Gucci Mane facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gucci Mane
Gucci Mane performing in 2024
Born	Radric Delantic Davis (1980-02-12) February 12, 1980 (age 45) Bessemer, Alabama, U.S.
Other names	Guwop Mr. Zone 6 Wizop East Atlanta Santa LaFlare
Occupation	Rapper songwriter music executive actor
Years active	2001–present
Agent	Paradigm Talent Agency
Spouse(s)	Keyshia Ka'Oir ​ (m. 2017)​
Children	3
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Southern hip hop trap
Labels	GUWOP 1017 Atlantic RBC Asylum Warner Bros. Tommy Boy Big Cat
Signature

Radric Delantic Davis (born February 12, 1980), known professionally as Gucci Mane, is an American rapper. He is famous for helping to create the hip hop style called trap music for many listeners in the 2000s. He did this alongside other rappers from Atlanta, like T.I. and Jeezy.

His first studio album, Trap House (2005), was released by an independent record company. It even appeared on the Billboard 200 music chart. After that, he released Hard to Kill (2006). This album featured his first song, "Freaky Gurl", to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the same year, he released his third album, Trap-A-Thon. Later, he signed with Atlantic Records to release his fourth album, Back to the Trap House (2007).

During this time, Davis kept releasing his own music projects and collaborations. He signed with Warner Bros. Records for his sixth album, The State vs. Radric Davis (2009). This album was a big success for him. It included the song "Lemonade", which sold very well. The album reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 chart. Its follow-up, The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted (2010), reached number four. After a period away from the public eye between 2014 and 2016, he returned with new music. His ninth album, Everybody Looking (2016), reached number two on the Billboard 200. That same year, he was featured on Rae Sremmurd's song "Black Beatles". This song became his first to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Gucci Mane has released many studio albums and mixtapes since he started his music career in 2001. In 2007, he started his own record label, 1017 Records, which works with Atlantic Records. This label has signed artists like Young Thug, Waka Flocka Flame, Chief Keef, and Pooh Shiesty. He has also worked with many different artists, including the Weeknd, Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Selena Gomez, Mariah Carey, Usher, Bruno Mars, and Marilyn Manson. People often call him a very important rapper from East Atlanta. He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2020.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Growing Up in Alabama and Atlanta

Radric Delantic Davis was born on February 12, 1980, in Bessemer, Alabama. His mother, Vicky Jean Davis, was a social worker and teacher. His father, Ralph Everett Dudley, was a former U.S. serviceman. Davis's family had a strong connection to the military. Both of his grandfathers served in World War II. His father also served in the military.

Davis's parents met in 1978. His mother already had a son, Victor Davis, from another relationship. Davis was raised by his paternal grandmother for some time while his mother went to college. His mother was a teacher who taught him to read early. She also spent time teaching him from the Bible.

Davis's first school was Jonesboro Elementary. His older half-brother, Victor, introduced him to hip hop when Davis was six. They went to a concert featuring Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, and LL Cool J. Davis later used a nickname given to his father, "the Gucci Man," as his stage name.

When he was nine, Davis moved with his mother to Atlanta because of family matters. They faced some challenges finding a stable home at first. Davis grew up in an area that had a lot of activity.

Davis and his brother Victor moved to East Atlanta. Davis attended Cedar Grove Elementary School. He was generally a good student and thought of himself as athletic.

Discovering a Passion for Music

Davis enjoyed writing poetry when he was young. He started rapping at the age of 14. After a challenging period, Davis began to take music seriously. He released a project called La Flare on Str8 Drop Records. About 1000 CDs were made and shared around East Atlanta.

After La Flare, Davis was inspired by Master P to start his own music label. He began to manage another rapper, Lil Buddy, in 2001. In 2002, Davis worked with SYS Records as part of the Sign Yourself Click. He also connected with producer Zaytoven and created his own label, LaFlare Entertainment.

After looking for a distribution deal in New York, he met Big Cat, who ran Big Cat Records. Davis decided to work with Big Cat Records. He released the song "Black Tee" and a collaboration with Young Jeezy called "So Icy." He then got a distribution deal with Tommy Boy Records. Davis continued to work on underground music while getting ready for his first album.

Music Career Highlights

Early Albums: Trap House and Hard to Kill (2005–2006)

In 2005, Davis released his first independent album, Trap House. It included the song "Icy" with Young Jeezy. There were some disagreements about the rights to this song between the two artists. Trap House was a success for an independent artist. The album reached the Top 20 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. It also hit the top spot on the Billboard Heatseekers Album chart. Other artists like Bun B and Killer Mike appeared on the album.

Hard to Kill followed in 2006. This album featured the popular song "Freaky Gurl". This song reached number 12 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. It also reached number 19 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Mixtapes and Mainstream Success (2007–2010)

A new version of "Freaky Gurl" with Ludacris and Lil' Kim was on his 2007 album, Back to the Trap House. Gucci Mane also appeared on OJ da Juiceman's "Make Tha Trap Say Aye". He started working on many mixtapes. After his mixtapes Bird Money and Writing on the Wall became popular, Gucci Mane signed with Warner Bros. Records in May 2009.

