One of the biggest rap hits of the year can now officially claim that tile, as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently issued a platinum certification to Gunna’s “fukumean.” Moreover, the song is a standout on his 2023 album a Gift & a Curse, which was his comeback to the rap game after his plea deal in the YSL RICO case. That being said, it’s not like this was the only successful track on the album; far from it, in fact. For example, the project itself recently received a gold certification from the RIAA, marking it as one of the year’s most commercially significant. The cultural significance of it for 2023 can’t be understated, either, as this song and LP represent a lot.
Furthermore, many thought that the College Park MC would fall off after his brief prison stint. Some just didn’t think he had a career after this, while others pointed towards his alleged “snitching” in the case as a prime reason to shun him. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, it’s clear that Gunna’s not going anywhere anytime soon. “fukumean” still gets spins like wildfire, and amid a lot of other tracks that address his situation, this one proved he still makes bangers.
However, maybe this phase of Wunna’s career won’t be what truly defines his post-RICO renaissance; it could just be the beginning. For example, an upcoming remix of Victor Thompson’s “This Year” has fans very excited for what he’ll do next. Gunna debuted the Afrobeats remix during his most recent live show in Los Angeles, and fans absolutely love this new direction for him. While he’s very well-known for his woozy, laid-back, and flow-heavy brand of trap, it looks like we’ll be getting more versatile material from him very soon.
Meanwhile, it’s safe to say that “fukumean” will remain relevant in the year’s last few months. We have a lot of big releases to look forward to, but that guitar loop and flute-assisted atmosphere is too infectious to ignore. Let’s just hope that there are more heaters like this in store in the future, regardless of what genre it occupies. On that note, stay posted on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Gunna.
Many doubted his return, and while that conversation isn’t over, it definitely diminished a lot. Gunna just received a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for his newest album, 2023’s a Gift & a Curse. Moreover, the album’s now officially sold over 500K album-equivalent units, marking a big milestone for the comeback record. Of course, this is off of the strength of massive hits like “fukumean,” plus thanks to his die-hard fanbase that continued to support him through it all. The College Park MC also just returned to the live performance space, so this is definitely an exciting time for his career.
For those unaware, the aforementioned narrative around his career concerns his “snitching” in the YSL RICO case. This had Gunna laying low for months, and a Gift & a Curse was his big comeback to the hip-hop release sphere. His relationship with other rappers is still up in the air, but with all this commercial success and fan loyalty, that aversion might shift very soon. Still, the 30-year-old also has a lot bigger things to worry about right now, and might be thinking more as a lone wolf within the industry.
That being said, a lot of that bias and backlash diminished after the release of a Gift & a Curse. Maybe the conversation just died down, but various sources (including Gunna himself, Young Thug’s father, and more) shut down beliefs that there was beef as a result of Wunna’s plea deal. It’s not the red flag it once was, and that came as a timely development as he builds skills in other areas. For example, his upcoming remix of Victor Thompson’s Afrobeats hit “This Year” stunned fans at its live debut, with many surprised by his excellent foray into the genre.
Meanwhile, there’s a lot of bars to digest on the Drip or Drown MC’s latest full-length. Now, though, it seems like people just enjoy the music without feeding into the debate. We’ll see what else the year holds for him, and we wouldn’t be surprised if he ends it off even stronger. Come back to HNHH for more news and updates on Gunna.
Last night, the City of Angels witnessed firsthand a musical experience like no other. Gunna made his return to the stage at the YouTube Theater as part of the second leg of his The Gift & The Curse tour. The energy in the room was high with anticipation, as fans eagerly awaited the Atlanta rapper’s performance after a two-year hiatus. Prior to this show, Gunna performed at Barclay’s Center earlier in September. This tour was in support of Gunna’s latest album, a Gift & a Curse, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.
The YouTube Theater in Los Angeles was the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable night. The venue buzzed with anticipation as fans of all ages gathered in the intimate, sold-out theater. From Gunna performing some of his classics from beloved projects such as Drip or Drown to previewing new music, fans of all ages had something to appreciate. While the evening experienced a brief hiccup when technical difficulties silenced Gunna’s microphone, necessitating a 10-minute pause in the show, the rapper didn’t let that hinder his ability to deliver an outstanding performance. Keep reading for 10 of the best moments from the show.
