Gucci Mane has solidified himself as the ultimate street voice in hip-hop. He genuinely delivers the essence of life in the trap and the rewards and struggles of being a ‘hood star. Although he has made hits with Waka Flocka Flame, Plies, OJ Da Juiceman, and Soulja Boy, Gucci Mane continues to surprise fans by creating music with artists who are the opposite of his persona. Here are five unexpected Gucci Mane collaborations. –amir shaw
Gucci Mane and Mariah Carey: “Obsessed”
A diss record aimed at rapper Eminem, Mariah Carey makes a masterful chess move by calling on Gucci Mane to assist her on the track. Eminem would have dissed Carey and her husband Nick Cannon without thinking twice, but it takes a real goon to go after Gucci. Carey was able to add a bit of street cred and Gucci got the chance to be heard on pop radio.
Gucci Mane and Talib Kweli: “Poltergeist”
Several of Talib Kweli’s fans were upset that the Brooklyn, N.Y., rapper collaborated with Gucci Mane. One blogger even took Kweli to task for doing the song. Blogger Mychal Smith wrote “I understand not wanting to be singularly defined, but when you try to be everything to everyone, you end up being nothing to no one.” Kweli responded to Smith by writing,”They truly believe not liking Gucci Mane makes them intellectually superior. … They pay so much attention to what they perceive to be negative, based on [an] animated worldview, that they miss the positive.” Although a strange pairing, Gucci and Kweli worked.
Gucci Mane and Black Eyed Peas: “Boom Boom Pow” Remix
Backed by a speaker-rattling beat produced by will.i.am, Gucci Mane’s flow breathes new life into the Black Eyed Peas’ top-notch club banger.
Gucci and Big Boi: “Shine Blockers”
Big Boi of the legendary group OutKast calls on his fellow ATLien Gucci Mane for the song, “Shine Blockers.” The two trade verses about ignoring haters, but Gucci’s defiant hook is one of his most inspirational moments.
Gucci and Wale: “Pretty Girl”
Gucci Mane teamed up with sneaker fanatic Wale for the hit, “Pretty Girls.” Although the song is self-explanatory, the most intriguing part is the fact that Wale took Gucci out of his comfort zone by challenging him to rhyme over a go-go track. Gucci doesn’t outshine Wale lyrically, but it’s nice to hear his Southern drawl over congas and timbales.
