Gucci Mane has been celebrated for his influential Atlanta trap sound as well as his prolific output, but his ear for new talent is among one of his greatest gifts. Whether taking a fellow ATL rapper under his wing, or simply featuring them on his records, Guwop has always made an effort to promote the up-and-coming artists in his city. While his A&R efforts were put on halt during his nearly 3-year prison sentence, the rapper is officially getting back into developing artists with the launch of his 1017 Eskimo label and first signee, Ralo, who is also from Atlanta. Following the news, we've put together a list of some of the notable artists from ATL who have received the coveted Gucci Mane co-sign.
Check out the list in the video below, and revisit some of Gucci's best collaborations with the artists in the galleries above.
OJ and Gucci's relationship dates back to the early '90s, when the two lived in the same apartment building. They've become an important part of the foundation for Southern rap, collaborating frequently since the early 2000s. OJ's debut album The Otha Side of The Trap was released in partnership with Gucci's label, 1017 Brick Squad Records. Despite their close affiliation and friendship, OJ has claimed he was never officially signed to 1017 Brick Squad.
Most 🔥 collab: "Make The Trap Say Aye"
Waka Flocka
Waka Flocka and Gucci have a complicated history. Waka was among the first artists signed to 1017 Brick Squad, however in recent years, Waka and Gucci's relationship has soured. Waka was introduced to Gucci at 19-years old, through his mom, Debrah Antney, GuWop's former manager. Gucci is credited with giving Waka the "Flocka Flame" part of his rap moniker, and he released Waka's debut Flockaveli through 1017 Records.
Most 🔥 collab: "Ferrari Boyz"
2 Chainz
2 Chainz, f.k.a. Tity Boi, was never formally signed to Gucci, however the two have maintained strong ties and have remained local forces in the ATL scene. While 2 Chainz has also become a mainstream name in recent years, Gucci was on board the Chainz bandwagon prior to the name change-- collaborations date back to 2007, with songs like "U Feel Me" and in 2009, "P*ssy Rehab." Present day, the two are still collabing-- the most recent being "Good Drank."
Most 🔥 collab: "Use Me"
Young Scooter
Scooter, who happens to be a childhood friend of Future, is affiliated with both Future's Freebandz imprint as well as Gucci's Brick Squad. Scooter says he met Gucci "in the streets"; the two artists both residing in the infamous Zone 6 of Atlanta. Following a couple of Freebandz-released mixtapes, Scooter dropped Street Lottery in 2013 via 1017 Records, and that same year, he teamed up with Gucci for a collaborative mixtape, Free Bricks 2.
Most 🔥 collab: "Work"
Future
Future got his start in the game working with the Dungeon Family, however it didn't take long until the all-seeing Gucci got his hands on him. Gucci and Future first connected around 2010, and the two released their first joint effort together in 2011, Free Bricks. Just this year, a follow-up was released, Free Bricks 2: Zone 6 Edition.
Most 🔥 collab: "Fuck Da World"
After a string of mixtape releases from 2011-2012, Zone 3 ATL native Young Thug caught Gucci's attention, and the rapper took him under his icey wing. Gucci quickly signed Thug to 1017, and the two eventually released a joint mixtape Young Thugga Mane La Flare. Young Thug's career has grown immensely since he first linked with Gucci, and despite the two no longer doing business together officially-- Thug's 1017 contract was sold off to 300 Ent.-- they've remained frequent collaborators and friends.
Most 🔥 collab: "Fuck Da World"
RHQ is another Atlanta trapper that became entangled into Gucci's web, and while he was blessed by the So Icey co-sign, he was never actually signed to 1017. Nonetheless he claims just being affiliated with Gucci was a boost in confidence. Gucci definitely believed in him-- he was featured three times on 2013's Trap House III, and Gucci even dropped a joint mixtape with Rich Homie, Trust God Fuck 12, without RHQ's knowledge at the time.
Most 🔥 collab: "I Heard"
Peewee Longway
Peewee Longway may be the most underground rappers on this list. He signed to 1017 Records in 2013, right before Gucci's jail stint, after being introduced to Gucci by his uncle and Brick Squad member Cold Blooded Da Don. Shortly after signing, the two dropped the collaborative Money, Pounds, Ammunition mixtape. Peewee boasts countless songs and mixtapes with Big Gucci.
Most 🔥 collab: "Pocket Watching"
Migos, aside from being influenced by Gucci and being managed by Coach K, a once-Gucci manager, have also been blessed with the Trap God's co-sign. The trio got an early co-sign from Gucci with the rapper's appearance on their Y.R.N. mixtape in 2013, and then they landed on Gucci's World War 3D: The Green Album in 2014. They joined forces once again in 2017, with "Slippery" off Migos' Culture.
Most 🔥 collab; "Dennis Rodman"