Kicking off the night of Gunna’s headlining tour was Flo Milli and DDG. Flo Milli, known for her infectious energy and razor-sharp lyricism, set the stage on fire with her captivating performance of “In The Party.” She set the energetic tone as people poured into the theater getting ready for the night. After that, second opener DDG kicked off his performance with his hit song “Moonwalkin’ in Calabassas.’ He performed three songs total before finishing out with “I’m Geekin.” During this song, he brought an extra dose of surprise and excitement to the stage when he invited his talented little cousin, Woo Wop, into the spotlight. The 7-year-old’s cameo appearance was met with cheerful applause as he helped perform the song with him.
2. Gunna Started His Set With “Back At It”
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As the clock neared showtime, around 10 p.m., the venue plunged into darkness, igniting a wave of cheering and roars among the crowd. The stage was set with a white curtain, which ultimately was lifted to reveal a giant statue head of Gunna. The sculpted material also included a massive snake that adorned the stage. The intro to “Back At It” began playing and this was a moment in itself. Although it was the first song, the crowd was eager to get things started. The curtains lifted to reveal an elevated Gunna standing several feet above the ground, on top of his statue head. As the curtains lifted, an elevated Gunna was unveiled, positioned several feet above the ground, and standing on top of the towering sculpture of his own head. It was a grand entrance to remember.
As the show went on, Gunna performed fan favorites throughout the night. Some of the memorable songs on the setlist included “back to the moon,” “bread & butter,” “pushin P” “you & me,” “poochie gown,” and plenty more. However, one standout song that everyone seemed hype for was when he performed “Too Easy,” which appears on his album DS4EVER. Some fans speculated that he would bring out Roddy Ricch since he’s featured on the remix of the song. However, he didn’t, but it was still a great, lively performance. The audience sang the words lyric for lyric.
4. Gunna Performed Songs From Each Of His Previous Albums
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Despite being on tour in support of his latest album, a Gift & a Curse, Gunna left no stone unturned in delivering an unforgettable performance. He played music from his previous projects which included songs from Drip Or Drown (1 and 2), DS4EVER, Drip Season 3, Slime Language 2, and WUNNA. Before delving into his renowned catalog, he eagerly asked the crowd, “Where are my Drip or Drown fans at?” This reference to his 2017 and 2019 albums, Drip or Drown and its sequel, marked pivotal moments in his career. Both albums earned widespread acclaim and helped foster a devoted fan base. The crowd’s enthusiasm reflected this, and he gave his day one fans something to be excited for. He proceeded to play fan favorites such as “Dollaz ONnMy Head,” “Space Cadet,” “Drip Too Hard,” “P Power,” “Ski,” “Baby Birkin,” and so many more that left fans feeling nostalgic.
Just a year ago, Gunna’s life took a dramatic turn when he found himself behind bars as part of YSL’s 56-count RICO Act indictment filed by Fulton County in May 2022. However, he emerged from that situation seven months later, thanks to Georgia’s Alford Plea, a legal maneuver that didn’t require him to admit guilt but allowed him to secure his release. This period of uncertainty and legal trouble undoubtedly cast a shadow over Gunna’s career, with fans divided over his involvement in the case. One notable moment during the show was when he performed “Hot,” which he originally performed with YSL head honcho Young Thug, also commonly known as Jeffery. During this song, fans noticed the “Free Jeffery” artwork displayed on all sides of the stage.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Gunna performs onstage during Gunna – The Gift Live at Barclays Center on September 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Gunna)
Gunna’s performance of “Yosemite” was fitting for the middle of the night. It’s one of the calmer songs he has in his catalog and it allowed audiences to vibe out and be mesmerized by the music. His delivery was nothing short of awe-inspiring as he effortlessly flowed through his verses, his voice resounding loud and clear. “Yosemite” is a song that actually appears on Travis Scott’s album Astroworld, but Gunna has a notable verse on the track.
7. Brought Out Special Guest Victor Thompson
Gunna brought out Nigerian artist Victor Thompson to perform his hit song “This Year” at his sold out show in LA pic.twitter.com/fgBt3HB1FH
As far as special guests, Nigerian artist Victor Thompson was the only performing act that Gunna brought out on stage. Thompson is an Afrobeats artist and performed his hit song “This Year (Blessings)” which served as a nice change in pace for the night. It seemed as though the audience was getting familiar with him, but many enjoyed the vibe he brought to the stage.
