If this Gucci Mane is a clone it’s only because he’s been unstoppable since his return: he’s only been out for two months, during which time he’s also been on house arrest, yet he’s already worked with everyone from Kanye West and Justin Bieber to Kodak Black and Dreezy. Everybody Looking, his first official album since his incarceration in 2013 for possession of a firearm by a felon, came with seven music videos (and counting). He’s not a clone though — this is the same man who made over $1 million while incarcerated. His work ethic has always been undeniable. And now, openly embracing sobriety, he’s operating with increased lucidity.
Executive produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, Everybody Looking features a spacey, brooding backdrop that’s custom built to help Guwop find his footing once again. As an integral part of his original sound, Zaytoven also does a majority of the heavy-lifting, providing an occasionally lively contrast to Mike WiLL’s typically murky aesthetics. Their collaboration on “Waybach” perfectly matches Gucci’s air of nostalgia, while their work on the sunny instrumentation for “At Least a M” makes it an instant contender for summer anthem. Despite only making brief appearances, Murda Beatz (“Back on Road” w/ Drake) and Drumma Boy (“All My Children”) also fit comfortably into Zay and Mike Will’s newfound dynamic. Everything is methodical, from the thunderous “No Sleep” intro to the way the “Waybach” hook comes back around for an encore towards the end of “Richest Nigga In The Room.”
As for the Trap God, his wit and sense of humor is reminiscent of his previous work and he’s as self-aware as ever (“please get that devilish juice away from me, I don’t drink that,” he teases at one point). His animated storytelling on “Robbed” paints him as a product of his environment, “Pop Music” is as menacing as “All My Children” is earnest, and the outro, “Pick Up the Pieces,” boasts a particularly clever refrain (the same song also opens with a brief but noteworthy poem). There are just as many braggadocious verses painting the mythology of his return to the rap game as there are detailing the hardships of his time away (“1st Day Out tha Feds” remains a poignant highlight). However, despite this purposeful approach, it all sounds a bit predictable.
Outside of his protégé of sorts, Young Thug, even the high-stakes features (Drake and Kanye West) don’t do much to shake things up. Gucci has this aforementioned narrative fully mapped out (time in prison, drug addiction, impact on the culture) and touches on all of these topics like clockwork. Some of his natural charm seems to be on a tight leash, with only a handful of verses (“Pussy Print,” “All My Children,” “Gucci Please”) really playing with his otherwise stoic delivery. Sure, the measured approach simplifies the process of introducing Gucci back to the scene but, if we’re keeping score, Gucci basically created this scene and could have definitely taken a few more risks on this first offering back to the trap house.
Then again, it is just that – his first offering. Between the six-day conception of this album and now, Gucci and co. have probably taken the training wheels off completely. As for Everybody Looking, Mike WiLL Made-It and Zaytoven construct a cinematic backdrop, but Gucci’s execution is a bit wanting. Regardless, it’s a clear step in the right direction, a completely different beast than the b-side littered mixtapes he’s sanctioned from behind bars over the past three years, and begs for repeat listens.
First
This album rminds of hard to kill which is one his better ones IMO
haven’t heard the album. giving it the lowest rating possible. Gucci is and always has been a POS, setting a shitty example for the urban youth to follow. call me a hater. His music is for stupid people, period.
you just upset your favorite dont get this much press go hug a tree
my favorite rapper gets more press than gucci and has sold about 100x as many records. on top of that, is way more lyrically talented, and has substance to their music, unlike gucci who only talks about drugs, killing, girls, and money. he’s wack, and anyone who likes him is not intelligent.
Your ignorance toward other people and your terrible grammar have convinced me that you are extremely intelligent. Please tell all of us dumb Gucci Mane fans how we can be smart like you. Should I go “enlighten” myself at a BLM protest?
Giving an album you never heard a low rating is like super smart and stuff. You make an awesome example for me and all the kids out there.
Gnuccaplease why even comment u sound dumb af
Album is good!!!
Anyone going to bring up the ridiculous comparison Mike Will Made It made between this album and GRODT? We’re all gonna let that slide?
Mike Will makes fire tracks…but follow the man on twitter and he says dumb shit regularly.
10 / 10 No Questions Asked….Long Awaited Album
Trash. Nah I’m good.
When did Gucci Mane become this amazing hot artist who everyone wants to work with all of the sudden? Oh yeah, he went to prison for being an idiot and got out. Let’s put him on a pedestal and praise his greatness. Same trash rap as before. I hate when hiphop glamorizes these clowns and the kids soak it up.
Gucci makes music for real niggas only. All you fake ass internet nerd niggas cant relate. Stick to your nerd geeky soft rappers like kendrick and J cole while real niggas appreciate real nigga music. The nerve of you niggas to go claim drake is soft when all your favourite rappers are as soft as well. Gucci caught a body he bout that life real nigga sht.
That what I been saying! Them weak ass niggas be dickriding Em, Drake,Kendrick and Cole.
Shit fire
Watered down version of T.I.’s King album. Gucci is honestly a trash rapper livin off cosigns and his relationships with producers. Dude doesn’t have a single hot verse on a 14-track-long album.
Forgot to add the rating
Album sounds rushed, repetative lyrics and no consitancy. This album had potential to be special, but if he had maybe spent another 72 hours on it, on top of the 105 hours he spent on the whole damn thing, it could have shined. Sounds and feels like gucci didn’t even proof read his own lyrics. This was a desperate ploy by Gucci to not get dropped by Atlantic records and jus deliver.
This “real” brother feels the need to tell “real” niggas to read “real” books so they can when they have been duped by the hype. Gucci is more trash than trap. Just admit it!
worst album I’ve heard in ages.give this a 0 outta 5 if I could.
the album had great melody
Good album just need a song with Sosa
The millionaire songs/friends only/ talk is only thing that bring album down.
Worst shit I’ve heard ever since Ice Baby
Ice ice baby!
Ice ice baby!
Burr!
Bow down to King Guwop and King Yeezus. They changed the game and are your favorite rapper’s favorite rappers.
#YeezyGuwop2020
Garbage
AOTY
Those tha hate this album simply don’t have an ear for trap. This is very good album. #GucciManeBack
Gucci Mane is my greatest idol.
Gucci > Pac
Guwop changed my life
this nigga sucks b
has since 2005
stay making that trash
X is a flaming homosexual
This got better reviews than A-F-R-O?
I am shaking my fucking head.
Solid return.