If you’re a fan of rap music, you’ve probably heard of Gucci Mane. He’s been making waves in the industry for a few years now, and while he may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying that he’s one of the most productive and prolific rappers out there. In fact, he’s released hundreds upon hundreds of songs in his relatively young career, thanks to his improvisational approach that’s fueled by his fanbase’s nonstop thirst for new material.
Despite dropping so much music in such a short amount of time, Gucci’s catalog is often overlooked. From his early beginnings with album Trap House to his distinctive “country” vocal style and creative collaborations with producers like Zaytoven, Fatboi, and Drumma Boy, Gucci has lived several rappers’ careers and then some, and he’s still going strong. Just last Tuesday, he celebrated his 33rd birthday by dropping his 33rd independent release in eight years – Trap God 2.
While Gucci’s post-Appeal work hasn’t reached the same level of crossover interest as it did in 2009, he’s starting to see acclaim stack up again. And history has shown that it wouldn’t be smart to count him out early. While it’s still too early to properly canonize his recent work, his greatest tracks from the start of his career through 2010 are the result of an improbable star’s hard work.
So without further ado, here are The 10 Best Gucci Mane Songs.
10. Gucci Mane “Swing My Door” (2006)
If you’re looking for a song that showcases Gucci Mane’s raw and unnerving style, “Swing My Door” is a must-listen. Produced by Born, this track from his 2006 album Chicken Talk remains one of his best examples of street cred and lyrical imagination.
The song starts with a nod to Frank Ski’s Baltimore club classic “There’s Some Whores in this House,” but quickly shifts to Gucci’s own experiences preparing and selling drugs. He raps about it all with alarming transparency, following in the footsteps of legends like NWA’s “Dopeman” and Master P’s “Ghetto D.”
Gucci’s unique voice and delivery make this track truly memorable. He talks about his low drug prices and how they’ll “make your eyes pop out.” He boasts about his popularity among junkies, and how he gets his rims “finger-fucked by a gott-damn J.” And, perhaps most chillingly, he talks about his willingness to take extreme measures to protect his business: “Nigga violate? Imma kill him and slit his throat/Smoke a blunt of dro and then take my ho to Pappadeaux’s.”
“Swing My Door” is a prime example of Gucci Mane’s early work and his unflinching approach to rap. If you’re a fan of his music, or just interested in exploring the genre, this is definitely a song worth checking out.
9. Gucci Mane f/ Young Jeezy & Boo “Icy” (2005)
Let’s talk about the summer banger that started it all – “Icy”. Gucci Mane’s infectious hit featuring Young Jeezy & Boo was released back in 2005 and marked a significant milestone in both artists’ careers.
But did you know that the drama between the two rappers almost led to an attempt on Gucci’s life? It’s true! Jeezy wanted “Icy” for his debut album, but Gucci wasn’t having it. And while Jeezy’s career was taking off, Gucci remained confident in his decision to keep the track on his own album, “Trap House”.
Now, let’s be real – Gucci’s verse in “Icy” wasn’t anything too exceptional. But somehow, the track still managed to become Jeezy’s biggest hit at the time and remains an effective single to this day. It’s worth noting that Gucci’s style back then was pretty straightforward, which makes his subsequent moves in the industry all the more surprising.
In any case, “Icy” will always be a classic. It’s a reminder of where it all began for Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy, and the drama that almost ended it all.
8. Gucci Mane “First Day Out” (2009)
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and talk about Gucci Mane’s hit track “First Day Out” from 2009. Produced by Zaytoven, the song was featured on the album “Writing On The Wall” under the label So Icey Ent.
After serving some time in jail for a probation violation, Gucci Mane came back to a world that was eagerly waiting for him. He had already made waves with his mixtapes like “The Movie” and “Wilt Chamberlin” to name a few, and even the New York press was starting to catch on. Ironically, his popularity rose even more when OJ Da Juiceman’s “Make the Trap Say Aye” became a hit song, which helped push OJ’s style further.
Once he was out, Gucci made a few appearances, including one with Mya at Studio 72, which was highly-photographed. He also hit the studio and recorded “First Day Out.” It was leaked as an untitled track in mid-March 2009, and was later featured on “Writing On The Wall” in mid-May 2009.