There was a moment where a song played during his set and no one in the audience knew the words. Later, the crowd realized it was unreleased music that he was previewing. Although no one seemed to know this initially because Gunna didn’t announce that he’d be playing unreleased music, the song was a banger. People had their hands up and rocked out anways.
9. Performed “Top Off” Like Viral TikTok Challenge
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Another highlight of the night was when Gunna performed “Top Off.” This was significant for the main reason that he performed it in a similar way as the viral TikTok challenge that took the internet by storm. While the song itself dates back to 2018, the viral TikTok trend emerged in 2022 and found millions of users imitating Gunna’s original COLORS performance that had a microphone hanging from the ceiling while he rapped. Needless to say, many fans in the audience understood the reference, and appreciated that he acknowledged the trend.
Last but not least, Gunna’s longtime friend and collaborator Turbo, known for his producer tagline “run that back Turbo,” appeared on stage for a piano solo. It was a beautiful moment that occurred as Gunna closed out his performance for “Lemonade.” Overall, last night’s performance was a testament to Gunna’s commitment to his craft and his fans. The final songs of the night included fan-favorite “fukumean,” and “missing me,” to close out the night. As he exited the stage, the crowd clapped and cheered, signaling that his music had spoken louder than any controversy surrounding him. It was a night to remember. Stay tuned to HNHH for what’s next for Gunna.
Last night (Sept. 28), Gunna took center stage at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles and delivered an unforgettable performance. The sold-out evening was filled with surprises and memorable moments. This particular night marked the second and final leg of his highly anticipated a Gift & a Curse tour. The tour was in support of his recently released album of the same name. With a sold-out venue as his backdrop, Gunna performed some of his fan-favorite songs along with his notable chart-topping hits. However, amidst the performance, one moment stood out vividly to the audience. During Gunna’s playing of the song “Hot,” fans noticed that the set was accompanied by a striking backdrop displaying the words “Free Jeffery.”
“Hot” is a song that Gunna performs together with Young Thug. In this gesture of having “Free Jeffery” displayed on the walls, the “fukumean” rapper demonstrated support and solidarity with his fellow label mate. The bold visual statement was reminiscent of his similar tribute during the Barclay’s show in New York. The message, “Free Jeffery,” was a heartfelt display of support for Young Thug, whose legal name is Jeffery Lamar Williams. Young Thug, unfortunately, found himself in the middle of a complex legal situation. He was indicted as part of a 56-count RICO case in May of 2022, and is currently in prison.
It’s essential to note that Gunna himself was not untouched by the legal punishments of the case. He too faced charges of conspiracy in connection with the same case. However, unlike Young Thug, Gunna managed to secure his release after entering an Alford plea, allowing him to continue his career and take the stage. He ended up performing hits such as “P power,” “Top Off,” “Pedestrian,” “Drip Too Hard,” and more.
Gunna’s performance at the YouTube Theater last night was not just musical entertainment, but a prominent display of support for Thug. Amidst the excitement of Gunna’s stage comeback, there’s still somewhat of a stigma that exists and causes a division among fans. Gunna’s return from prison sparked mixed feelings due to the stigma that’s attached to his involvement in the YSL RICO case. In December 2022, Gunna’s plea that allowed him to be released from jail caused some to believe that he snitched. Fans suggested he betrayed Young Thug and the YSL brand as a whole.
Gunna has been on a roll over these past few months. Overall, his album A Gift & A Curse has proven to be one of the biggest hits of the entire year. Although some decided to boycott the artist due to Young Thug’s situation, others have thrown their support behind him. At the end of the day, his project was simply too good to ignore. There were tons of amazing tracks throughout, and there were also some viral hits that are still getting lots of plays.
Some albums tend to suffer from a scenario in which they seem to be doing well on the charts, but no one is actually playing the songs in real life. Well, this phenomenon is not the case when it comes to Gunna. Instead, it seems like people in real life are enjoying the project quite a bit. In fact, the artist actually caught a group of individuals rocking out to his album, in their car. In the video below, you can see exactly what we mean.
The two young men in the car were listening to “rodeo dr” off of the new album. Overall, this is a song that a lot of people have praised, so it should be no surprise that these men are fans of it. Gunna was in his own vehicle and took a video of fellow motorists jamming out to the song. They both were in a bit of traffic, so it was the perfect time to take out the phone and film the encounter. Ultimately, it seemed like everyone involved was having a very good time.
