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
Step Out
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ho, ho, yeah
When I flexed up all this money, you can't rubberband me
When I step out, you know I got these diamonds dancin'
Know I got these diamonds dancin'
I step in a party, bitch, you know I'm flyer than Michael Jordan
VVSs diamonds lighting up, these bitches going retarded
I turned up my sidepiece and I'm fuckin' her with main bitch
Money and fame ain't never changed me, still posted with gangsters
Better cock that, boy, they rolled him up and sprayed him
Every single day we roll a blunt and smoke an opp up
The way they gunnin', spinnin' through, niggas might just call the cops up
Bringing .223 inside the party like a shotta
I been drinking syrup and I got herb like a rasta
Poppin' dirty molly, call me up when you want that geek dick
She was such a good girl, I turned her to a freak chick
When I step out, you know I got these diamonds dancin'
Yeah, I flex, now all this money, you can't rubberband me
He get stretched out tryna read my nigga, you can't hand me
I was left out now I step out, diamonds hit like taxes
My Richard Millie cost two milli', just blinded somebody
I really keep a milli' just in case I saw somebody
I took the whole Gucci store and put it in my closet
Like a walking water fountain, it's like I broke the faucet
Gucci Mane and ain't nobody got more ice than me
Let's step out, nigga ,'cause my items cost a mil' at least
I rap out 'cause I know nobody can't take shit from me
Get stretched out reaching for my piece and now you rest in peace
When I step out, you know I got these diamonds dancin'
Yeah, I flex, now all this money, you can't rubberband me
He get stretched out tryna read my nigga, you can't hand me
I was left out now I step out, diamonds hit like taxes
Step out, I got all the diamonds dancin' just like Jabbawockeez
Getting tired of hatin'? Yeah, nigga should be exhausted
Yeah, I'm ridin' through the hood dead fresh like a coffin
Bitch, I need a pool, diamonds wet as hell like a dolphin
When I step out, all them bitches know that it's the mil'
Backwood full of Zaza, I only smoke the greatest
And to keep the tool every day, not only on occasions
Dripping in designer, nigga, yeah, I only wear the latest
I was down bad at the bottom now I'm on top
If a nigga disrespect the mob we gon' pop your top
Rob the plug, get it jumpin', then set up shop
I was broke as hell now I'm steppin' out with a knot
When I step out, you know I got these diamonds dancin'
Yeah, I flex, now all this money, you can't rubberband me
He get stretched out tryna read my nigga, you can't hand me
I was left out now I step out, diamonds hit like taxes
The song "Step Out" by Gucci Mane, Foogiano, and Future is an upbeat trap song that exudes confidence, wealth, and power. The lyrics focus on their opulent lifestyle, expensive jewelry, designer clothing, and the dangers of their everyday life. The opening lines "ho, ho, yeah" sets the tone for the song, and the beat produced by Zaytoven complements the lyrics, creating a catchy and danceable groove.
The first verse begins with Gucci Mane boasting about his wealth and how he cannot be contained by a rubber band due to the abundance of his money. When he steps out, he wants the world to know that he has diamonds on his fingers, and he is unapologetic about his lavish lifestyle. He compares his flying skills to Michael Jordan and brags about the stunning VVS diamonds that light up when he walks into a room. However, he acknowledges the danger that surrounds him as his friends are reportedly associated with murders.
The second verse is by Foogiano, and he talks about the dark side of his fame and money. He admits to drinking syrup and smoking weed like a rasta, poppin dirty molly, and turning his good girl into a freaky chick. He is aware of the danger around him and the frequent shootings, forcing people to call the cops. He brings a .223 gun to the party to display his shooter skills.
The chorus is a repetition of Gucci Mane's opening verse, with the same confidence and conviction.
In conclusion, "Step Out" is a song that celebrates the trap lifestyle, through the perspective of three successful rappers. It's a song that glorifies wealth, danger, and the love of the finest things in life, all delivered on top of a catchy beat.
Line by Line Meaning
When I flexed up all this money, you can't rubberband me
I have so much money that it can't fit in a rubberband and I can't be contained.
When I step out, you know I got these diamonds dancin'
Every time I leave the house, my diamonds shine and attract attention.
I step in a party, bitch, you know I'm flyer than Michael Jordan
I look better than everyone in the room, just like how Michael Jordan was the best basketball player.
VVSs diamonds lighting up, these bitches going retarded
My diamonds are so expensive and bright that they make people act crazy.