He was featured on remixes of songs by The Black Eyed Peas and Mariah Carey. He also appeared on Mario's "Break Up." In 2009, he was a guest artist on 17 different songs. Gucci Mane's sixth studio album, The State vs. Radric Davis, was released on December 8, 2009. Its first song, "Wasted" with Plies, was very successful. It reached number 36 on the Hot 100. The second song was "Spotlight" featuring Usher. Other popular songs from the album included "Lemonade" and "Bingo". In October 2009, MTV ranked Gucci Mane as one of the "Hottest MCs in the Game."

New Labels and Collaborations (2010–2012)

After a period away from the public eye, Gucci Mane announced he would change his label name to 1017 Brick Squad Records. His album, The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted, was released on September 28, 2010. The first song from this album was "Gucci Time", featuring Swizz Beatz.

On March 18, 2011, Gucci Mane released his EP, The Return of Mr. Zone 6. It reached number 18 on the Billboard 200. He also released a collaboration album with Waka Flocka Flame called Ferrari Boyz on August 5. This was Gucci Mane's first collaboration album. Ferrari Boyz reached number 21 on the Billboard 200. Gucci Mane released another collaboration album, BAYTL, with rapper V-Nasty on December 13.

In February 2012, Gucci Mane released his Trap Back mixtape. It featured artists like Yo Gotti, Rocko, Waka Flocka Flame, Jadakiss, 2 Chainz, and Future. The mixtape received good reviews from music critics.

Gucci Mane performing on August 29, 2010

On May 25, 2012, Gucci Mane released another mixtape, I'm Up. He released music videos for several songs from this mixtape. He then released Trap God on October 17, 2012. This mixtape included features from Waka Flocka Flame, Rick Ross, Future, Meek Mill, and Birdman.

New Albums and Challenges (2013)

On February 12, 2013, Gucci Mane released his mixtape Trap God 2. By the end of March, he released three more mixtapes: Free Bricks 2 with Young Scooter, Trap Back 2, and EastAtlantaMemphis with Young Dolph. Gucci Mane announced in February 2013 that he would release a new studio album called Trap House III. It was released on May 21, 2013.

In September 2013, there were some disagreements among members of his music group, 1017 Brick Squad. Gucci Mane later apologized for some of his online comments. He explained that he was going through a difficult time. Plans for his album Mr. GuWop were changed. Gucci Mane released his tenth studio album, The State vs. Radric Davis II: The Caged Bird Sings, on Christmas Day 2013.

Music Releases While Away (2014–2016)

Gucci Mane released new music in 2014, starting with a collaborative mixtape with Young Thug called Young Thugga Mane La Flare. He also released Brick Factory Vol. 1 with other 1017 BrickSquad artists. He then released three digital albums on the same day: The Purple Album (with Young Thug), The Green Album (with Migos), and The White Album (with Peewee Longway). These were known as World War 3D. His eighth digital album, Trap House 4, was released on July 4, 2014.

On July 17, 2014, he released a collaborative album with Young Dolph and PeeWee Longway called Felix Brothers. He also announced a new album, The Oddfather. On August 15, 2014, Gucci Mane released his tenth digital album, Gucci Vs Guwop. He released Brick Factory Vol. 2 on September 3. He then promoted Trap God 3, which came out on October 17, 2014. This became his highest-charting release during this period. On October 31, 2014, Gucci Mane and Chief Keef released a collaborative mixtape called Big Gucci Sosa.

On Christmas Day, Gucci Mane released his 13th mixtape, East Atlanta Santa. He also teamed up with producer Honorable C Note for a Christmas mixtape called C-Note Vs. Gucci. In total, he released many projects in 2014.

Gucci Mane released his 14th mixtape, 1017 Mafia: Incarcerated, on January 3, 2015. On his birthday, February 12, 2015, he released Brick Factory 3. Soon after, he released an EP called Views From Zone 6. On March 20, 2015, Gucci Mane released three digital albums: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. These included guest features from artists like iLoveMakonnen and Waka Flocka Flame. Four days later, he released an EP called Dessert.

On April 6, 2015, Gucci Mane released Trap House 5 (The Last Chapter). This was the final part of his Trap House series. On May 20, 2015, he released his tenth project of the year, King Gucci. On December 25, 2015, Gucci Mane released a mixtape called East Atlanta Santa 2. In April 2016, he released a large collection of his music called Meal Ticket.

Return to the Spotlight (2016–2018)

On May 26, 2016, Gucci Mane was released from a period away from the public eye. The next day, he released his first song under his new deal with Atlantic Records, "First Day Out tha Feds". On June 3, 2016, Gucci Mane appeared on "Champions," a song from GOOD Music's Cruel Winter album. On June 17, 2016, he performed for the first time since his return. On June 25, 2016, he announced his ninth studio album, Everybody Looking, which was released on July 22, 2016. He also headlined a concert called "Gucci & Friends" in Atlanta.

