Gucci Mane: The Radric Davis Chronicles

Gucci Mane. Perhaps noone else is more misunderstood in the rap game than this southern artist. Born in Alabama but raised in Atlanta, the rapper whose real name is Radric Davis is one of the most prominent leaders of the southern rap scene.

MTV recently compiled a list of the 10 hottest MC’s in the game; a listing in which Gucci ranked 6th. This very placement erupted a firestorm of criticism over, among other things, the credibility of the panel, the chronology of the ranking, and the state of Hip-hop in general.

What is clear however is the popularity of Gucci Mane in Hip-hop today. Features with Mariah Carey, Mario, Usher and others have all but ensured that Gucci will remain relevant for at least the next 365.

His rise however has not been without obstacles. In 2005 he was arrested for murder after he alledgedly shot at individuals seeking his jewelry. The case was dropped but that didn’t end his legal woes. In 2008 he was arrested again for violation of his parole (for not doing even an hour of 100 hours of community service, go figure). It was during the space between these two legal troubles that Gucci developed an undeniable buzz in the streets.

Gucci a.k.a. walking chandelier a.k.a. Gucci Sosa (too many aliases to count) decided early on to adopt the strategy that worked so effectively for Lil Wayne: pump out material at a ferocious clip. This meant flooding the internet, car stereos, night clubs and house parties with constant new material that showcased his fun personality and hilarious wordplay. In so doing, he helped popularize a new branch of rap aptly called ‘trap music.’ This is music that appeals strictly to “D-boys” (dope dealers) but has enough mainstream lyricism to appeal to everyone else. Without breaking down the coded messages embedded in his lyrics, Gucci Mane often paints a dark picture of his life in the ghetto. He does also however showcase material that can be light-hearted, funny and just all-around entertaining. So much so that he is one of the most sought after artists of the year. In addition to working with the bigger name artists aforementioned, Gucci has worked with Bobby Valentino, Nicki Minaj, Mya, Trey Songz, Ciara and R. Kelly, and that’s just to name a few of the artists who have needed his buzz to remain relevant.

Earlier this week, Gucci did what many now consider to be a power play for the throne of the streets. Gucci Mane, being the fan of history that he is, released a mixtape series that was named after the Cold War. He did this series because winter is soon approaching, and it’s about to get really REALLY icey. In effect, he produced a mixtape for the main countries involved in that war: Britain (Brrritain), Russia (BRRRussia) and America (Guccimerica). EACH country’s tape has its own Dj hosting it: DJ Drama, DJ Scream, and DJ Holiday. Even more unique is the date and time involved with the release: 10/17/2009 at 10.17pm. This date is unique because of the title of  his new rap crew: 1017 Brick Squad. He named the group this after his old apartment number: 1017, a place of which he had several fond memories. Such foresight into marketing and branding illustrate the business acumen for which Gucci is well known. 10/17/2009 @ 10.17pm then just went down as a significant moment in ‘trap’ history!

Love him or hate him, Gucci Mane always ensures that you talk about him. His belief is that any publicity is better than no publicity. So much so that he snickers at the so-called godfathers of rap who have largely disappeared into obscurity while shouting their criticisms from a distance. When Nas proclaimed back in 2006 that Hip-hop was dead Gucci Mane must have laughed, because he took that moment as an opportunity to wrestle his way into the hearts, minds and ipods of his loyal fanbase.

BURR.

To that end, Gucci must’ve dedicated this video to Lions Den University. Drink irresponsibly!