Diplo Presents: Free Gucci

★★★★
The rise of Gucci Mane from obscure mush-mouthed rapper to pop chart Usher collaborator is just as difficult to understand as his allure. It's an allure that's undoubtedly there, despite the fact that on the surface he seems like any run-of-the-mill Atlanta ex-drug dealer turnt rapper. As it is with Hip-Hop, so much of an MC's talent lies within his voice, and Gucci's voice is something special. His withdrawn viscous growl conveys so much more than his wry and simplistic rhymes, which he humorously lets out in short bursts. He doesn't scream or dominate the microphone like so many other power-obsessed rappers. Instead it almost feels like he's just going along for the ride, casually talking to himself as the beat goes on. On Free Gucci, it's the same old Gucci but the beats have changed, thanks to Diplo and a cadre of indie electronic producers.
The rhymes on Free Gucci are from three mixtapes called The Cold War Series, your basic rap mixtapes with DJ Drama screaming all over the tracks. With all the "Gangsta Grillz!" and explosions going off, and the repetitive pounding of the contemporary Hip-Hop beats, it's easy to lose sight of Gucci Mane. You would think the same would happen here, with lavish techno production drowning out lil' ol' Gucci. What's so great about Free Gucci is that it's the exact opposite; the production here gives Gucci room to breath. The DJs have give the vocals all the focus, and on most of the tracks they amplify their impact with incredible beats. On Gucci's most recent studio album, The State vs. Radric Davis, there were some examples of production that gave Gucci the opportunity to be heard like he is here. Hopefully more producers will follow suit.

Key Tracks: "Danger's Not a Stranger", "Dope Boys", "I Be Everywhere (Mumdance Remix)"

1. Danger's Not A Stranger (Diplo Remix)

2. Dope Boys (Bird Peterson Remix)

3. Excuse Me (Memory Tapes Remix)

4. No No No (Brodinski & Monsieur Monsieur AKA Rubi Sapphyr Remix)

5. Frowny Face (Douster Remix)

6. Frowny Face (Emynd Remix)

7. I'm Expecting (DJ Teenwolf Remix)

8. Boi (Zomby Remix)

9. My Shadow (Salem Remix)

10. Excuse Me (Diplo Remix)

11. Photo Shoot (Flying Lotus Remix)
(For some reason this is the only one not on YouTube. Whatever, it's weak.)
12. I Be Everywhere (Mumdance Remix)

13. I Be Everywhere (DZ Remix)

14. I'm The Shit (DJ Benzi & Willy Joy Remix)

15. Break Yourself (Diplo Remix)