The song is about a drug dealer’s return to selling crack after getting out of jail. However, unlike many of Gucci’s other tracks from that time, “First Day Out” is not dense with lyrics. Instead, it uses vivid imagery and ominous production, as seen in the opening lines “Starting out my day with a blunt of purp/No pancakes, just a cup of syrup,” and subtle beat drop-outs.
7. Gucci Mane “What It’s Gonna Be” (2010)
Let’s talk about one of Gucci Mane’s tracks, “What It’s Gonna Be,” produced by the one and only Drumma Boy. It’s off of Gucci’s album, The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted, which came out a while back in 2010, you know what I mean?
Now, the album wasn’t a smash hit, and the lead single, “Gucci Time,” was kind of meh. Plus, Gucci had some legal stuff going on at the time, which didn’t help matters. But “What It’s Gonna Be” was a bright spot on the record. The lyrics were dense and introspective, giving us a peek into Gucci’s life, and the beat from Drumma Boy was straight fire. It was like Gucci and Drumma were at the top of their game, bringing their A-game to the track.
To be real, “What It’s Gonna Be” is one of the most epic moments in Gucci’s catalog. It showed that he was pushing himself to be the best he could be, and that he and Drumma Boy were an unstoppable team. So, if you haven’t checked out this track yet, you gotta give it a listen.
6. Gucci Mane “I Think I Love Her” (2009)
Let’s talk about Gucci Mane’s hit track “I Think I Love Her,” which came out in 2009. The song was produced by Polow da Don and featured on Gucci’s album “The State vs. Radric Davis,” released under the labels 1017 Brick Squad, Asylum, and Warner Bros.
Polow da Don’s production on “I Think I Luv Her” was top-notch and helped boost Gucci’s pop career. The track had a chugging beat, distorted bass, and a stand-out guest spot from none other than Ester Dean. Fun fact, Dean would later become a songwriter for some of the biggest pop songs in the next few years.
One of the highlights of the track was the excellent interplay between Gucci and Dean, with their male-female point-counterpoint performance being compared to Trick and Trina. Dean’s gritty and acidic femininity was complemented by Gucci’s ironic lovestruck mode, where he nearly sobbed as he poured his heart out about a metaphorical woman. In one memorable line, Gucci said, “How neat! She loves to eat! We eat! Bon Appetite! We feast! She so neat!”
Overall, “I Think I Love Her” is a classic track that showcases Gucci Mane’s unique style and Polow da Don’s excellent production skills.
5. Gucci Mane f/ Plies “Wasted” (2009)
Let’s talk about one of Gucci Mane’s most underrated tracks, “Wasted,” featuring Plies and produced by Fatboi. Now, Fatboi’s style was quite different from Zaytoven’s work with Gucci, with rapidfire chainsaw synthesizers that appealed more to pop audiences. But don’t be fooled, Fatboi’s greatest moment was definitely “Wasted”!
The song had a killer hook with Gucci’s intoxicated delirium adding to its vibe. Plus, Plies’ guest verse was a scene-stealer, where he proclaimed “I don’t wear tight jeans like the white boys, but I do get wasted like the white boys.” It was like the perfect combination of rock star lifestyle and partying, all in one track.
Honestly, this was the right way to do “Party Like a Rock Star” and “Wasted” should definitely be on your party playlist! The album “Writing On The Wall” where this song features, was released under Gucci’s label, So Icey Ent.
4. Gucci Mane f/ Trey Songz “Beat It Up” (2010)
If you haven’t heard Gucci Mane and Trey Songz’s “Beat it Up” from 2010, you’re missing out on a classic. The song was originally featured on Gucci’s The Movie Part 2 mixtape, which unfortunately didn’t get the attention it deserved at the time. However, “Beat it Up” slowly gained momentum, becoming a fan favorite and a monster hit.
Gucci’s lyrical prowess is on full display in this track, with clever wordplay and knockout punchlines that are sure to make you smile. He effortlessly references Soulja Boy’s hit, “Turn My Swag On,” and delivers memorable lines about doing laundry with your girl’s blankets. The song is also notable for being one of Gucci’s few R&B tracks, showing that he’s not afraid to switch things up and give equal attention to songs for the ladies.
