Gucci Mane
Biography
Since the early days of beats and rhymes when flashy b-boys flaunted massive gold ropes, three finger rings and top-dollar European designs, high-end fashion trends have remained a staple in the hip hop culture. Today, rappers of the 21st Century continue to up the ante. On their never-ending quest to outdo the previous generation, this new evolution of hood rich emcees have replaced fat gold chains with diamond-encrusted platinum pieces, 22-inch rims and houses the size of football fields.
Add to this batch of the rich and infamous rappers Atlanta newcomer Gucci Mane. With more karats than Bugs Bunny's lunch box, the Dirty South neophyte gained recognition throughout the underground on the strength of his flossy jump-off single "Icy," a saucy ode to his love for princess cuts featuring newly signed Def Jam artist Young Jeezy. Set to take the rap world by storm with carefree rhymes of party and b%llsh!t with the May 24, 2005 release of his La Flare Entertainment/ Big Cat Records debut album Trap House, the young boy wonder will show us all how to collect taxes like the government.
"The trap is anywhere you're getting money," Gucci explains his debut album's title. "It could be a house. It could be a studio. It could be a beauty salon if you do hair. It could be an office if you're a lawyer. It's your occupation."
But for Gucci, his million-dollar spot is in the vocal booth. Inheriting his moniker from his father, who was called the original Goochie Man, the young junior picked up on hustling from his streetwise pops and blended it with the formal education of his school teacher mother. The result is their middle son Gucci Mane, Atlanta's rising hip hop star.
Born Radric Davis in Birmingham, AL, Gucci began writing poetry, songs and short stories at the age of 10. Developing a special connection with his first and eight grade school teachers, Gucci's pungent prose was published before he even reached puberty. Influenced by Run DMC, Eightball and MJG and Houston's own Leprechaun Lil Flip, Gucci was in the studio recording his first songs at the age of 14.
During his fourth grade year, the family packed up and relocated to the new Motown of the south. Settling on Atlanta's rugged East Side when Gucci was still a lower case G, the young Mr. Davis was like a dislocated country boy in the big city. "It was real scary; I was a country boy thrown into big city life," Gucci admits. "Although the two cities are only two hours apart, Birmingham is a little different."
Gucci didn't dwell on the frightening aspects of his new situation. Instead, Gucci knuckled up and became a better rapper, a better conformist, and an overall better person! "Being from the country, gave me a big advantage in Atlanta- my slang, my upbringing, my fashion are different. So, I stuck out and just use d it to my advantage. "These positive differences bolstered his microphone skills sharpening his lyrical sword for neighborhood freestyles ciphers and rocking talent shows. Gucci finally garnered citywide fame after serving up debut single "Black Tea" to the masses on his own La Flare Entertainment label. As the single bubbled radio, it caught the attention of another well-known local independent heavy weight Big Cat Records. With strength in numbers, the two independents joined forces to release Gucci's debut album Trap House.
Trap House is packed with Gucci's signature laid-back comedic flows and catchy hooks; displayed heavy on "Lawnmower Man" and "Booty Shorts." Additional standout tracks include; street anthem "Black Tee" featuring southern legend Bun B, Lil Scrappy, Young Jeezy, and Killa Mike, his ode to women and follow-up single "Money Don't Matter," and a Heat Makers production "Damn Shawty."
Trap House, lead by Gucci's bling-anthem "Icy" serves as musical soundtrack to any club, tricked out ride, house party or basement jam. "The album deals with a lot of balling, having a good time, and street matters. "Even though I rep Atlanta, I'm not on no crunk. I'm more of a street reporter."
And his lead single "Icy" is just a small-news brief to the reports that will be broadcast from the dirty streets of the ATL. Tune in to the Trap House for more details.
Publicist: Hobbiecom South PR
Lynn Hobson 212.755.7900
Vickie Grant 404.447.7939
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