Book Review: "The Autobiography of Gucci Mane"

Authenticity resonates with me, and even though I haven't always been an avid listener of trap music (and I'm proudly stuck in the 1990s when it comes to hip hop) I have always liked Gucci Mane. Before I came to appreciate Gucci Mane the artist, I was actually just drawn to Radric Delantic Davis the man. Something about him. He was real. He was grimy...but he was real.

Full disclosure: I was also quite drawn to his wife Keyshia Ka'oir, and their story. Their connection intrigued me. As an entertainment news buff, admittedly, the main narrative I took in over the years was about Gucci and Keyshia, how she held him down, how Gucci lost all that weight, and of course how she maintained and "flipped" his millions while incarcerated. That was a part of the story that was fascinating.

But there was so much more to Gucci than sitting courtside at NBA games in matching furs with his beautiful (and extremely entrepreneurial) Jamaican boo. The story was deeper than the weight loss and the love story. In fact, it was barely mentioned...just within the last few chapters, in passing. Instead, the book focused on the story about life, about being the product of a volatile environment...and eventually growing and evolving in a way that no longer drew Gucci to the habits and behaviours that once defined him.

The Autobiography of Gucci Mane was a tale about addiction, and self-control, about depression and paranoia, and also about friendship and trust. About talent, and fulfilling destiny. The way the individual sub-plots were presented, the interactions with friends and family, the studio-based connections and disturbances, and even his journey in the music industry in general...it was all very transparent and even educational. It helped to complete the picture that now existed in my mind. It filled in blanks and gave his character dimension.

Overall, the Autobiography of Gucci Mane was a really, really good book. An extremely satisfying read, composed while he was incarcerated. Written with Neil Martinze-Belkin, a former XXL magazine music editor, the book chronicles Gucci's entire life story up until he was released in 2016, and the time of the book's publication in 2017. OK, so I'm super late, but the story is still as powerful, and has definitely shaped a few of my hip hop perceptions for the better.


Two songs in particular that made my journey into everything Gucci come to life were First Day Out the Feds (2016) and also Wake Up in the Sky (2018) featuring Bruno Mars and Kodak Black. I've dabbled in TI, and 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, and even Migos over the years...but finally getting to sit down and read the full story from the words of Gucci himself really made my appreciation for the genre--and the Trap God himself--grow.

The best outcome from reading this book, is that I now am ready to take in the 13 album and 70+ mixtape collection of Gucci to see what I've been missing over the years. I have a new understanding of the origin stories of Future, Young Thug, Waka Flocka, the Migos, and the creation process that took place in Gucci's Atlanta studio over the years. I know more about Mike Will, and I understand the creation of 1017 Bricksquad, Gucci's label. The coming together of artists, and the process of managing personalities, experiences, goals, and environment to produce music that moves and inspires others.

Gucci is one of many rappers who have an inspiring "come up" story, needless to say. So many of our favourite artists, athletes, and other creatives have an amazing story about coming from one set of circumstances, overcoming a selection of obstacles and naysayers, and following their dreams so passionately that they are able to achieve a level of success and satisfaction that changes their lives, and empowers people around them.

As someone who has really come to "know" Gucci Mane after his release in 2016, this is the version of him I am most familiar with. The abs. The bright, white smile, the stable husband, and sober soul. This is the Gucci that first comes to mind, because I wasn't familiar with the "Lemonade" Gucci back in 2009...but I can definitely appreciate the vibes now! Same man, but his best version yet. Despite all of the times Gucci was locked up, despite some of the terrible things he did, and less than decent activities he participated in, he was still able to evolve into an influential man not only in the music industry, but in the culture in general. So many of the younger artists (particular those in Atlanta) openly respect his impact.

Millions of people can take his story, his example, and his missteps, and create a path based on his lessons and experiences. I particularly love when artists choose to do this through literature, a medium that speaks to me because of the time of it takes to craft a narrative, the patience of the publishing process, and of course the tangible longevity of the printed word. I love to see it. A brother from Alabama/Atlanta coming from a life of crime and reckless waves of behaviour...to a New York Times Bestseller. It inspires ME as a writer, and me as someone who can appreciate the social impact this book has/will have.

Good news: this October Gucci will release his second book, "The Gucci Mane Guide to Greatness" which is already available for pre-order. I am impressed with the insight Gucci has been able to provide through literature, and look forward to reading this title as well!




Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.