Trey Songz’s contribution to the track is limited to the hook, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that “Beat it Up” is one of Gucci’s best works. If you’re a fan of classic rap and R&B, this song is a must-listen.
3. Gucci Mane f/ Mac Bre-Z “Pillz” (2006)
Let’s talk about Gucci Mane’s classic track “Pillz,” featuring Mac Bre-Z. This song is a prime example of how simplicity can be creative, and how a catchy beat and iconic lyrics can make a hit.
Produced by Zaytoven, “Pillz” captures the essence of rolling off an MDMA pill with its straightforward lyrics and queasy beat. The track is not only original and unique for Gucci’s discography, but also for the hip-hop and pop music scenes as a whole.
The lyrics perfectly describe the absurdity of the MDMA high, where time seems to lose all meaning and the search for an infinite high becomes all-consuming. Lines like “we been rollin’ rollin’ rollin’ we ain’t slept in weeks” encapsulate the unapologetic hedonism and recklessness of addiction.
But it’s not all dark and serious – the lyrics also have a playful, lighthearted tone. Gucci’s line, “‘Gucci Mane you stupid, but I love the way you flowing/Riding in my drop but I don’t know where I’m going/On 285 I keep goin’ in a circle, the inside of my ride smell like a pound of purple,” perfectly captures the carefree and wild spirit of rolling with friends.
Overall, “Pillz” is a pure and uncut example of Gucci’s style, and a classic in the hip-hop world. It’s no wonder that some of the lyrics have even become hooks for other songs. This track is a must-listen for any fan of the genre.
2. Gucci Mane “Photo Shoot” (2009)
If you’re a Gucci Mane fan, you probably know “Photo Shoot” – the hit track from his mixtape “The Movie”. Drumma Boy’s production on this one is so catchy that it’s impossible not to nod your head along. Gucci’s flow is laid-back and improvisational on the first two verses, with pop culture references sprinkled in everywhere – from Tommy Lee and Pamela to ’90s rap icon Jeru the Damaja. He even drops a few lines about his past beef with Young Jeezy: “Yeah I had a murder beef from just trying to get something to eat.”
The third verse is where things really start to get interesting. Gucci gives shout-outs to a bunch of other rappers like Boosie, Webbie, Shawty Lo, and Yo Gotti, before the beat switches up and starts running in reverse. That’s when Gucci really turns up the heat, rapping at double-time speed and ending with a nod to his favorite rap group, UGK: “UGK my favorite group, for years been riding with them guys/8Ball told me ‘Lay it Down’ and I did it ’bout thirty times.”
Overall, “Photo Shoot” is a great example of Gucci Mane’s unique style and ability to effortlessly blend pop culture references with his own personal experiences.
1. Gucci Mane “Lemonade” (2009)
This song is a gem that was leaked to the internet on November 14, 2009. It was definitely the peak of Gucci’s music career, becoming his highest-charting single and the third track released from The State vs. Radric Davis.
Gucci’s entire music career has always been about playing with different musical tensions. He combines hard-edged street vibes with pop appeal, songcraft with blatant disregard for convention, and dense lyrics with his congested, “stoopid” flow. One moment he claims that he ain’t lyrical, but then he blasts listeners with a dazzling display of imagery and jokes. He actively denies respectability but clearly seeks success. He mixes the threatening with the ridiculous, the dangerous with humorous, and the brilliant with the bizarre.
But “Lemonade” is the moment when all of these conflicting impulses that make Gucci’s music catalog so varied, evolving, and glorious finally achieve a perfect balance. Anchored by Bangladesh’s hooky pianos, a thumping bassline, and an interpolation of Flo and Eddie’s “Keep it Warm,” re-sung by a children’s chorus, “Lemonade” isn’t just stacked with an undeniable pop sensibility. It also contains the dense lyricism of his deepest mixtape cuts (“My phantom sitting on sixes, no twenties in my denim/Your Cutlass’ motor knocking, because it is a lemon”), his morbid sense of humor (“AK hit your dog, and you can’t bring Old Yeller back”), and, of course, the pure flamboyance that sealed his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most memorable and unique artists.
Overall, “Lemonade” is a glorious mess of conflicting impulses that Gucci Mane has always been known for, and it perfectly balances all of his unique styles to create one unforgettable song.
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