The State vs. Radric Davis
Gucci Mane
No one listens to a Gucci Mane album looking to hear clever wordplay or extended metaphors … or introspective rhymes … or thought-provoking subject matter. So what does this leave? Ummmm … beats and some close approximation of rhyming … well, semi-rhyming. Gucci’s jail sentence is referenced in the jumpsuit-and-handcuffed album artwork and every now and-then in the lyrics, but mostly, this is standard-issue Gucci boasting.
“I need some toilet paper, I’m the s— in East Atlanta,” Gucci spits in the lyrics of “Heavy,” but “Stupid Wild” benefits from an energetic guest spot from (who else) Lil Wayne and an assist from Cam’ron. Similarly, “Lemonade” profits from stellar production from Bangladesh, as Gucci rhymes about his favorite things and his favorite color — yellow, obviously.
“Sex In Crazy Places” is about the struggles of women in the Middle East and West Africa … OK, no — not really. It’s actually about (big surprise) sex in crazy places with guest verses from Nicki Minaj and Trina with Bobby V. singing the tired, uninspired hook. The über-popular single “Wasted” is one of the brightest spots on the album — a perfect example of how Gucci’s brain-dead approach can work well in the right setting. It’s just dumb fun for dumb fun’s sake.
– todd williams
