Gucci Mane: “I’m so big in Atlanta”
AP photo
Gucci Mane does not dream small.
The Atlanta rapper talked to The Source Magazine for its April “Green” issue. He said he wants to be “the richest person in Atlanta,” and that he’s becoming so famous he can scarcely live his life.
“I’m so big in Atlanta right now, I can’t even go outside,” Gucci says in an excerpt the magazine sent us. “It never used to be like this. Now old people, white people, all people know who I am. Like people almost wrecking their car to take a picture of my car.”
Gucci says people have followed him home seeking an autograph and that a police office once pulled him over just to see his ride.
“Yesterday, I’m in my Ferrari, I get pulled over, the cop comes to the car and says, ‘Sorry, I just wanna see the inside of your Ferrari.’ I swear to God.”
Gucci was detained briefly when Henry County authorities raided the home of fellow rapper Waka Flocka Flame in December, but he didn’t discuss that.
“I can’t really go into detail, but I was detained, released, and wasn’t charged with any crime,” Gucci said. “When you go through stuff like that, you just got to shut your mouth and wait ‘til it blows over.”
Records show the artist, whose real name is Radric Davis, has been in the Fulton County Jail at least five times since 2005 on drug, aggravated assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges. But Gucci’s all about looking ahead.
“When I came out of school, I had a 3.4 GPA,” said Gucci, who went to Georgia Perimeter College. “I was always a smart guy. I always prided myself on being a challenger and making challenging decisions. I’m not perfect, but I definitely try my best to be a good person that makes wise decisions.”
- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com
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221 comments Add your comment
Young Black Men on the road to Extinction
March 15th, 2011
1:08 pm
I am a black mother & grandmother & I am so disappointed in our young people especially young black men who seems to be headed to self destruction, drugs, murders, incarceration, lack of education, I am really so disappointed in them. I pray for my sons & grandsons because I do NOT want them to be a victim of their associates. The majority of murdered victims in the black community know they killers, that itself says a lot. I don’t want Gucci Mane, T.I. or any of the other rappers to be considered role models to our young people, but sadly enough, most of them are. The majority of them are in & out of the prison system, why? because they decide to make very STUPID life decisions. It has gotten to the point where I can’t bare to watch A & E”s the First 48 because I feel helpless & angry at watching mostly young black men lying in their own blood, their life cut short because of foolishness & nonsense. The majority of the killers are like the victims, young. It’s not always the parents fault, but I would very much like to say to ALL of these fathers, daddy’s and/or sperm donors out here. GET INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD’s LIFE NOW BEFORE THERE ARE NO OLD BLACK MEN WALKING AROUND BECAUSE THEY ARE EITHER DEAD OR IN PRISON. Black people are each other’s greatest enemy. I am more afraid of my own people than anyother race. I shouldn’t be afraid of anyone, especially my own race. So to all these absent fathers & these you can’t see your child because you are with someone else babby mama’s get over yourself & raise your child(ren) as a team. If not, when your child ends up dead or in prison, you will be at fault 110%.
gm
March 15th, 2011
1:09 pm
CPW: So did Setpin Fetchit
Tim
March 15th, 2011
1:16 pm
@ Young Black Men on the road to Extinction – Amen for speaking the truth. I admire your honesty and concern for your race. I am white and every race has bad people but I have not seen a finer post on this blog than what you wrote.
Gucci Mane Covers "The Source" + Travis Barker & The Cool Kids Perform On "106 & Park" | Ghanamma.com
March 15th, 2011
1:16 pm
[...] his face tattoo, a lot of fans and critics may not think Gucci Mane is the smartest guy around. In this month’s issue of The Source he addresses critics who don’t think he’s very bright saying, [...]
gm
March 15th, 2011
1:16 pm
Young Black Men on the road to Extinction: Mothers please teach these stupid girls and stop trying to be their friends, and when you get over 40 please stay out of the club mothers, and you can not wear 20 years old clothes.
I have a son that is 18 and I told him if President Obama wears his pants down then you can wear yours down, there are plenty black fathers taking care of their business.
mothers concerned
March 15th, 2011
1:18 pm
I’m African American mom this young man has big problems how famous could he be. I’m feel sorry for him you can tell he’s been dreaming a lot, if he thinks people are asking for his autograph be for real. He’s unstable and of all the people why would the source use him. He’s a big joke you’ll see him locked up again and a ice cream tattoo on the face come on!!! That is the same guy we are talking about right
CS
March 15th, 2011
1:19 pm
Heck!
George W. Bush’s GPA wasn’t even that good and look at all he accomplished.
LOL!!!!
