I asked for this book last Christmas, and finally got around to reading it in July. I was skeptical about how it would read, as I saw that Gucci had written the book with someone else. I find that when musical artists collaborate with other people on their written work, their authentic voice doesn’t come through. For example, I read The Keys by DJ Khaled earlier this year and although I enjoyed it, the book didn’t sound like Khaled as I read.
The Autobiography of Gucci Mane did not disappoint. It takes you on a journey through Gucci’s childhood before getting into trouble with the law, what led up to those events, how his habits followed him into adulthood even after becoming famous, and the effects everything had on his physical and mental health. I found that he was incredibly vulnerable and open to admitting mistakes he’d made along the way. As well, I didn’t realize how many different careers Gucci touched over the years (like those of The Migos and Young Thug) and better still, how he encouraged them to take the best deals possible because he felt that he wasn’t able to give them the best guidance or management due to his personal life.
In my head, that takes a great deal of humility, especially when you’re in a powerful position in a business. Money is too often put at the forefront of a situation, but Gucci Mane considered the entire picture. Now, he’s back and better than ever, still producing, featuring, and releasing his own albums, and there are no signs of him slowing down soon.
I’d recommend this autobiography to anyone who enjoys music, and wants to learn more about the decisions that play into the business portion of the industry. It’s quick, well-written, and cohesive.
Khadijah Plummer Consulting 