Itβs said that art mirrors life. In hip-hopβs case, thereβs always been a deliberate entanglement of perception and reality. Fans demand their MCs be realβ¦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.
βI wish everybody well whoβs making money in this rap game,β the Atlanta-raised rapper says, dismissing the controversy that followed him in the past. βMy own rap game is going so good, Iβve got so many things on my plate at my label, that I donβt got time for other peopleβs business.β 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.
βI live my life with no regrets. I just wish that a lot of things never happened, but anybody can wish,β says Gucci. Sounds like a man with his eyes on the prize. And youβd 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 βBlack Tee,β 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 βIcyβ single, featuring Jeezy. Clamor over song rights sparked dispute, and the resulting rift grew.
Controversy notwithstanding, Maneβs independence was cemented: βI was on the independent scene for about two years,β he recalls. βItβs 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 itβs a gamble out there with the independent circuit. One thing youβd better have is good music because without that, you go downhill fast in the independent game.β
Good music firmly in hand, Gucci was fast approaching stardom when more tragedy befell him. But letβs backtrack; how did the man born Radric Davis in Bessemer, Alabama, become Gucci Mane, mouthpiece for Atlanta stuntinβ? Mane remembers little from his time in Alabama, just that it was rural, and that itβs changed dramatically since he left at the age of nine. βI gotta shout out Alabama though, because they holdinβ it down,β he affirms. βEvery time I go there to do a show, Iβm impressed with how hip-hop culture has taken root.β
Maneβs identity coalesced when he moved with his mother to Atlanta. βI lived all of my adolescent and adult life in Atlanta,β he explains. βIβm from East Atlanta Zone Six; it was hard, man, it was real rough. I grew up in the Starter jacket era: theyβd take your Starter jacket, your 8Ball jacket, theyβd 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 youβd get jumped. It was wild when I came up.β
Itβs 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. βI was just a young dude in a single parent house most of my life. I canβt complain that much. I would guess itβs like any black child growing up in a single parent household. There are a lot of people who know how that is. I didnβt 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; sheβs been there through the whole struggle. Thereβs a lot that goes along with that; it made me who I am today.β
A stepfather would enter the picture during Maneβs adolescence, introducing not only a male figure, but also inspiration for Maneβs unusual moniker. βMy father came in, the original Gucci Mane; thatβs what people in the neighborhood called him, and thatβs 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.β Drawing inspiration from a pantheon of rappers before him βBig Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, the Beastie Boys, N.W.AβMane went on to release Trap House, a lethal brew of his signature sound: βI call my music straight Gucci: going hard and whatever beats you make you for me, if Iβm feeling it, if Iβm rocking with it, Iβm gonna crush it. When you hear me, you hear a lot of pain, a lot of hood; you hear whatβs going on in the inner city in Atlanta.β
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. βI learned to keep better company, watch where I go, and be mindful of my surroundings at all times,β he reveals. βWatch what I say, watch what I do and how I do it, just keep myself out of the wrong crowd.β
βI always stand up man,β he continues. βIβm one of the toughest guys I know. Itβll take a lot more than that to break me down.β Undeterred, Mane was back in the studio, preparing 2006βs 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: βThere was a bidding war going on, and I liked Atlanticβs approach. They made it known that they wanted me, they felt where I was going and that I could grow with them.β
Asylum/Atlantic Records welcomed Gucci Mane in early β07, 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 ββI got them in training; they be in the weight room, pumping iron, doing pushups, shopping at the mall, buying iceββGucci is focused on his magnum opus, Back to the Trap House. βI started working on the album, and by the third song, I was like βThis is going back to the Trap House.β 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.β
βSince I went major, I want everybody to know Iβm still keeping it street, keeping it hood,β Gucci maintains. βIβm trying to take it back to all my fans that I had when I first started my career. And at the same time, Iβm trying to open up my new album to a new fan base. So itβs a mix for everybody coming together, like my first album was.β Gucci has always prided himself on his innate ability, and his refusal to let guest appearances dictate the tone of his records. βI just want people to know Iβm a great songwriter, man,β he asserts. βIβm passionate about what I do, and itβs 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; itβs a God-given gift and I just get paid for it. It come from God, itβs like wondering what makes a bird fly. He made me a poet like the great poets of the past.β
But donβt mistake Gucciβs confidence for self-absorption. The vicissitudes of his career have dictated a longer view. Lyrics aside, heβs less preoccupied with visible means and more so with acting as an emissary from his under-repped block. βIβm not the one to glorify what goes on in the hood,β he insists. βWe have everything there, the whole range from violence to people getting on the bus and going to work. Thereβs a lot more to the hood than just drugs. Itβs a bigger story, thereβs 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. Iβm 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.β
