The year Gucci Mane released his debut album Trap House, Atlanta’s rap scene was setting the stage for a new sound and subgenre, trap music. Gucci Mane’s relaxed flow, vivid tales of life in urban Atlanta, and propensity to release droves of music set him apart from other artists. But legal issues often derailed his career and a three-year prison sentence in 2014 could have signified the end.
But Gucci Mane’s influence on rap became more evident during his time away. Artists and producers who were discovered by Gucci Mane began to flourish and some new rappers began to mimic his trademark flow. As a result, Gucci Mane became somewhat of a mythical figure while incarcerated. His subsequent release from prison and return to the stage soon became one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
On July 22, the same day he released his new album, Everybody Looking via Atlantic Records, Gucci Mane was welcomed home and returned to his new trap — the stage. Gucci Mane hit the stage shortly after 9:00 p.m. Dressed in a shiny black-and-gold jacket, gold chains and jewelry, Gucci Mane smiled from ear-to-ear as a sold-out crowd at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta erupted with screams and cheers. Here is a breakdown of the night’s most intriguing moments.
Gucci Has Hits
Gucci Mane can take listeners to the deepest and darkest areas of the trap. The East Atlanta-raised artist also knows how to make great radio hits. Gucci Mane opened his set by performing a slew of his radio hits including “I Think I Love Her,” “Wasted,” “Freaky Gurl,” and “Go Head.”
Mixtape Gucci
Gucci Mane has released over 2,000 songs and well over 50 mixtapes in a span of a decade. He made it a point to perform several of his most noted mixtape hits such as “Bricks” and “I Love the Way.” Gucci Mane could actually do a two-hour set while only performing his mixtape catalog.
Gucci introduces Drake, Future, 2 Chainz and more friends
The night was full of surprises as Gucci Mane welcomed several notable artists to the stage for his big homecoming. His protegé OJ Da Juiceman joined him for “Make The Trap Say Aye.” Fetty Wap performed his hits “Trap Queen” and “My Way.” 2 Chainz later hit the stage and rapped “MF’N Right” and “Watch Out.” Shortly before 11:00 p.m., Future joined Gucci Mane on stage and performed “Stick Talk” and “March Madness.” But the biggest surprise of the evening was Future introducing Drake and the two eventually performed “Jumpan.” Drake remained on stage and performed “Energy” and his latest hit with Gucci Mane, “Back On Road.”
Overall, Gucci Mane’s homecoming concert represented his second act as a rap artist and also served as a symbol of Atlanta’s stronghold on rap music. In a music genre that is fueled by newness and youth, Gucci Mane appears to be at the height of his career 10 years following the release his debut album.
