Review: Gucci Mane's "I'm Up"

Trappin’ ain’t dead, but its king is still a subject to debate. Founded at the turn of the 21st century, ATL’s lyrical dope game has been led by the likes of Young Jeezy, T.I., and Shawty Lo. However, the authority of these monarchs is now questionable. It seems a pauper among them has become a prince, and he’s ready to take the throne.

Review: <a href= — Gucci Mane remains a fool to many, but in the end it’s the fool that gets the last laugh. As Isaac Asimov once put it: “That, of course, is the great secret of the successful fool – that he is no fool at all.” Indeed, Gucci is no fool at all, and his latest mixtape is evidence of exactly that. Titled I’m Up, the twenty track tape see’s Gucci and Holiday back together again. Last summer the duo released Writings On The Wall 2, as well as a collection of other street classics. Armed with experience the pair return with a similar blueprint in I'm Up, but this time they’ve stacked on extra bricks.

The ice cold emcee opens the composition with assistance from his right hand man, Zaytoven. Thereafter noteworthy producers such as Drumma Boy, Shawty Redd, Lex Luger, and Polo Da Don all make appearances. The latter provides some South Pacific strings on the catchy tune, “Cyeah.” This oddly titled track finds Gucci, Chris Brown, and Weezy crooning about sluts and swag. Wayne chimes in last with solid bars including the line, “All pussy ain’t good pussy. I don’t like bald pussy I like wolf pussy.” Scarface, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Jim Jones, and several others all make memorable appearances as well. That said, Gucci stands alone on several tracks, and stands tall. “Spread the Word” is a great example of a strong solo outing. On the bridge he states, “My momma gave birth to a trap boy. That trap boy dun turned into a dope man... and I’ma be a hustlin’ ass old man!” One bold statement made among many, but such is to be expected from a man with no fear.

He’s survived several stints in prison, a shootout for his life, and an ice cream cone on his face. Suffice it to say there seems to be nothing capable of keeping him down. Ever elevating, the undisputed leader of Brick Squad has slowly become the debated leader of the Trap. Like Gucci would say, “It Ain’t Funny,” so stop laughing and start listening. After all, nobody wants to appear foolish.

Listen or download the mixtape here today.