I don't post none of my dawgs on IG 'cause they play with murders, yeah
I don't post any of my friends on social media because they are involved in criminal activity.
I turned up my sidepiece and I'm fuckin' her with main bitch
I am cheating on my main partner with someone else who isn't as important to me.
Money and fame ain't never changed me, still posted with gangsters
Despite my wealth and success, I still hang out with dangerous people.
Better cock that, boy, they rolled him up and sprayed him
You need to be prepared for violence because it can happen at any time.
Every single day we roll a blunt and smoke an opp up
We smoke marijuana and celebrate after defeating our enemies.
The way they gunnin', spinnin' through, niggas might just call the cops up
Our enemies are driving recklessly with guns and someone might call the police on them.
Bringing .223 inside the party like a shotta
I am bringing a gun to the party, just like a criminal would.
I been drinking syrup and I got herb like a rasta
I am drinking codeine cough syrup and smoking marijuana, like a Rastafarian.
Poppin' dirty molly, call me up when you want that geek dick
I take a dangerous and impure form of ecstasy and people only call me for sex when they want to feel high.
She was such a good girl, I turned her to a freak chick
I corrupted a girl who used to be innocent, and turned her into a sexually wild person.
My Richard Millie cost two milli', just blinded somebody
My watch, a Richard Mille, is so expensive that it blinds people when they look at it.
I really keep a milli' just in case I saw somebody
I carry one million dollars with me, just in case I need to pay someone off or bribe them.
I took the whole Gucci store and put it in my closet
I bought so much expensive Gucci clothing that it fills up my entire closet.
Like a walking water fountain, it's like I broke the faucet
I have so much bling and wear it so proudly that it's like I'm a fountain of water spilling out of a broken faucet.
Gucci Mane and ain't nobody got more ice than me
I have more expensive and flashy jewelry than anyone else.
Let's step out, nigga ,'cause my items cost a mil' at least
Let's go out and show off because everything I own costs at least one million dollars.
I rap out 'cause I know nobody can't take shit from me
I am confident when rapping because I know no one can challenge me or take anything away from me.
Get stretched out reaching for my piece and now you rest in peace
If you try to take my gun or challenge me, you will die and rest in peace.
Step out, I got all the diamonds dancin' just like Jabbawockeez
When I go out, all my diamonds shine and move around like the dance group Jabbawockeez.
Getting tired of hatin'? Yeah, nigga should be exhausted
If you're tired of hating on me, then you should be completely worn out by now.
Yeah, I'm ridin' through the hood dead fresh like a coffin
I'm driving around my old neighborhood looking fresh and impressive, like a dead body that's been prepared for a funeral.
Bitch, I need a pool, diamonds wet as hell like a dolphin
I want a swimming pool, and my diamonds are so shiny that they look wet, like a dolphin's skin.
Backwood full of Zaza, I only smoke the greatest
I roll my weed using a specific brand, Zaza, which is considered the best.
And to keep the tool every day, not only on occasions
I carry a gun with me every day, not just for special occasions or when I feel threatened.
Dripping in designer, nigga, yeah, I only wear the latest
I wear only the latest, most expensive designer clothing and accessories.
I was down bad at the bottom now I'm on top
I used to be in a bad place in life, but now I am successful and on top of the world.
If a nigga disrespect the mob we gon' pop your top
If someone insults or threatens our group, we will kill them.
Rob the plug, get it jumpin', then set up shop
We rob the drug dealer, make things exciting, and then start doing business in their place.
I was broke as hell now I'm steppin' out with a knot
I used to be very poor, but now I am showing off my wealth confidently.
Lyrics Β© Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Radric Davis, Xavier Dotson, Nayvadius Wilburn, Kwame Khalil Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Damo Steward
Glad to hear future wit gucci again π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
SkynetToaster
Same legit searched youtube just to see if they had a recent collab and found this ππ₯
YBN Guzih LΓͺmure
Future Γ© outro nΓvel π
FBGDuval
Future killed it π₯
Draya C
Heard this on Pandora had to download immediately π₯π₯π₯ future mane
Shane music
Gucci straight snapping on the track π₯ lit..
W
Listen to Gucci Land by Gucci Mane & Young Thug π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
Snuzzle Mann
Gucci and Future back OMG! Zone 6 Legends! 2020 LOOKIN UP NOW
ayyyDè
Future & Gucci Top, But Don't Sleep On Foogiano π₯Άπ₯Άπ₯Άπ₯Άπ₯Άπ«π§’
Lil Draco
Foogiano will have his time. He's just getting started.