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— By Malikka McDuffie

Atlanta-based rapper Gucci Mane’s career began in the mid-2000s with the release of his 2005 debut album, Trap House. Since then, Gucci has solidified himself as a Trap King of the South. Aside from his countless run-ins with the law, he’s provided music that help define the trap music genre. Since his release from prison in 2016, the rapper has transformed his life and career through positive affirmations, new goals, and the support of his wife, Keyshia Ka’oir Davis.

Check out these seven facts you may have forgotten about the artist.

He was not born in Atlanta

Though Gucci Mane is an Atlanta-based artist, he is not an original native to the city. Real name Radric Delantic Davis, Gucci was born in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1989, he actually moved to the city at the tender age of nine with his mother. Since then, Gucci has called Atlanta, Georgia home.

He had difficulty finding distribution

After a failed attempt at securing a distribution deal in New York, Gucci used his failure as motivation to keep striving for his goal. On a return trip to the Big Apple, he received a deal with Big Cat – the CEO of Big Cat Records.

His incarceratation didn’t keep him away from his craft

Gucci Mane made the most of his time while incarcerated. There was no way he was going to be released and not deliver some heat. While behind bars, the rapper was able to cleanse his body and mind in order to focus on his lyrics. Afterward, he successfully released several projects including Trap House 4, The Oddfather, East Atlanta Santa, 1017 Mafia: Incarcerated, and East Atlanta Santa 2.

He’s added CEO to his resume

In 2007, Gucci founded 1017 Records. The record label was birthed after Gucci made his exit from Mizay Entertainment. 1017 Records is currently home to rising stars Lil Quill, Yung Mal, Hoodrich Pablo Juan, Ralo, and Asian Da Brat. In 2006, Gucci rebranded the label to 1017 Eskimos, and signed Hoodrich Pablo Juan and Lil Wop to its roster.

He’s a top-selling author

The rapper turned author released his top-selling book “The Autobiography of Gucci Mane” in September 2017. The literary work depicted many memories from Gucci’s past and landed him a spot on The New York Times’ best-sellers list.

He’s been on the big screen

The rapper made his acting debut in 2012 in the Harmony Korine-directed film Spring Breakers. The feature film starred Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine. The four played college students looking to have the ultimate spring break experience by holding up a restaurant to fund their adventure. Gucci Mane plays Big Arch, ex-best friend of Alien played by James Franco.

He found love while behind bars

While locked away in Fulton County in 2010, Gucci spotted the woman of his dreams on the cover of XXL. The “Eye Candy of the Year” just so happened to be Jamaican native Keyshia Ka’oir. With help from his manager, Amina, the emcee was determined to meet her and also feature her in his next video after his release. The two officially met on the set of “911 Emergency” and tied the knot in 2017.

If you love Atlanta and hip hop, you’ll definitely want to join us and AT&T in the ATL on Sept. 12- Sept. 14 for our three-day REVOLT Summit, which was created to help rising moguls reach the next level. Head to REVOLTSummit.com for more info and to get your passes now!

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