Peachy
March 15th, 2011
1:22 pm
I don’t know what’s more sad, the fact that he really thinks he’s “so big in Atlanta” or the fact that a police officer actually opened his mouth to say that he only wanted to see the inside of his car. Smh! Wow!!
Racks on, Racks off
March 15th, 2011
1:22 pm
@ Just Sayin: Come on, son! “atlmom” is obviously someone who created a fictitious profile as a “Thirty eight year old, white, full time employed mother here… .” Think about it: what in the world would a 38 y.o. white woman know about true players “in the game of rap and hip hop in Atlanta.”????!!!!!
That being said, the toll that drugs have taken on Gucci Mane is – sadly – really starting to manifest with his self-declaration of being “so big in Atlanta.”
Tina
March 15th, 2011
1:25 pm
Gucci what???? Who is this dude??? And in jail on 5 different times. Please. AJC…this is why I ignore the poor sap planted outside of Sams Club, begging folks to subscribe to your trash. Why is this guy news???
Bored
March 15th, 2011
1:27 pm
Best of luck beating out the Cox family for that “richest person in Atlanta” title. Hope you’ve enlisted Sean Combs as your mentor. Moron.
bigeasy830
March 15th, 2011
1:30 pm
I don’t believe most of you know how the music industry works. These artist don’t make much that money anymore. The music industry was one of the first industries hit by a serious recession back in the early 2000’s and it is in an even deeper hole now. Record labels do not give advance money for projects anymore, you make the songs and take it to them. They then market it, and many times they want you to have the budget money for the marketing. Hence the drug dealers with their easy cash and their stupid music. The money does not trickle down in the music industry anymore it flows upward, hence the 360 deals. The jewelry you see these rappers wear, the cars they drive, and sometimes the house they live in are loaned to them. The only money the make is from shows, most prmoters are afraid of hip hop shows because of the violence from the people that this type of music attracts. Gucci mane biggest selling CD did not even go gold, and remember he owes money for the marketing of that CD and if it made a profit his cut is probably smaller than he pretend it is. Rap music is garbage because it’s “garbage in, garbage out”. meaning if a person with poor morale standards create a product and their only intention is to make money for themselves, that product will be…well…you all have heard Gucci Mane’s songs. But anyway, I bet he isn’t laughing all the way to the bank as often as some of you think he is, and when he gets there and sees the balance he probably isn’t laughing at all. That is why he aspires to “be the richest man in Atlanta”, cause he probably don’t have much more than his dreams and aspirations and they are fading just like his 15 minutes of fame.
al
March 15th, 2011
1:31 pm
I think he meant to say his IQ is 3.4
omat
March 15th, 2011
1:32 pm
Reality check
1. He’s a relatively young guy living in a fantasy world.
2. He has more money than 99% of the planet.
3. He is ugly as h*** and getting all the sex he wants.
Why would any adult even take what he says seriously?
T
March 15th, 2011
1:41 pm
Really? I thought he was only big in Henry and Clayton Counties.
Gary
March 15th, 2011
1:43 pm
If your money comes from fame and commercial success it might as well be as good as gone. Enjoy it while you can Gucci. Quick rise quick crash. There are few who manage a stable career in this industry.
Darryl
March 15th, 2011
1:45 pm
I’m not a big fan of his music. his music is made for certain demographics and at certain times and events. but i know for sure he wont be the richest person in town if joe johnson is still playing for the hawks…o yea I am a African american if it means anything to you.
Suburban Mom
March 15th, 2011
1:49 pm
A leased Ferrari and a rented Clayton County home – keep on ballin’, Gucci.
sammy miller
March 15th, 2011
1:51 pm
Ha! He wants to be the richest person in Atlanta! He won’t ever crack the top 200 richest!
Gucci Mane Covers The Source Magazine - An Honor Roll Student Turned Famed Atlanta Rapper! | INN THE BASEMENT
March 15th, 2011
1:55 pm
[...] Gucci Mane covers The Source Magazine and tells how proud he is, no not of the tattoo of ice cream on his face, but the 3.4 grade point average he earned at Georgia Perimeter College. “When I came out of school, I had a 3.4 GPA. I was always a smart guy. I always prided myself on being a challenger and making challenging decisions. I’m not perfect, but I definitely try my best to be a good person that makes wise decisions.” – source [...]
atlmom
March 15th, 2011
1:57 pm
@Racks On, Racks Off – do you know what line of business I am in? Do you to whom my business caters? No – you do not. Therefore, you do not know what I know about the business here in Atlanta and elsewhere. You, however, would be best suited to refrain from judging, as well. I merely stated facts, nothing more. Clearly there are several folks who like to jump on here and spin stories, put other people down and make a mountain out of a mole hill — all because they can hide behind the anonymity of their computer. I rarely post on any blogs, but this one caught my eye and I did…but only very sorry I did now, when I see how contentious so many of the commenters are. Grow up!
