Gucci Mane recently released an autobiography called "Gucci Mane." The book looks back at the origins of one of the most successful careers in the rap business. In this book, Gucci Mane opens up about his early life, his numerous run-ins with the law, his start in making music, the trap music we're all accustomed to today, and some of the beefs he was involved in throughout the years.
You know the songs. Whether it's the classics like "Black Tee", "Icy", or "Traphouse". Maybe you're only hip to the most recent tracks such as "Back on Road" ft. Drake or "Bando" with the Migos. Either way, you've heard Gucci Mane's music. He burst onto the scene in the early 2000s as the Godfather of Trap music and never looked back. For over a decade plus, Gucci Mane has blessed our ears with a myriad of songs, mixtapes, and albums. We've heard it all from Gucci. Despite the man's personal demons and legal troubles, one thing that never changed was the music.
Gucci gives a real, in-depth look at his life. We know about Gucci Mane. Fans and critics alike have seen the highs and lows of Atlanta's favorite rapper. But who is Radric Davis? In the book, you'll get a chance to meet the man himself. He is humanized in this book, and what I mean by that is Gucci really opens up to the audience, elaborating on the decisions he made, reflecting on his past relationships, and trying to become a better person through a number of setbacks.
He even talks about the murder charge he got back in 2005. Gucci was on the verge of going to jail for life and throwing away his tremendous career. The book talks about this case, what happened, who was involved, and the outcome. It's a high point in the story. Gucci also traces his roots back to his hometown of Bessemer, Alabama.
Perhaps one of the more interesting parts of the story is when Gucci is coming up in the music industry. At this time, his name is starting to gain a little steam, he's meeting with all the top executives at major labels and deciding on the next part in his career. However, much like the music, Gucci's musical journey is anything but conventional. He did things his way, for his benefit.
Looking back on the book, I definitely have a changed view of Gucci Mane or better yet, a newfound respect. I was taken back by his early life decisions and the repercussions for some of his actions. I understood why he did it. There were times where he seemed out of luck and finished when it came to rapping. He showed me that was never the case.
Gucci Mane is more than a rapper. He is a person, who like anyone else, has been through many experiences, good and bad that helped shape the man we see today.
He lost weight and looks better. He cut drugs out of his diet. He married his longtime girlfriend and is still putting out hits. The book is not just about the rapper, but the human persevering through all adversity to reclaim the life he wanted for himself.
That's why Gucci Mane inspires me, and that's why I recommend his book. I was able to understand someone I couldn't relate to, and in the process, I gained a respect for him I didn't know I'd have until I was introduced to Radric Davis.