I’ve never read about a man who’s been given more chances than Gucci Mane. Josh Gordon or Tyrann Mathieu are really the only men I can think of off top. Drug addiction had a drip on Gucci for much of his adult life. He suffered the side effects that come with drug addiction and a troubled childhood in the deep south. Family, friends, his ability to create, and an ability to get money; seemingly have seen him through his days of darkness.
Main Takeaways:
Originally from the Houston area, I’ve been hearing about lean most of my life. The sugar filled liquid heroin is the most expensive street drug out and is glamorized in a lot of Hip-Hop music. Rarely in rap, do artists write about the crippling side effects that can accompany the syrup. The constipation, risk of fake product, intense addiction, effects on the liver, possible paranoia and psychosis, as well as the weight gain that often accompanies consistent consumption. Gucci Mane suffered from a few of these symptoms. In reality, there’s hardly anything glamorous about the drug. The honesty Gucci writes within his memoir is as good a warning as any in how dangerous dirty sprite can be.
In reality there’s hardly anything glamorous about the drug. The honesty Gucci wrote within his memoir is as good a warning as any how dangerous dirty sprite can be. After serving time and getting his addiction under control, Gucci has certainly not been as famous musically.
After serving time and getting his addiction under control, Gucci has certainly not been as famous musically. My second main takeaway from this book is that sometimes darkness is influencing our art. Not only that, but fans may love it. People loved Gucci’s drug induced bars of the early 2000’s. I learned it’s okay to sacrifice some fame and recognition for a healthier personal life. I know so many artists fear changing some inputs in their lives for fear that the outcome will change. There’s no telling if the future outcome will be better. Even if it’s not, it’s worth it to make our lives and the lives of those we love better. If Gucci had to sacrifice all the gains he’s made in his personal life to be back on top of the rap game, I doubt he would.
As a young person, I always envisioned being willing to sacrifice so much for success. Making money was my end all be all. As I age and read stories like these, I realize we must have balance in our lives. We can defeat ourselves if we are in pursuit of something so vigorously, that we neglect other important aspects of our lives.
Who It’s For:
Celebrity memoirs are always first and foremost for the fans of that celebrity. Some memoirs can make you look at celebrities in a completely light. Sometimes positively other times negatively. Memoirs tend to leave us with some new formed opinion of the figure. I finished this book respecting and liking Gucci Mane more than when I started. I wasn’t the biggest Gucci Mane fan before picking the book up. I listened to a few tapes. And of course I’d heard his music at parties. His name was consistently in the media most of my childhood, so skimming articles and seeing headlines was how I knew him. As with anyone, headlines can never tell the full story.
This was a story of a man from humble deep south roots. He was exposed to drugs and the streets very early. I’d suggest this book to anyone who wants to read stories of living in the modern deep south. There are still so many issues plaguing the south that seemingly people think went away with Dr. King. This book is filled with the pain and struggle that can come from being raised impoverished in the deep south. This is a great story of redemption. Anyone looking to make a comeback in life can be inspired by Gucci’s story. He’s worked so hard, and been through so much to become the man he is today.
Walking Away:
After reading this book, I’m inspired to stay inspired. I’m inspired to keep manifesting my goals and my priorities in order. When I read stories about serious drug addiction, I’m always reminded that it can happen to anyone. No matter how “successful” we are, or how many fans we have. If put in a certain situation, under certain pressures, around certain people. We can find ourselves in very dangerous situations. It’s up to us to take care of our minds. Gucci was able to right his life and get it back under control. I hope to use his story as a warning of what can happen when we lose ourselves. And even if or when we do, there’s still hope. Especially if we can drop another banger and go on tour.
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