When Gucci Mane was released from prison back in September 2016, we all had an idea of what was to come: an onslaught of new music. And while Guwop proved us right with five solo projects and several collaborations, we were ultimately short changing the East Atlanta Santa.
Guwop is in the midst of a full fledged transition, and a graceful one at that. In fact, music is but one element of his evolving image. Nowadays, Gucci has diversified his revenue stream, culminating in moves like the release of his book The Autobiography of Gucci Mane, which came out in conjunction with his dismissal from probation.
While his acumen speaks for itself, Gucci Mane's most impressive post-incarceration move may very well be the establishment of his record label 107 Eskimo Records. The label roster has already been making waves off the strength of its current front men, the kingpin Hoodrich Pablo Juan and the dark and mysterious Lil Wop. On top of that, the label has added the talents of Z Money, as well as youthful trap duo Lil Quilll & Young Mal.
With the label's inaugural compilation project 1017 Eskimo Presents: Eskimo Boys Vol. 1 on the way, it's even more apparent that 1017 is about to make waves. In anticipation of the sauce we're expecting the 1017 Eskimo Boys to bring, we've compiled an essential guide to the entire roster, from their top songs to their origins in the game. Familiarize yourself, as you should.
Hoodrich Pablo Juan
With his nonchalant flow and prolific discography, Hoodrich Pablo Juan is arguably the superstar of 1017 Eskimo Records. Hoodrich lived up to his name, garnering a reputation by selling drugs to rappers, including Migos, Peeway Longway and Young Thug. In fact, Hoodrich Pablo Juan often accredits his appearance on Peewee Longway's "African Diamonds" as his first major breakthrough as an artist.
It wasn't until his 2015 mixtape Designer Drugz that Hoodrich truly declared his stake in the race to become Atlanta's hottest rapper. Now with the release of Designer Drugz 3 and his most recent effort, The Matrix, it appears that Hoodrich Pablo Juan is ready to truly break into mainstream rap.
Top Songs
"We Don't Love Em"
"Do This"
"Man With The Plan"
Projects
Designer Drugz
Designer Drugz 2
Designer Drugz 3
Mony Pwr Rspt
MONYPWRRSPT World
MONYPWRRSPT World Rules
Dirty Money, Power, Respect
HoodWolf
Rich Hood
Master Sensei
South Dark
The Matrix
Lil Wop
The mysterious Lil Wop was born in Chicago and relocated to Atlanta shortly after his little brother moved there. He is known to be close with several rappers including Famous Dex (who may or may not be his cousin) and Kodie Shane. Apparently, Lil Wop and Trippie Redd initially linked up after one of their fans tagged them in their videos, suggesting they should make music together. From there, the two linked up, and Trippie and Wop were roommates for a time, presumably while they recorded their collaborative mixtape Angels & Demons.
Lil Wop's first big track was a song called "Broadway," initiating the world to his raspy and guttural sound. From there he continued to blend trap with horrocore, accumulating a number of cult hit like the recent "Pint Of Blood" or the Cuban Doll assisted "Bombay."
Top Songs
"Lost My Mind"
"Sinister"
"No Heart"
Projects
Wopavelli
Wopavelli 2
Wopavelli 3
Wake and Bake
Yung Mal & Lil Quill
The young rockstars of the sqaud. Lil Quill, 19, and Yung Mal, 22, met in 2008 after Mal relocated from New Orleans to East Atlanta. Mal initially found success with his solo record "Str8 Out Da Pot" in 2016 and shortly after, he and Lil Quill joined forces and began making music together. In 2017, the duo found their first big hit with "Publicity Stunt."
By the end of the year, Quill & Mal had gained widespread respect and notoriety for their aggressive and authentic sound, not to mention the strength of their KIDS OF THE 6 mixtape, which ultimately landed them on Gucci Mane's radar. Now, with Guwop and the resources of 1017 Eskimo Records behind them, we can only imagine the vast potential of their reach.
Top Songs
"Been In My Bag"
"Everyday"
"Phonebook"
Projects
KIDS OF THE 6
Blessed Little Bastards
Came From 0
Z Money
The hustler of the group, flat out. Not only does the Westside Chicago native secure the bag from his music, but his diversified sources of income include the restaurant he owns back in Chicago, six 18-wheeler trucks, and a car wash he expects to be up-and-running by the end of 2018. As for the music, Z initially received a vote of confidence in 2014 from none other than Chance The Rapper, after Chancelor used Z Money's song "Want My Money" for his Acid Rap mixtape trailer.
Z Money doubled down on the co-sign with his Rich B4 Rap & Heroin Muzik mixtapes, but things went south after a probation violation landed him a stint in county for nearly a year. Upon his release in 2015, Z Money moved to Atlanta and dedicated himself to his craft. Now, with his latest mixtape Heroin Bag propelling him, it appears that Z Money has a second chance at being the next major artist to come out of Chicago.
Top Songs
"Dope Boy Shit"
"Prefer"
"Chess/Chiraq Mogul"
RichB4Rap
RichB4Rap2
Heroin Bag