Atlanta's Very Own Gucci Mane and Jeezy challenged a 15 year feud in the latest Verzus.
In the latest of Versus, Trap Music's very own Gucci Mane and Jeezy face off, despite having one of the longest outstanding Music Industry beefs. In order to fully comprehend why this verse off is legendary, it is important to understand the history of the two trap stars.
Jeezy and Gucci Mane are credited as major contributors to the Trap Music subgenre, which history is based in Southern and more specifically, Atlanta culture. In the early 2000’s, both artists were gaining widespread recognition. By 2005, Gucci Mane released his debut Album Trap House (May 2005) , and Jeezy followed with the release of his major label debut album, Lets Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (July 2005).
The emergence of their feud began over the song Icy, in which both artists are featured. Jeezy was advised by Jay- Z to put this song on his debut, but the track instead landed on Gucci Manes. Jeezy later on claimed that he was not compensated for the feature, and indirectly put a $10,000 bounty on Gucci Mane. In “Stay Strapped” the rapper states:
"I got a bounty on that shit, nigga. 10 stacks.”
Gucci Responded with “Round 1”, initially stating that he was down for whatever. Later on Gucci was charged for the murder of Henry Lee Clark III aka Pookie Loc (Jeezy’s Acquaintance). He maintained his innocence, claiming that it was initially self defense and Jeezy maintains that he had nothing to do with it. The next couple of years consisted of nothing but shade, diss records and even the occasional brawl. Gucci then released [diss] record Truth (2012), and references the 2005 incident
“A ten thousand dollar bounty put on my neck. I hope you didn't pay them cause they didn't have no success."
Despite the lingering tension online, the Verzus setting was extravagant. Of course when in the A, what other place to host the verses than Magic City? So many women made a ton of money dancing to their songs, it was very poetic, and most importantly, very Atlanta. The viewers for this round was the highest since the Verzus first began, peaking at 1.8 million tuned in.
With all intents and purposes, this was not a Hit for Hit verzus. It was obvious, when Gucci led into the night with “Round 1” and “Benchwarmer”, that he had every intention to be that same Gucci Mane La Flare from 15 years ago. Aside from playing diss after diss, Mr. Zone 6 throughout a few subliminals that left viewers dismayed. One crowd favorite is:
“My outfit cost 10 bands. Look at my opponent. LOOK AT MY OPPONENT!”
Jeezy kept his composure, responding to his opponent mostly with his commercial hits like: “I Put On” and “Soul Survivor” It was not until after Gucci Played “Truth”, and remastered a few of the lyrics that made Jeezy speak up. Once the Song ended, Gucci went on mocking, stating:
“We smokin’ on Pookie Loc tonight” & “I told you if I couldn't perform the Truth then I couldn't do it”.
Before performing his next track, Jeezy had to speak his piece and went on to say:
“...I brought you here to show you the world care about what the fuck we got going on 'cause we are the culture. You feel me? Me and you, where we came from, what we been through, nigga, us”,
and continued with:
“...This shit about King Von, this shit about Doe B, this shit about Nipsey Hussle, this shit about motherfucking Pop Smoke, Mo3. And I’m real enough to do that, nigga,”.
He then lead into his final track response “Get Ya Mind Right” .
At the end of the battle, the two ended the Verzus by squashing their beef and performing “Icy”, the track that sparked their 15 year feud. Some viewers were applauding Jeezy for keeping his cool and appearing reserved. While others were entertained at the idea that Gucci was able to perform the diss records in front of the man that tried to have him killed.
November 20, 2020
