Gucci Mane is back and in rare form. After getting released from jail 5 months ahead of schedule, he has been nothing short of busy. Gucci released “1st Day Out Tha Feds” on a fresh record deal with Atlantic Records just one day following his release. He wasted no time turning around and dropping his ninth full length studio album, “Everybody Looking“, 2 months later on July 22, 2016.
“Woptober” is packed full of production provided by some usual suspects and collaborators like Zaytoven Beats, Metro Boomin, and London on Da Track; production credits also include: Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E, Southside, CuBeatz and Drumma Boy. Production for “Woptober” fits in perfectly with the album’s theme and direction; it’s all very slick, gritty, empowering and of course. . . Icy. . . burr. When Guwop was released, rumors and theories of him being a clone began to surface, after listening to this project I believe it is safe to finally put those assumptions to rest.
Gucci Mane is right back at home in his comfort zone on this record. He seamlessly transitions between songs and topics on “Woptober“, while keeping things relatively fresh and upbeat. It took my second listen through of the album to catch the wave and begin to actually hear the subtle deviations and transitions. To the untrained ear I’m sure it would be easy to miss them and not realize these were all different songs on this album. Considering all the acts of today that have Gucci to thank for their success and juice in the game, it never fails to surprise me how strong of a solo artist he is. “Woptober” only includes 2 features; one from Young Dolph on “Bling, Blaww, Burr” and Rick Ross on “Money Machine”.
I have a lot of favorite songs after listening to this album. “Right On Time” is a classic collaboration between Zaytoven and ‘Wop that reminds us why the two are such a dynamic duo in the studio. “Addicted”, produced by Will-A-Fool, is a very catchy ode to Gucci’s struggle with just about everything he encounters. He explores his vices in detail with a twinge of humor. “Hi-Five” is that familiar trap banger Gucci is known and loved for. He finesses this darker toned track co-produced by Metro Boomin and CuBeatz, delivering an A-1 performance dripping in swag and authority.
“Woptober” is, in my opinion, sonically a sound offering from Atlanta’s original “Trap God”. Gucci Mane is a trailblazer that has created a lane for himself and aspiring young artists, also providing a blueprint for them to follow. He is “Self-Made” personified, and totally self sufficient in every sense of the word.
Notable Tracks:
Right on Time
Addicted
Out The Zoo
The Left
Money Machine
Intro: Fuck 12