In September 2016, Gucci Mane worked with Rae Sremmurd on the song "Black Beatles". In November 2016, this song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This was Gucci Mane's first number-one song as a featured artist. The song was very popular and stayed at the top of the chart for several weeks.

He released Woptober on October 14, 2016. He also released a project called Free Bricks 2 with Future. On November 23, 2016, Gucci Mane and Lil Uzi Vert released a collaborative EP, "1017 vs. The World".

His tenth studio album, "The Return of East Atlanta Santa", was released on December 16, 2016. On May 26, 2017, Gucci Mane released Droptopwop, a collaborative mixtape with Metro Boomin. This mixtape featured artists like Rick Ross and Offset.

In August 2017, Gucci Mane announced his eleventh studio album, Mr. Davis. The album was released on October 13, 2017. It included "I Get the Bag" featuring Migos, which reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was his most successful song as a solo artist.

Two months later, Gucci Mane released his twelfth studio album El Gato: The Human Glacier. A week after its release, Gucci Mane announced his thirteenth album, Evil Genius, which was released on December 7, 2018.

Recent Projects (2019–Present)

In 2019, he released two studio albums, Delusions of Grandeur and Woptober II. On July 3, 2020, Gucci Mane released the So Icy Summer album. This was his first project of 2020, following East Atlanta Santa 3 in 2019. On July 30, he worked with rapper Mulatto for the song "Muwop".

On October 16, 2020, Gucci Mane released another album with his label 1017 Records, called So Icy Gang Vol. 1. This album featured new members of the label. In 2021, he released his fifteenth studio album, Ice Daddy.

On November 15, 2022, the rapper released the song and video "Letter to Takeoff," dedicated to the rapper Takeoff. Throughout 2023, Gucci released about ten songs. These included "King Snipe", "06 Gucci", "Pissy", "Bluffin", and "There I Go". Many of these songs featured other artists. His sixteenth studio album, Breath of Fresh Air, was released on October 17, 2023. It is his largest project ever, with 24 songs and 12 music videos.

Other Activities

Acting Roles

Gucci Mane started acting in the 2012 film Birds of a Feather. He starred alongside Producer Zaytoven. In the same year, he was in Spring Breakers. This movie also featured James Franco, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine.

Delantic Clothing Line

In May 2016, Gucci Mane began showing pictures of his upcoming clothing line called Delantic. This line includes different types of clothes, like T-shirts, hoodies, and underwear.

His Autobiography

In September 2017, Davis published his autobiography, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane. He wrote the book during a period away from the public eye. Neil Martinez-Belkin, a former XXL Magazine editor, helped him write it. Before the book came out, Davis released a short video trailer for it. The Autobiography of Gucci Mane became a New York Times bestseller. The New Yorker magazine said the book helped organize his life story.

Working with Gucci Fashion

In 2019, Davis started working with the Italian fashion company Gucci. The brand had not worked with him before because of his past image. After a few years of personal growth, including getting married and improving his fitness, Gucci announced he would be the face of their Gucci Cruise 2020 Campaign.

Personal Life

After his return to the public eye in 2016, some people online started a funny theory. They joked that he was a "clone" of the "real" Gucci Mane. They pointed to his new slim look, a slight change in his voice, and his healthier lifestyle as "proof." Gucci Mane denied this and made fun of the theory on Instagram. Davis talked about his new healthy lifestyle with The New York Times in 2016.

Davis married Keyshia Ka'oir in Miami on October 17, 2017. Keyshia is the founder of Ka'oir Cosmetics and Ka'oir Fitness. Their wedding was paid for by BET. BET also created a TV series called The Mane Event, which showed their wedding preparations and the ceremony. Davis had proposed to Ka'oir after performing at an Atlanta Hawks basketball game. On December 23, 2020, Ka'oir gave birth to their son, Ice Davis. On February 8, 2023, Ka'oir gave birth to their daughter, Iceland Ka'oir Davis.

In his 2017 autobiography, Davis shared that he has a son born in 2007. He did not know about this child until the child was ten months old.

Discography

Studio albums

• Trap House (2005)
• Hard to Kill (2006)
• Trap-A-Thon (2007)
• Back to the Trap House (2007)
• Murder Was the Case (2009)
• The State vs. Radric Davis (2009)
• The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted (2010)
• The Return of Mr. Zone 6 (2011)
• Everybody Looking (2016)
• The Return of East Atlanta Santa (2016)
• Mr. Davis (2017)
• Evil Genius (2018)
• Delusions of Grandeur (2019)
• Woptober II (2019)
• Ice Daddy (2021)
• Breath of Fresh Air (2023)

Collaborative albums

• Ferrari Boyz (2011) (with Waka Flocka Flame)
• BAYTL (2011) (with V-Nasty)
• So Icy Boyz (2021) (with 1017)
• Choppers & Bricks (2023) (with B.G.)

Filmography

Awards and Nominations

BET Awards

BET Hip Hop Awards

Grammy Awards

iHeartRadio Music Awards

MTV Video Music Awards

See also

In Spanish: Gucci Mane para niños