JoeV
March 15th, 2011
2:06 pm
@DNice
You can say whatever you like about GPC, but it doesn’t change the fact that its a VERY lower tier school. Please don’t even try to act like it has ANYTHING to do with UGA. Jesus, I can’t believe how people in this state go to any of the po-dunk U’s and try to act like they go to UGA. West GA is NOT UGA. KSU is NOT UGA. GPC is NOT UGA. GPC awards two year degrees and is the equivalent of an extra year of high school to those that hold bachelor’s degrees from real schools.
shannon
March 15th, 2011
2:09 pm
im simi- on the comments
Wayne stuck in AL
March 15th, 2011
2:21 pm
I thought that when Sonia Murray left the AJC we wouldn’t have to read about these thugs anymore…
Coop
March 15th, 2011
2:22 pm
I think the GPA he is referring to was from high school…not college
Consistently Amazed
March 15th, 2011
2:23 pm
Go Gucci!!! There is nothing wrong with having dreams, especially when you pursue them. For those of you upset about it, GO FLY A KITE. He has the right to want more for himself just as everyone else on here. I may think he makes poor decisions but I am always for improving your circumstances. Stop judging, if you have such huge issues with his message go teach others your message, Go do something productive or just shut up!
JoeV
March 15th, 2011
2:32 pm
@Coop
I believe you are right.
SkunkApe
March 15th, 2011
2:51 pm
I am twice as big as this joker. Literally. Im over 8 feet tall. and covered in luxurious locks of hair. Now if any of you actually get a photo of me not only will we be the newsstory of the century, i will be worldwide BIG. if this fails Skunk ape is able to open up a portal to the Penal Zone and hurtle the Gucci into another dimension.
jerrie
March 15th, 2011
3:17 pm
You are famous for alot of the wrong things..like picking up ladies at a club and throwing they out of one of your “cars”. How about being famous for doing what is right and moral and staying out of jail…how about that???
Telling it like it is
March 15th, 2011
3:33 pm
Steve
You and Aaron are the same racist person. Get a life Chump. Were you raised like that? I hope your parents didn’t raise you that way, or did they punk.
j cook
March 15th, 2011
4:01 pm
ice cream people thats why people no
Carlton
March 15th, 2011
4:23 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFiPANvxfDg
This is probably one of the funniest youtube videos that clowns on OJ Juiceman, Gucci, and Waka Flocka. Y’all have to check it out.
Ice cream cones on faces is the next wave of awesomeness in tattoos by the way.
He said what?????
March 15th, 2011
4:26 pm
CPW – yep the same haters that will be paying for his bankruptcy one day with our tax money!!!!
It’s Gucci Time! Gucci Mane’s “24 Hours” video, Source cover, and more » Grubbyhub Blog - Get Your Latest Info Here!
March 15th, 2011
4:33 pm
[...] feat. Master P (who was at one point Gucci’s manager) “Brinks” (off Mr. Zone 6) Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Gucci Mane feature “The Buzz: Gucci Mane “I’m so big… MTV: Gucci Mane Producer Drumma Boy Talks Duo’s Best [...]
Tired of this crap
March 15th, 2011
4:33 pm
It absolutely amazes me. Whenever there is a subject that involves race, the idiots go wild. I’m going to sum up my thoughts for you. The bottom line is that idiots like Gucci Mane have become role models for black youth all because he made some money and has a nice car. Gucci Mane continues to get in legal troubles because it puts him in the news and gives him more publicity. Bottom line is that the under privileged black youth are going to do everything they can to be like him to escape the poor situations so many of them are in. Until there are more positive role models for black youth, it is going to be a cycle that continues.
I am a white man that lived in an all black community. There were stark differences between the youth and the older generations. The older generations have succeeded more because they had more positive role models like Martin Luther King Jr. They believe in hard work and for the most part stay out of trouble, like most segments of the population. But the black youth are growing up with these incredibly stupid role models who promote being in gangs and living a criminal type lifestyle all to make a buck off the backs of this failing community. It disgusts me and angers me.
And just like so many parents, the older generation of blacks do everything they can to raise their children right. The problem is that they typically have to work longer hours at lower paying jobs just to support their family…leaving their kids to fend for themselves in a world of few positive role models. This is a population that needs help, not hate. The only thing I hate, are these idiots, like Gucci Mane, who are destroying an entire population of black youth with their message of stupidity.
