The Autobiography of Gucci Mane

Atlanta has always played a significant role in shaping the sound and culture of rap and hip-hop, and the influence of Gucci Mane (né Radric Davis) can't be overstated. But he almost didn't get to experience the success because of his frequent stints in jail. Most recently released in 2016, Gucci Mane has been on a tear since then, putting out albums and mixtapes and collaborating with others. This autobiography, written while he was serving time in a federal prison for possession of a firearm, paints a rich portrait. Gucci Mane was born in rural Alabama. As a young teen from very limited means, he began petty drug dealing and moved on to bigger deals to earn money fast. In 2001, he met record producer Zaytoven (with whom he still works) and music became his passion even as the drug dealing greatly funded it. Gucci Mane briefly discusses how he was accused of murder in 2005 (which was ruled an act of self-defense) but is very frank about his use of lean (a mix of prescription cough syrup, soft drinks, and fruit-flavored candy) and the tolls of addiction. Several full-color photographs enhance the stories. The book name drops frequently, as Gucci Mane has influenced and worked with almost every rapper out of Atlanta in the last decade.