And Gucciβs professional aims have matured as well. While other rappers stress platinum plaques, Gucci hasnβt forgotten the route he took to stardom. βI made a lot of CDs on my own. People fucked with me and supported me, and just made me the man I am today. Thatβs 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 jobβs been done.β
Fortunately for Gucci, he should be prepared to welcome an army of new fans with Back to the Trap House. But longstanding fans shouldnβt fear; theyβll recognize βFreaky Gurl,β 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 Gucciβs 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 βBird Flu,β the albumβs number two single, laced by New-York based Supa Sonics. Elsewhere, firm guest verses from Rich Boy and Pimp C of UGK round out Gucciβs regional flavor, while Bay-area producer Zaytoven (of βIcyβ renown) locks down Gucciβs 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. βIβm best known for controversy but Iβm 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. Iβll be banging them out till I canβt bang no more.β
Shirt Off
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm finna take my shirt off (shirt off)
We love to show off (come) everybody shirt off
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
So Icy Entertainment
God dammit I'm freezin'
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
F-r-e-n-c-h-i-e
I'm tatted up come find me
A hundred thou' so icy
We we poppin' bottles
Showin' thug love
If you act up in the club
Then you know we throwin' hollows
What it do partna'
Get to close I spark ya
My wrist inside the club is like a highlighted marker
On beats I'm a monster
So icy I sponsor
This Mary Jane got on the wall like Nina Parker
I'm bout to call Wakka
Tell him bring the chopper (blat)
Fuck seein' the doctor
He'll be screamin' like the opera
It's hot as hell, I gotta take off my shirt
My car, my girls love to wear skirts
The paint color look like dirt
No shirts in that 08' Vert
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
So Icy Entertainment
God dammit I'm freezin'
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
They say money doin' sumthin' to my ego
More money I see I'm getting tatted like amigo (yea)
White girl say she can sniff a brick a day
I tell her eat the cake, eat the cake, Anna Mae
Go go, you better clear the plate (yea)
She said I think I'm dead (why)
Cause I can't feel my face (yea)
And she think she gettin' dollars from the kid
All she get is hard dick, and she swallowin' my kids
I know they feelin' me 'cause I'm movin' like a G move
In my red in black skirt and her brand new Prada matchin' my Evisu
No wife beater so I'm showin' off my sleeveless
Art so I'm a call it goin' with the breezes
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
So Icy Entertainment
God dammit I'm freezin'
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
6-1 deep
No shirt no top (go)
White chain bright lane
VVS white rocks (blow)
I'm a work of art, mane
I'll crush your ice game
Thousand dollars lite, mane
Need to rob a dice game
Tatted like a white mane
Party like a rock band
That so icy bike game
Makin' lames tuck chains
Got damn Gucci Mane
You done did that shit again
Goin' knee deep in the earth so that you can have a chain
My body wrote on like an essay
But homie no Mexican
So Icy entertainment
You can write it on me mane
In the center of the stage with no tank top (no no)
For the block I'm showin' every tattoo I got (yea)
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
So Icy Entertainment
God dammit I'm freezin'
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (Burr)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
My shirt off (whoosh)
"Shirt Off" is a song by Gucci Mane in which he boasts about his wealth, tattoos, and the power he possesses over women. The song's primary focus is Gucci Mane's taking off his shirt and how it drives women wild. The lyrics are rather explicit and misogynistic, referring to women as "hoes" and "white girls" while Gucci Mane brags about the money he has and the tattoos he wears. It's not only about his shirtlessness but also about showing off his tattoos in general. He showcases his heavily tattooed arms and chest while flexing his wealth and power over others.
The song is a commentary on the culture of Materialism in America that is often celebrated in the media, promoting wealth, power, and sexual objectification, and Gucci Mane uses the song to criticize that portrayal in his own sarcastic manner. The song critiques this culture of extravagance and bling, where people are willing to pay large amounts of money for material possessions, and where women are often objectified and treated as mere accessories. Gucci Mane's music is often controversial as he is known for his drug use, criminal activities, and controversial lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
My shirt off (shirt off)
I have taken off my shirt and I am now shirtless.
I'm finna take my shirt off (shirt off)
I am about to take off my shirt.
We love to show off (come) everybody shirt off
We enjoy displaying our bodies, so everyone should take off their shirts as well.
I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathin'
As soon as I take my shirt off, women become immediately attracted to me.
So Icy Entertainment
A reference to the music label Gucci Mane founded.
God dammit I'm freezin'
I am cold because my shirt is off.
My shirt off (Burr)
I am shirtless and making a signature sound effect.
My shirt off (whoosh)
I have taken off my shirt with a whooshing sound effect.
F-r-e-n-c-h-i-e
A callout to French Montana, a fellow rapper and collaborator.
I'm tatted up come find me
I have many tattoos and invite people to see them.
A hundred thou' so icy
I have a lot of money from my music career and record label.
We we poppin' bottles
We are opening and drinking expensive alcoholic beverages.
Showin' thug love
Demonstrating affection among members of the gangster lifestyle.
If you act up in the club
If anyone causes trouble while partying at the club.