I’m fed up with this crap. These “artists” are simply making money off of, and killing the futures of America’s black youth by filling them full of ideas that the thug life is where it’s at. But as long as the money keeps flowing, these idiots will keep spewing their crap.
mothers concerned
March 15th, 2011
4:50 pm
A leased car a rented home in Clayton county keep on ballin to what what. He doesn’t own it he is leasing
BBR2010 – Fresh for a new Decade » » It’s Gucci Time! Gucci Mane’s “24 Hours” video, Source cover, and more
March 15th, 2011
4:58 pm
[...] feat. Master P (who was at one point Gucci’s manager) “Brinks” (off Mr. Zone 6) Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Gucci Mane feature “The Buzz: Gucci Mane “I’m so big… MTV: Gucci Mane Producer Drumma Boy Talks Duo’s Best [...]
Tired of Uneducated People
March 15th, 2011
6:30 pm
@Tyler Hall, you’re so ignorant. I can only imagine how successful you are in life. Learn to spell please, you sound like an idiot.
Mozart
March 15th, 2011
7:33 pm
Rap sux.
scott
March 15th, 2011
8:10 pm
see this is whats wrong with black america..the thug and ghetto mentality rules while education,speaking properly takes a back seat..and as a white male i happen to like black americans and admire thier mental strengths and what they have endured and thier are some very rich and very intelligent black americans out thier that got thier crap together but its ignorant,thugs like this that cast a cloud over those that have made great accomplishments and its unfortunate that most white look at this thug and think all blacks are like this idiot..what an embarrasment to his race
BB
March 15th, 2011
8:39 pm
He needs to get over himself.
whitefolk
March 15th, 2011
8:57 pm
White people White people White people White people White people White people White people White people White people White people White people White people White people White people
Gucci Mane Covers “The Source” + Travis Barker & The Cool Kids Perform On “106 & Park” | FabMedia
March 15th, 2011
9:07 pm
[...] face tattoo, a lot of fans and critics may not think Gucci Mane is the smartest guy around. In this month’s issue of The Source he addresses critics who don’t think he’s very bright saying, [...]
Gucci Mane Covers “The Source” + Travis Barker & The Cool Kids Perform On “106 & Park” « Blog Dennis (mir)
March 15th, 2011
9:10 pm
[...] face tattoo, a lot of fans and critics may not think Gucci Mane is the smartest guy around. In this month’s issue of The Source he addresses critics who don’t think he’s very bright saying, "Yeah. [...]
Gucci Mane Covers “The Source” + Travis Barker & The Cool Kids Perform On “106 & Park” | Celebrity News Blog
March 15th, 2011
9:21 pm
[...] mау nοt thіnk Gucci Mane іѕ thе smartest guy around. In thіѕ month’s issue οf Thе Source hе addresses critics whο don’t thіnk hе′s [...]
limousine
March 15th, 2011
9:36 pm
He needs to stop booking limousines. or he will be poor. Stop this craziness. He has some money now but it won’t last. Not the way he is spending it.
LawdHamercy
March 16th, 2011
12:17 am
Georgia has the most racist people in America. Black or white, we have the market cornered on ignorance and self importance.
The kid’s doing well. He’s making money, not committing crimes. Yes his music is dumb. It’s entertainment, nothing more. Get over yourselves and get a life.
@The Role Models of the Black Community_ So who made you the expert? Maybe if we’d invest in education here in Georgia instead of the prison system, then the black community wouldn’t be where it is.
Gucci Mane Covers "The Source" + Travis Barker & The Cool Kids Perform On "106 & Park" | Thenigeriandaily.com
March 16th, 2011
12:41 am
[...] his face tattoo, a lot of fans and critics may not think Gucci Mane is the smartest guy around. In this month’s issue of The Source he addresses critics who don’t think he’s very bright [...]
Robert
March 16th, 2011
1:24 am
Gucci who? Okay I’ve heard your name, but it’s for the stupid things you apparently do or had done. Never heard of your music, don’t plan on it and what money you may have, it’s not from me nor will it ever be. You can also be assured, I would never wreck my car trying to take a picture of you. Also, I could be standing next to you and have no clue to who you are and this is after checking out lots of pictures of you from google. While some find you talented, worthwhile or interesting, I DON’T. There are too many talented folks out there struggling who are more talented and more interesting with less money and not always in trouble with the law.
G Funk
March 16th, 2011
2:16 am
Ask Ying Yang Twins how that worked out. They just played a bar/nightclub next to my office and maybe 40 people showed. Cost the owner 10G’s and they closed shortly after. This guy could show at my office with his name on his forehead and no one would know who his is. BTW the top 5 richest people in the ATL aren’t in the entertainment business.