Gucci Mane the Businessman

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Over the past couple of days I’ve found myself listening to a lot of Gucci Mane. Not The State vs. Radric Davis, but NEW Gucci. His collaborations with the likes of Young Thug, Migos and Peewee Longway have shaped modern Southern hip-hop. Although known for his rapping and antics Gucci Mane is also a great businessman. From smart signings to consistent content, Guop has been a staple of hip-hop for better or worse.

People love Gucci Mane. Almost any time I tell people about a new Gucci discovery they are intrigued. Something about the beat selection, interesting flows and trap lyrics make the combination oddly pleasing. Do I relate to Gucci Mane? Honestly no, but the catchiness of his music has been the reason he’s still in the spotlight. It makes me excited and ready for anything, whether it be a party or a test. It’s not always quality music but his gems are known throughout.

Gucci Mane has to be one of the best businessmen in the game. Gucci does it his own way. Who else can continue to direct the release of content for a record label from jail? Sentenced to 183 days in prison, Gucci keeps churning out material. In his sentence he has released a solo mixtape, four collaborative mixtapes and a handful of singles. With Gucci at the helm this new sound has started to appear throughout the rap game.

1017 Brick Squad have definitely started to expand their collaborators. Wiz Khalifa and members of 1017 joined up on many songs off the notable mixtape 28 Grams. Metro Boomin, 808 Mafia and Zaytoven make production appearances on the mixtape. More recently, 1017 was featured throughout Travi$ Scott’s Days Before Rodeo. Features from Young Thug, Pewee Longway and Metro Boomin have made the mixtape a huge hit and have boosted the G.O.O.D. Music artist’s status.

But Gucci has been in the game for a while and his 1017 Brick Squad has signed other big names too. Waka Flocka started with 1017 Brick Squad, however issues between the rapper caused the two to break their ties. But, while early connections helped Gucci sign Waka, his negotiation skills were on display as he also nabbed Chief Keef at the beginning of his popularity. Amidst rumors of Keef committing to G.O.O.D. Music, Gucci convinced the young rapper to join his expanding record label.

While Gucci Mane has appeared to be co-sponsoring or collaborating with mostly recently discovered artists, his ability to release his own music and find new artists have kept Gucci and 1017 relevant. Since 2005 Gucci has produced content that has helped both himself and his affiliates. As long as this recent stint in prison doesn’t change anything I see 1017 Brick Squad continuing as a successful record label for a long time.

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