Then you know we throwin' hollows
I will quickly resort to shooting someone with a firearm.
What it do partna'
A greeting to a friend or associate.
Get to close I spark ya
If someone comes too close to me, I will start a fight.
My wrist inside the club is like a highlighted marker
My expensive watch shines brightly under the club's lights.
On beats I'm a monster
I am very skilled at rapping over instrumentals.
So icy I sponsor
I am so rich from my music career that I can financially support others.
This Mary Jane got on the wall like Nina Parker
My marijuana is impressively potent, like the host of a popular TV show.
I'm bout to call Wakka
I am about to call Waka Flocka Flame, another rapper and collaborator.
Tell him bring the chopper (blat)
I am asking for a firearm from my associate.
Fuck seein' the doctor
Rather than go to a hospital, I will deal with any injury on my own.
He'll be screamin' like the opera
My enemy will scream in pain when I hurt him.
It's hot as hell, I gotta take off my shirt
The temperature is very high, so I am removing my shirt for comfort.
My car, my girls love to wear skirts
The women who ride in my car prefer to wear short skirts.
The paint color look like dirt
My car's paint color is similar to the color of dirt.
No shirts in that 08' Vert
When I drive my 2008 convertible, I usually do not wear a shirt.
They say money doin' sumthin' to my ego
People claim that my wealth is having a negative impact on my personality.
More money I see I'm getting tatted like amigo (yea)
As I make more money, I am choosing to get even more tattoos like my friend.
White girl say she can sniff a brick a day
A caucasian woman claims to be able to ingest a large amount of cocaine daily.
I tell her eat the cake, eat the cake, Anna Mae
I encourage her to live her life without worrying about societal norms or expectations.
Go go, you better clear the plate (yea)
I will not tolerate any food going to waste during a meal.
She said I think I'm dead (why)
The woman ingesting drugs feels as though she has died.
Cause I can't feel my face (yea)
Her facial nerves are numbed from her drug use.
And she think she gettin' dollars from the kid
The woman believes she will receive money from me.
All she get is hard dick, and she swallowin' my kids
Instead, she will only receive sexual favors from me.
I know they feelin' me 'cause I'm movin' like a G move
My cool and confident demeanor is garnering attention and respect.
In my red in black skirt and her brand new Prada matchin' my Evisu
I am wearing a fashionable outfit that shows off my style and wealth.
No wife beater so I'm showin' off my sleeveless
Instead of wearing an undershirt, I am exposing my muscular arms.
Art so I'm a call it goin' with the breezes
My artistic expression is unique and inspired by natural elements.
6-1 deep
I have a large group of people with me.
No shirt no top (go)
None of us are wearing shirts or tops.
White chain bright lane
My expensive white chain sparkles in the sunlight on the street.
VVS white rocks (blow)
The diamonds in my jewelry are of the highest clarity and quality.
I'm a work of art, mane
I am a masterpiece in terms of both appearance and talent.
I'll crush your ice game
I have superior jewelry and will outshine anyone else in the game.
Thousand dollars lite, mane
My expensive and flashy appearance is impressive.
Need to rob a dice game
I need to participate in illegal gambling where there is an opportunity to win a lot of money.
Tatted like a white mane
I have many tattoos and resemble a white man with a lot of ink.
Party like a rock band
We party hard, like a famous and rowdy rock group.
That so icy bike game
A reference to Gucci Mane's motorcycle and his connection to his music label.
Makin' lames tuck chains
My actions and persona intimidate unworthy and inferior people.
Got damn Gucci Mane
A phrase highlighting my fame and importance in the music industry.
You done did that shit again
I have once again impressed others with my music or actions.
Goin' knee deep in the earth so that you can have a chain
I am willing to exploit nature and the environment in order to obtain valuable jewelry.
My body wrote on like an essay
My body is covered in tattoos that tell stories and represent my personality.
But homie no Mexican
Although I have a lot of tattoos, I am not of Mexican descent.
So Icy entertainment
A reminder of the music label I founded and am a part of.
You can write it on me mane
My body is a canvas for the entertainment industry and my personal expression.
In the center of the stage with no tank top (no no)
During a performance, I am shirtless despite the bright lights and crowds.
For the block I'm showin' every tattoo I got (yea)
When I am in my neighborhood, I impress and intimidate others with my extensive tattoos.
Lyrics Β© Ultra Tunes, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: XAVIER DOTSON, RADRIC DELANTIC DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jordan Adesina
gucci time traveled to the future, heard stop breathing, went back to his time and made this song.
D. Coleman
See if you do that, you'd be creating an infinite time loop.
djmakalou
ππππ
utw meechie
π€‘
state2state
@100voicemails it was kinda funny not gone cap
100voicemails
@cocoz toon my nigga even if it was a joke itβs still ass
Lmm Rex - Official
Carti fans wonβt peep this classic
YSQ
@sosa onthebeat FIJI !
DryBind
@Ayman gay boy carti
Ayman
carti shit better