they aspire to be like him. He also addresses his status as a highly-sought-after rapper, referencing his willingness to travel across the country and the high fees he commands. The song continues to showcase Gucci Mane’s confidence and braggadocio, as he boasts of his success and the luxurious lifestyle it affords him.
Line by Line Meaning
Hot damn! Hot, hot, stankin' hot
It's extremely hot, the hottest it's ever been
A steerin' wheel charm 'bout the size of a dinner plate
A charm for the car steering wheel that's really big
Too many VVS, and when you see you got to say (Gawd damn sheit)
There are a lot of high-quality diamonds and people react to them with amazement
Is your lights on? (Yeah) Iced on (Yeah)
Asking if someone has their headlights on and acknowledging that they have a lot of jewelry on
Diamonds on my chest my name right on my wrist my fist it be like (Gawd damn)
Gucci Mane has a lot of diamonds on his chest, his name on his wrist, and it's impressive
All the hoes sayin' (Sheit)
Women are impressed and expressing their admiration
Then the niggaz be like diamonds on the chest thick Wrist, arm, fist, man, Gucci Mane, La Flare, he the shit
Men are also impressed and commenting on Gucci Mane's jewelry, and also acknowledge that he's successful
Gucci Mane in the party, bump whoa Kemosabe
Gucci Mane is at a party having a good time
So sick with the words think I need chemotherapy
Gucci Mane is really good with his rhymes and needs treatment because he's so 'sick'
No simpleton, but this beat, it's a sicken them
Gucci Mane is skilled and not simple, but the beat is still making people go crazy
Gucci Mane the maestro but you should take a whiff of it
Gucci Mane is a master at his craft and people should enjoy it
Halloween down to chain, hoes wanna trick or treat Brother trick it off, 'fore I take yo' bitch out to eat
Gucci Mane is saying he's got lots of women wanting to be with him and he'll treat them to dinner
Buyin' chain so foolish, girl I spent a hundred G's I can trick my bright land then, and, get a hundred G's
Gucci Mane thinks buying expensive jewelry is foolish but he's still spending a lot of money on it and can make more money by tricking someone else
Hundred G's ain't nothin' to me, I need least two thousand ki's Where are those two thousand pizzas it been dry out here a week
Gucci Mane has a lot of money but can't find any drugs to buy
Laugh not for the kid dawg, twenty thousand for a fee Ten cars, got a fleet, I done rolled and everything
Gucci Mane is successful and making lots of money, able to afford expensive things like a fleet of cars
See the second verse better so get your air freshener Wanna be like Gucci? Little buddy eat your vegetables
The second verse is even better than the first, so everyone should be ready and appreciative. To be like Gucci Mane, you need to eat healthily.
I'm on another level, I'm Gucci Boosay Gucci boots were purchased 'fore they came out schedule
Gucci Mane is on another level when it comes to style and fashion, he even owned Gucci boots before they were released
Thirty-five thou' just to come to your house say happy birthday, ate cake and bounced out Now Gucci is a drought, whereabout, not in this house
Gucci Mane will come to your house and celebrate your birthday for a price, but now he's hard to find and not in this house
Pills pills powder traphouse like a drug sto'
Gucci Mane has a lot of drugs in his house
Never too much, I'm the shit, like the commode
Gucci Mane is successful and cool like a toilet's flush mechanism
Toilet stool breath ass girl, you need to back up Shawty so fine she need to slow it up, slow it up
Someone has bad breath and needs to move away. A girl is so beautiful that she's stopping people from functioning
Shawty showin legs but she still ain't seen enough
A girl is showing off, but Gucci Mane's seen enough
Speedy, Gucci The So Icey boys baby girl, see our diamond watches
Gucci Mane and his crew, the So Icey boys, have expensive watches
All the girls are jockin cause they know, that my diamonds poppin Floppin, flies around me, cause they know that Gucci's funky Toppin, and bossin, and save the posses for the runnin
Women are impressed by Gucci Mane's expensive jewelry and flock around him. Gucci Mane is cool and on top of his game.
AK-47, is still, what's shakin for me So Icey squad pussy nigga, we cross the country
Gucci Mane still has a lot of guns and his crew is traveling all over the country
See I'm the man, bland pussy nigga we the army We made a plan, and, and, look we formed a company
Gucci Mane and his crew are successful, and they have a strong plan and business
So mad, told y'all that we gettin money Every day they cocky, and dirty laundry 1500, just to clean my garbage I'm Gucci Mane, LaFlare, I'm from the projects
People are jealous of their success, although they're proud of it. They're doing great and even have enough money to pay someone to clean their garbage. Gucci Mane is from a poor background but is now successful.
Too many VVS, and when you see you got to say (gawd damn,sheit!)
There are a lot of high-quality diamonds and people react to them with amazement
Is your lights on? (Yeah) Iced on (Yeah)
Asking if someone has their headlights on and acknowledging that they have a lot of jewelry on
Diamonds on my chest my name right on my wrist my fist it be like (Gawd damn!)
Gucci Mane has a lot of diamonds on his chest, his name on his wrist, and it's impressive
All the hoes sayin (Sheit)
Women are impressed and expressing their admiration
Then the niggaz be like diamonds on the chest thick Wrist, arm, fist, man, Gucci Mane, LaFlare, he the shit
Men are also impressed and commenting on Gucci Mane's jewelry, and also acknowledge that he's successful
(gawd damn,sheit!)
People are amazed and impressed by Gucci Mane's diamond jewelry
(gawd damn,sheit!)
People are amazed and impressed by Gucci Mane's diamond jewelry
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave
Written by: HARVEY MILLER, RADRIC DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind