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.”
Time To Move
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
DY, Sizzle, Guwop
Is it really true?
Are you really you?
Are your diamonds huge?
You know they different hues
I'm so sick of you (are you sick of me?)
Come get a load from me, I took a load from you
I'm sellin' chickens to niggas I sold verses to
Come get a P from me, I took a key from you
Shout out my lawyer Drew, shout out to Janice too
Please get away from me, don't want no verse from you
I see right through this dude, I got no love for you
Please stay away from me, I got no love for you
New Lamb' is glacier blue, it match your Birkin too
McLaren glacier blue, it got 'em hurlin' too
I bought a Wraith for boo, now I want something new
It ain't nun else to do, so I keep buying coupes
It ain't no where to park, I think it's time to move
LaFlare in the LaF-F-Ferrari, I'm swervin'
You gunnin' 'cause I so much money, I'm splurgin'
Woke up in a new Bugatti, dropped in the punani
Call me Gucci Mane Delantic, bitch or you can call me Money
Red Dawn, I'ma bring it out 'cause the sun out
Woah now, put it in it shawty 'cause you're goin' out
Jumpman, jumpin' from the free throw with my tongue out
I feel like Southside, full of cash, know my niggas ballin'
I'm from the eastside, homicide, tons of marijuana
She a parasite, suck it dry, fucked her on the corner
I took the stand, lied, said I was performin' Arizona
You know my brain fried, please, show some mercy oh your Honor
He tryna hot side, I don't give a fuck 'cause I'm a loner
I heard your man died, I wouldn't give a fuck, that boy a goner
They say it's high tide, fucked her on a beach, I got a boner
All my whips mine, house mine, Gucci Mane a owner (it's Gucci)
McLaren glacier blue, it got 'em hurlin' too
I bought a Wraith for boo, now I want something new
It ain't nun else to do, so I keep buying coupes
It ain't no where to park, I think it's time to move
I think it's time to move
I think it's time to move
I think it's time to move
I think it's time to move
I think it's time to move
In Gucci Mane's song "Time To Move," the rapper reflects on his success and wealth, conveying a sense of self-assuredness and a desire for progress.
The first verse begins with Gucci questioning the authenticity of others, particularly regarding their diamonds. He asserts his own individuality and mentions his signature Gucci attire, including his blue Gucci shoes. Gucci also boasts about his business ventures, mentioning selling chickens and verses to others. He emphasizes his financial success, hinting at the idea of taking more from others than they take from him. Gucci shows gratitude towards his lawyer and those who support him, but also expresses a disdain for those who take advantage of him.
The second verse highlights Gucci's extravagant lifestyle, as he references his McLaren sports car, a Wraith, and his desire for something new. He acknowledges the excess of his purchases, noting the difficulty of finding parking for all his cars. This leads him to consider moving on and acquiring even more material possessions.
The following lines contain various references to lavishness and his own status. Gucci mentions driving a LaFerrari and waking up in a new Bugatti. He playfully suggests others call him "Gucci Mane Delantic" or "Money," emphasizing his affluence. Gucci also mentions his association with the Southside of Atlanta, an area known for its hip-hop culture and high crime rates. He highlights his lifestyle of excess, including drug use and casual sexual encounters. Gucci's mentioning of casual sex and deception when testifying in court reflects a reckless and chaotic lifestyle. He shows little concern for others and their misfortunes.
The repetition of the phrase "I think it's time to move" in the chorus can be interpreted as Gucci's readiness to continue progressing and achieving more success. It represents a desire for change and a need to constantly strive for better circumstances. The repetitiveness emphasizes the song's theme of movement and advancement.
Overall, "Time To Move" showcases Gucci Mane's confidence in his success and his determination to keep pushing forward in life. The lyrics reflect the trappings of wealth and fame, while also depicting a darker side of Gucci's lifestyle and mindset.
Line by Line Meaning
Ha, Gucci trapped this thang
Hey, Gucci has captured this situation
DY, Sizzle, Guwop
Acknowledging the producers of the song, DY and Sizzle, along with Gucci Mane himself
Is it really true?
Expressing doubt or questioning the authenticity of something
Are you really you?
Questioning someone's true identity or genuineness
Are your diamonds huge?
Inquiring about the size of someone's diamond jewelry
You know they different hues
Acknowledging that the diamonds come in various colors
I'm so sick of you (are you sick of me?)
