Gucci Mane has released nine projects this year. We don't have to check-- that's more than any other rapper. He also happens to be in prison. Last year, he released 14 projects from the pen, making a cool $1.3 million, and he's on pace to topple those numbers this year.
He's feeding his fans, he's feeding the streets-- though who knows if he's actually the mastermind behind any of this. No matter when these tracks were actually recorded, they're still among the hottest out.
If anything, big GuWop La Flare is putting out too much music. Not to worry, though; we've listened to all the Gucci projects and rounded up the best tracks he's given us this year. His mixtapes are also a showcase of some of the hottest talent in ATL and beyond, undoubtedly inspired by Gucci and doing their best to keep his legacy alive while he's locked up.
Anyone else keeping up with Mr. Zone 6's every move? Share your favorite tracks in the comments.
"I'm Too Much" (feat. Riff Raff) (prod. by TM88)
King Gucci
Despite their wildly different entries into the rap game, GuWop and Jody Highroller couldn't be a more natural combination. Above you can see Gucci and the Raff-inspired James Franco, aka Alien, on the set of "Spring Breakers." On "I'm Too Much," both guys show that self-indulgent materialism, with the right imagination, can inspire a whole world of strange (expensive) music.
"Take It Easy" (feat. Makonnen)
Breakfast
A cinematic piece of alien trap music that finds La Flare hitting his typical rhythmic stride. When guys like Makonnen bring a new energy to the ATL scene, it's no surprise they cite Radric Davis as their number one influence.
"Right Now" (feat. Chief Keef & Andy Milonakis) (prod. by Honorable C.N.O.T.E)
Dinner
The bromance between Chief Keef and comedian-turned-emcee Andy Milonakis has been one of the more bizarre surprises of the year, but it shouldn't be a surprise that Gucci is more than ready to join in on the fun. For the record, Andy drops the best verse on the track.
"Beef" (feat. Waka Flocka Flame & Sy Ari Da Kid)
Lunch
"We dissecting beef, we eating niggas' flesh / Brick Squad for life, nigga, inked it in my chest." Just a light Lunch for Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame, forever brothers, past beef aside. Whatever happens when GuWop touches down, these two will be remembered for turning Brick Squad into an empire-- two of the most fearless trailblazers in hip-hop.
"Play Too Much" (prod. by Mike Will Made-It)
Dessert
Mike Will Made It, Gucci Mane slayed it. 'Nuff said.
"Go-Go Gadget" (prod. by Zaytoven)
Trap House 5
I'll admit, the mere picture of "Go-Go Gadget Gucci," with whisks and various cooking utensils protruding from his arm sockets, is enough to get this track on the list. It's also the alliteration of the year. All jokes aside-- well, jokes included, actually. Gucci is the only rapper who can rely on cheap humor and still make a banger.
"Down On That" (feat. Young Thug)
Brick Factory 3
Young Thug is the weirder, superfried, molly-fueled second coming of Gucci Mane, and GuWop's done well to welcome him into his camp with open arms. Though who knows when his verse was recorded, Gucci is still, at age 35, at the top of his game because he never scoffs at new trends in the rap game-- engulfing them into his already ahead-of-his-time musical acumen. This is the sound of the turn-up in 2015, and Gucci's gonna be right on time when he comes home.
"Rolling Stone" (feat. Lil B) (prod. by Mike Will Made-It)
Views From Zone
Gucci La Flare linking up with the Based God is Rap Twitter's dream come true. Each man speaks in a language only he understands, but Mike Will lays down a sinister guitar thrashing production on which BasedGucci comes into being. And the result is better than we could've imagined. Gucci compares himself to the great rambling men of yesteryear: "I'm a rolling stone / Where I lay my hat is my motherfuckin' home." We couldn't agree more.
Thank you BasedGucci.
"Constantly" (feat. Chief Keef) (prod. by Honorable C.N.O.T.E)
Trap House 5
Chief Keef teaming with Gucci has brought Chicago and Atlanta closer together, and both cities are better for it. They've already collab'd numerous times, but "Constantly," released last month, is their best yet. First creds go to C-Note for the genius re-work of Salt-n-Pepa's "Push It," giving Gucci a gloriously woozy soundscape for Gucci to drop a little romance-- something he's quite capable of, mind you. Both guys are heavily under the influence but, somehow, the lean makes their croaky lyrics all the more heartfelt.
"Dead People" (feat. Raury)
1017 Mafia: Incarcerated
Gucci continues to run a symbiotic relationship out of prison with basically all of the up-and-comers in Atlanta. They get put on, Gucci stays just as relevant as ever. This is the hardest beat Raury has ever been given and, in turn, he ditches his free-flowing singing voice for some cold-hearted bars. The manic production is nothing new for Gucci, who drops one of the best hooks of the year: "I got a pocket full of dead people / Evil voices in my head, tellin' me go get this bread."
The scary thing is, his confidantes probably have hard drives that'll keep Gucci running the streets for generations.