Let us know your thoughts on the new Gunna album, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always keep you informed of the biggest releases from the biggest artists. There are still a ton of great albums to come.
With “Back At It” blaring from the speakers in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Gunna emerged atop a platform that held him several feet above the ground. The rapper’s face and a large snake, both in the form of stone-like sculptures, were laid out on the stage beneath him. This entrance was equally triumphant and boastful, and rightfully so, as this time a year ago, Gunna was behind bars as a part of YSL’s 56-count RICO Act indictment filed by Fulton County in May 2022. Gunna was released seven months later after he agreed to Georgia’s Alford Plea “in which a defendant doesn’t admit he committed the crime but acknowledges that it is in his best interest to plead guilty.”
Gunna’s plea deal and subsequent release led to a wave of criticism from rap fans, many of whom were supporters of Young Thug, who to this day, remains behind bars as a result of the same RICO indictment. Gunna was called everything in the book as many believed that his plea deal contributed to Young Thug’s ongoing imprisonment. Many declared they would no longer listen to the Atlanta rapper because he was a “snitch.” Unmoved by this, Gunna released his fourth album A Gift & A Curse in June of this year in what would be the start of his summer takeover. It debuted at No. 3 on the album charts to become his fifth top-10 release and the album. It also spawned the hit record “Fukumean” which has spent the last two months in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 while also becoming the highest-charting single of his career.
Gunna’s 2023 success is wrapped in plenty of irony. He’s a rapper who became more successful than ever after many – both fans and artists alike – cut ties with him. He’s also a rapper that, as our own Aaron Williams pointed out, many called a snitch despite simultaneously claiming that Young Thug and others were innocent of all charges against them. None of that mattered though as the rapper stood on that platform in Barclays for his first live show since his prison release. What mattered is that, as his A Gift & A Curse album proved, Gunna is back and he can’t be stopped.
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After his captivating entrance to “Back At It,” Gunna dove into took on other A Gift & A Curse records like “Bottom” and “Idk Nomore” to solidify the commanding presence he established with his opening record. He quickly catered to fans of his 2022 chart-topping album DS4EVER with performances of “Too Easy” and “Poochie Gown,” the latter of which was eloquently accompanied by women in Pucci gowns on stage. Through this opening section, Gunna made it clear that he was not deterred by the unproven allegations placed on him from all angles over the last year. He’d successfully filled up Brooklyn’s Barclays Center with a show that nearly sold out, and in return, he treated his audience to a spectacular concert with an attention to detail that was not only admirable but worthy of applause as well.
When Gunna performed “Top Off” from his beloved 2018 project Drip Season 3, he did so from a hanging mic to reference his viral A Colors Show rendition of the record. He recognized the popularity of B-side records like “Baby Birkin,” “Who U Foolin,” “Met Gala,” and “Pedestrian,” a delivered those moments to fans who have been unable to see the rapper since his Drip Or Drown 2 Tour in 2019. Regardless of what his stance with YSL artists and affiliates is, Gunna knew to perform standout collaborations like “Drip Too Hard,” “Yosemite,” “Sold Out Dates,” “Ski,” and “Hot.” More recently in terms of his discography, Gunna took notice of the acclaimed transition from “F*kumean” to “Rodeo Dr.” on A Gift & A Curse and recreated it at Barclays for a moment that sent the audience into an explosive cheer that nearly threw the arena off its axis. Gunna has always been a showman who knew what his audience wanted, but with plenty to prove to the world, the rapper delivered a performance with fiery authority for a set that will be remembered throughout his career.
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The rapper’s show at Barclays did have its minor flaws. At its halfway point, the rapper performed a section of songs that sent the arena into a bit of a lull. The nine-song section included slower-tempo records like “Bread & Butter,” “Paybach,” and “I Was Just Thinking.” After such a fiery start upended by songs like “South To West,” “P Power,” and “Dollaz On My Head,” the switch in energy was noticeable as Barclays felt noticeably dormant. Thankfully, Gunna brought life back to the arena with a section of records dedicated to Young Thug as he performed tracks that featured his YSL boss. “Hot,” “Ski,” “Oh Okay,” and “Pushin P” all rang out after a “Free Jeffery” graphic appeared on the big screen. The songs sent the arena into a frenzy, and more noticeably, signaled that maybe the internet rumors about Gunna’s post-incarceration relationship with Young Thug is what the internet chalked it up to be. Maybe there is no animosity on either side, but at the bare minimum, nothing is confirmed, and maybe the assumptions and theorizing should be saved for more important things.
