Gucci Mane Reveals His Musical Inspiration Came from Unconventional Sources: In a recent interview, Gucci Mane shared the surprising story of what inspired him to enter the music industry. While most aspiring rappers are driven by their love for Hip Hop, Gucci Mane’s journey began with a different perspective.
According to The New York Times’ compilation of stories by 50 rappers for the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, Gucci Mane highlighted how the presence of certain artists around him influenced his decision. He recalled his formative years and mentioned individuals like B.G. and Project Pat, noting that they may not have been the best rappers but had a significant impact on him. Their authenticity and ability to make listeners connect with their experiences resonated with Gucci Mane.
Gucci Mane explained, “By the time I started trying to finance my own first tape, maybe ’99 or 2000, those were the key people I could relate to… B.G., Project Pat. Like, OK, this dude just got out of jail, and everybody in the hood listens to that. I’m going through the same things at the same time. “I didn’t feel like Project Pat was the best rapper, but he made me feel him. I’m like, can’t be Fabolous or Lil Wayne, but I can do this. I was late in the game, but I didn’t have to be scared to try. I was going to spring break in Daytona, and it was the whole summer of Project Pat and Big Tymers. I started doing the stuff they were rapping about — like, I’m going to be the CD that I’m listening to.”
“That’s really how this started. It wasn’t even a love of Hip Hop; I’m a hustler. I’m like, damn, I really don’t want to sell dope all the time. It’s too risky. If Jermaine Dupri can put out Kris Kross, Birdman ain’t really a good rapper, and I got a little money… I can get in this.”
What sets Gucci Mane apart from the typical Hip Hop enthusiast is his hustler mindset. He saw an opportunity to transition from a risky lifestyle and become a successful businessman in the music industry. Inspired by examples like Jermaine Dupri’s success with Kris Kross, he realized that Birdman, despite not being a traditional “good rapper,” managed to make it in the industry, and that gave him the confidence to try.
