Gucci Mane has been my favorite rapper for over a decade. It’s wild to think he’s followed through college, multiple jobs and two white girlfriends. Being a Gucci fan has been a constant in my life. Two of the main reasons I love Gucci is his consistent growth and his belief in those around him. He’s birthed a lot of careers and Gucci really loves his kids. So with this in mind, let’s get into his newest tape: “Gucci Mane: So Icy Summer”
Gucci really is a proud father.
Gucci Mane got more kids in rap than Eddie Murphy has in real life. He loves them so much he brings them everywhere he goes, even if they don’t need to be there. Gucci will put his kids in more big budget productions than Judd Apatow. Gucci himself stays consistent on this tape, it’s not as dynamic as he was at his peak but you can still sell drugs to this music. Gucci used to make real sinister “sell dope” music, now he makes casual “sell your own strain of weed legally” music. He knows his formula and he sticks to it. The most impressive verses come from the established acts who clearly appreciate the help and influence Gucci had on their careers. You can hear in their voices how much they love Gucci for his benevolent nature; it’s sweet til you remember he’s actually killed a person.
Gucci has more assists in this tape than Prime Rondo in the playoffs. It’s clear that he wants the new 1017 to work and he’s giving his artists every chance shine. Some of the verses aren’t amazing and some are still trying to figure out what their personal sound is, but it’s clear Gucci has given them the green light. At a certain point those good graces start to dip as 5 straight songs don’t have Gucci to anchor it. To go back to the basketball metaphor it’s like watching the 2nd and 3rd string try to close a game out in OT.
Beat wise it’s pretty solid, Gucci’s ability at finding new rappers is only trumped by his ability at finding new producers. It’s clear that Gucci’s ear is second to no ones. Seriously every beat kicks ass, this is music you listen to when you wanna use a red bandana as a face mask even though you’re just getting in your car. This shit really bumps, I almost want to get in an Uber so I can play this in a car for 15-20 minutes.
Overall “So Icy Summer” is really fun, it kind of reminds me of GOOD Music’s “Cruel Summer” from a few years back; it’d a solid showcase anchored by a superstar who’s apt to say some wild shit. I give “So Icy Summer” 12 So Icy Chains Out of 17