Expressing frustration or exhaustion towards someone and questioning if they feel the same way
New color Gucci blue, they match my Gucci shoes
Introducing a new shade of blue that matches Gucci shoes
Come get a load from me, I took a load from you
Inviting someone to experience what Gucci has to offer, having taken something from them previously
I'm sellin' chickens to niggas I sold verses to
Selling drugs metaphorically, referring to them as 'chickens,' to the same people Gucci has sold his rap verses to
Come get a P from me, I took a key from you
Encouraging someone to acquire a pound ('P') of something from Gucci, having taken a kilogram ('key') from them before
Shout out my lawyer Drew, shout out to Janice too
Showing appreciation for Gucci's lawyer named Drew and acknowledging Janice as well
Please get away from me, don't want no verse from you
Politely asking someone to stay away from Gucci and indicating that he doesn't desire any collaboration with them
I see right through this dude, I got no love for you
Perceiving someone's true intentions and expressing a lack of affection or care towards them
Please stay away from me, I got no love for you
Reiterating the request for someone to keep their distance because Gucci holds no affection or care for them
New Lamb' is glacier blue, it match your Birkin too
Introducing a new Lamborghini that is a shade of blue which complements a Birkin handbag
McLaren glacier blue, it got 'em hurlin' too
Referring to a McLaren car in the same blue shade, causing others to feel jealous or envious
I bought a Wraith for boo, now I want something new
Having purchased a luxury car, a Wraith, for a significant other, now desiring a different or additional item
It ain't nun else to do, so I keep buying coupes
With nothing else to do, Gucci repeatedly purchases luxury cars
It ain't no where to park, I think it's time to move
Expressing that there is no available parking space, suggesting it's time to find a new location
LaFlare in the LaF-F-Ferrari, I'm swervin'
Referring to himself as 'LaFlare' while driving a LaFerrari and maneuvering swiftly
You gunnin' 'cause I so much money, I'm splurgin'
Acknowledging that others may be jealous or hostile due to his immense wealth and extravagant spending
Woke up in a new Bugatti, dropped in the punani
Waking up in a new Bugatti sports car and expressing sexual encounters
Call me Gucci Mane Delantic, bitch or you can call me Money
Choosing to be addressed as 'Gucci Mane Delantic' or simply 'Money'
Red Dawn, I'ma bring it out 'cause the sun out
Referring to a firearm, 'Red Dawn,' and indicating a willingness to display it when the sun is shining
Woah now, put it in it shawty 'cause you're goin' out
Urging someone to engage in sexual activity before they leave or go out
Jumpman, jumpin' from the free throw with my tongue out
Making a reference to the Jumpman logo of the Jordan brand, visualizing someone jumping with their tongue out while taking a free throw in basketball
I feel like Southside, full of cash, know my niggas ballin'
Feeling like Southside, a fellow rapper known for his wealth, and emphasizing that his associates are also wealthy
I'm from the eastside, homicide, tons of marijuana
Identifying himself as being from the east side and associating it with criminal activities and a large amount of marijuana
She a parasite, suck it dry, fucked her on the corner
Describing a woman as a parasite who drains resources, having engaged in sexual activity with her in a public location
I took the stand, lied, said I was performin' Arizona
Admitting to giving false testimony under oath by claiming to be performing in Arizona
You know my brain fried, please, show some mercy oh your Honor
Acknowledging that his brain is impaired or damaged, and appealing for leniency from a judge
He tryna hot side, I don't give a fuck 'cause I'm a loner
Disregarding someone's attempt to provoke or bother him, as he prefers solitude
I heard your man died, I wouldn't give a fuck, that boy a goner
Showing indifference towards someone's deceased partner, considering them as gone or irrelevant
They say it's high tide, fucked her on a beach, I got a boner
Referring to a metaphorical 'high tide' and expressing arousal from engaging in sexual activity on a beach
All my whips mine, house mine, Gucci Mane a owner (it's Gucci)
Claiming ownership over all his luxury vehicles and house, emphasizing that Gucci Mane is the owner
I think it's time to move
Believing it is the appropriate moment to relocate or make a change
I think it's time to move
Reiterating the belief that it is the appropriate moment to relocate or make a change
I think it's time to move
Affirming the belief that it is the appropriate moment to relocate or make a change
I think it's time to move
Asserting the belief that it is the appropriate moment to relocate or make a change
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Radric Davis, Joshua Luellen, Avery Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@theEthanmovies1
Whole album has a recognizable flow👌
@jessitalarico9092
Gucci sos el mejor 👌😍 Altos temazos te mandaste 🔥
@glokeef3399
L.Atin gAng
@kanamekiyru
Swear that old gucci flow slowly comin back
@TheKetwion
In this song he did on kids
@timetoshinemobilecarwashde9617
💯
@nickbatters1503
To many bangers to keep up with 🔥🔥🔥
@TheeMan101
best song on the album. should’ve been longer!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@Rtbj335
Nah Gucci was goin in on this shit I felt that heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥
@queenv4340
Gucci went hard asf🔥🔥