Gucci Mane is one of the biggest names in the world of hip-hop, with a huge social media following and a history of making headlines for the right reasons. However, the rapper has had a lot of personal struggles in the past, and it seems that he’s finally found the right path to health.
In a new interview with GQ, Mane admits that he used to be addicted to drugs and alcohol, and that he even tried to take his own life. As a result of his dark past, the artist has taken a long time to get back on track, and he’s now firmly planted on the right foot. Below, we examine the fascinating journey that has brought Mane to this point.
From The Streets To Recording Studios
Although he started his career as a rapper in the streets, Gucci Mane quickly made his mark in the industry, landing high-profile features and collaborations with popular artists such as Ariana Grande and Cardi B. He also released his own mixtapes and scored a couple of notable solo hits, including “Rapper Effect” and “Sober,” which featured T-Pain. Both songs reached the Top 10 on the Billboard 200, selling over 100,000 and 120,000 copies respectively.
Over the years, the rapper rose to prominence, releasing a string of critically-acclaimed albums and consistently selling out venues across the country. However, as his profile rose, his demons followed, as he revealed to GQ in an earlier interview, “I started getting a lot of attention, and I started thinking that maybe the people who are giving me attention might be able to help me with my problems.”
An Addiction To Crystal Meth And Alcohol
For years, the star had a reputation for being one of the most hardworking and committed artists in the industry, often traveling the country in support of his music and consistently turning up for work. However, in 2019, he opened up about a dark and dangerous period in his life, one that almost derailed his career and almost cost him his life. At the time, he was battling an addiction to crystal meth and alcohol, and he revealed that he had been sneaking drugs and drinking daily for years.
The artist’s management team intervened, helping him to get through a scary bout of depression, and he eventually kicked his habit and managed to pull his life back together. He also said that he would never go back to drugs and drinking, clarifying, “That shit fucked me up. It wasn’t a good experience. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”
After kicking his habit, Gucci Mane focused on his mental and physical health, working out and making changes to his diet and workout regime. As a result of these efforts, the rapper slimmed down significantly and shed off a large amount of weight. In the interview with GQ, he revealed, “I feel like I did the majority of the work myself. I changed my diet, started walking, and started doing yoga.”
Self-expression Is Key
Throughout his music and interviews, Gucci Mane has always had something to say and has never been afraid to voice his opinion. At the end of the day, his true calling is to be an artist and to express himself through music. In fact, back in 2009, he founded the Gucci Mane Music Awards, which are presented annually to honor rap and hip-hop artists. He also started a record label, Black Mask Studios, and released an album with the help of some of the top producers in the industry, Rick Ross and Jellyfish. In addition to that, he’s consistently worked with top-notch designers, such as Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren, to promote a lifestyle brand that he firmly believes in.
As a result of all of this, fans can expect plenty more from Gucci Mane in the future. The artist recently signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records and is reportedly working on a new project. In addition to that, he’s launching his own fashion line, Black Label, which will be available for purchase online and at various retailers. Lastly, he continues to express his opinion in interviews and on social media, using his vast network of followers to influence popular culture and encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle. In the words of Gucci Mane, “Music, to me, is art. It’s subjective. It’s not about what you say it is about. It’s about what you feel. And if you feel good, I feel good.”