Nobody gives Gucci his props, but you have to give credit where it’s due. Over the span of what’s easily become a 15-year career, the East Atlanta Santa has become a thing of legend. And, if we’re talking about the best rappers of all time, Gucci Mane deserves a mention in that conversation and I’ll tell you why.
1. The Catalog
Gucci’s catalog is incredible. He has over 4,000 hours of music on Spotify & according to his wiki page, 11 studio albums. With that amount of recordings, not only are there too many hits to name,(Some of my favorites are: So Icy, First Day Out, Lemonade, I Get The Bag) But it also includes so many mixtapes and albums that one would need years to properly catalog all of the releases.
With the amount of music he’s created in the past decade it would be hard to argue that EVERY song is good, but what is arguable is that there is definitely a song for everyone somewhere in his extensive discography. Most rapper’s don’t release close to this volume of work in their career and to do so speaks to Gucci’s elite pedigree as an emcee.
Check out some of the jams throughout this article and try to tell me they aren’t dope!
2. Lyricism
Gucci is a lyricist. To deny it at this point is to not be a fan of southern rap in general. And with his new sobriety, Guwop’s pen has only elevated. His voice, cadence, wordplay and subject matter is on par with many of our favorites and his ability to pick beats and fit in the right pocket in something mc’s should aspire to.
SN: Gucci’s verse on his new single I Get The Bag shows just how much this emcee has to offer — and it’s one of my personal favorites at the moment.
I know that you ni**as gettin’ sick of me (eww-ah)
These chains on my neck cost a mil’ a piece (umm)
I don’t even like to freestyle for free
I put in the key and I ride the beat
I won’t even come out the house for free
I pay a ni**a to drive for me (huh?)
JAY-Z couldn’t even co-sign for me
I do what I want, ’cause I’m signed to me (damn)
3. Ear for Talent
Gucci’s label 1017 Brick Squad gave us juggernauts in southern rap including Waka Flocka, OJ Da Juiceman, & Slim Dunkin (RIH). Outside of the record label, Gucci’s had a hand in the career of almost every major hip-hop figure that’s come out of Atlanta in the past 10 years. And because of that, it’s not a far stretch to say that his influence has shifted the entire culture as a whole.
Without Gucci, you don’t get Metro Boomin’ — or at least you don’t get him as soon. The same can be said about the Migos, Young Thug, and a countless amount of individuals who are dominating the pop charts today. No matter how far they go in their careers or how separate they seem to be, these artists are all united by a common thread: Gucci Mane.
4. Incredible Work Ethic
Let’s go back to Gucci’s discography for a minute… He has 4000 hours of audio on streaming sites, over 45 mixtapes to date, countless features, freestyles etc. and two studio albums in 2017 so far.
You don’t get that expansive of a catalog unless you’re recording everyday. literally. Even when serving 3 years in federal prison Gucci released so much music that fans often forgot that he was incarcerated. Mixtapes flowed freely, and two albums have been released since being freed from the penitentiary. And, even with all of the free music he’s given away, the quality of the music is consistent.
5. The Progression of Gucci’s Style
As a musician, Gucci’s style has experienced many changes, and by now listeners can tell that they’re dealing with a seasoned vet. While early hits like “Freaky Gurl” show a diamond in the ruff rapper with hard to understand lyrics and a southern accent, more recent songs show a Gucci Mane with a very refined flow, attention to detail, and penchant for witty colloquial references. With his newfound sobriety, it’s easy to see that Gucci’s pen is elite. From Back to the trap house to Mr. Davis, the ‘Wop is has been giving us GOAT level work.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Gucci Mane is a rap legend. He’s changed the fabric of the culture for the better and needs to be mentioned in the best rappers of all time convo. He’s got the lyrics, the hits, the personality, and most important of all: my vote.
— SnobHop