Gunna’s 2022 incarceration couldn’t have come at a worse time in his career. He was just a few months removed from landing his second No. 1 album with DS4EVER, a project that impressively beat out The Weeknd’s Dawn FM for the top spot. Eighteen months later, Gunna delivered another top-3 album to the world with A Gift & A Curse as well as a summer hit with “Fukumean.” Keeping all this in mind, Gunna’s Barclays Center concert was a reminder of many things. The rapper is still one of music’s most beloved acts at the moment, as the arena of fans rapping his lyrics for nearly two hours proved. The rapper is an entertainer who knows how to captivate a crowd with both his music and his fashion sense. Lastly, Gunna is at the top of his game and it’s going to take a lot more than rumors and agendas to bring him down.
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Chlöe has dropped off a new cover, singing her ex-bae Gunna’s “fukumean.” Appearing in an all-black body suit, black shades, and a red lip, Chlöe channels her rapper energy as she belts out Gunna’s bars. You can see it in full below.
Gunna is running it up. The rapper’s single, “Fukumean,” is taking over the chart, hitting No. 4 on the Billboard 100. The single is the highest charting for Gunna in his career as a solo artist.
The single spawned a video, which you can see below.
Chlöe is expanding her first-ever live shows supporting her debut album, In Pieces.
The talented artist will kick off the second leg of The In Pieces tour on August 20th in Sacramento, joined by special guest Rosegold. The tour will stop in Anaheim, Toronto, and other cities before concluding in Ft. Lauderdale on September 10th. Fans can now purchase tickets for the shows, which promise to celebrate Chlöe’s impressive album.
In Pieces, a project two years in the making, features Chlöe’s writing, arranging, and production skills. The album includes the previously released hit “Body Do” as well as the new single “How Does It Feel” featuring Chris Brown. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Chlöe’s official website at chloebailey.net.
Gunna’s reign continues, even after he copped a plea deal that led the hip-hop community to shun him. While fans have undoubtedly welcomed Wunna back with open arms after the release of A Gift & A Curse, it seems his peers in hip-hop still aren’t willing to show him the same kind of love. Lil Tjay, for example, threw shade at the Atlanta rapper this weekend shortly after releasing his new album, 222. Tjay hit the ‘Gram with a screenshot of the Apple Music Top Albums charts where his project sits at #5.
However, in the spot right about Lil Tjay at #4 is Gunna’s new project. Still, the Bronx artist wasn’t going to give the “f*kumean” rapper any more promo. Tjay effectively covered Gunna’s album artwork with a shushing face emoji, which seemingly looks like a shot at the Atlanta artist. It seems a bit unnecessary overall but it’s clear that many hip-hop artists feel as though there isn’t any way to play a neutral position in the public eye.
Lil Tjay certainly isn’t the only rapper who has expressed their issues with Gunna in recent times. Lil Durk, for example, has been quite outspoken about his feelings regarding his “What Happened To Virgil?” collaborator. The rapper spoke to Akademiks about the situation, claiming that he felt like Gunna should’ve simply sat down and done his time. “That man told,” he stated. “You should’ve went in there and kept your mouth closed.”
Tjay’s new album marks a triumphant return in his career. The Bronx rapper was shot 7 times last year and later rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery. Lil Tjay revealed that he almost died during the incident but fortunately, was brought back to good health and went through rigid recovery. “I feel like I’m back where I needed to be,” he told TMZ at his album release party. “I’m back to the best of my ability and I want to take this as far as possible.”
Gunna is running it up. The rapper’s single, “Fukumean,” is taking over the chart, hitting No. 8 on the Billboard 100. The single is the highest charting for Gunna in his career as a solo artist.
The single spawned a video last week, which you can see below.
Gunna’s a Gift & a Curse album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. HITS Daily Double said the first week’s total was 83,000, surpassing the initial projection of 78,000.
Gunna earns his fifth consecutive top 5 album on the Billboard 200 with ‘a Gift & a Curse’. pic.twitter.com/WlzDb3az0D
The new release had no features. Just Gunna and beats. The release follows “Bread & Butter,” where Gunna dropped off messages to those who think he snitched on Young Thug and more.
On A Gift & A Curse, Gunna once again addresses snitching accusations. On the single “I Was Just Thinking,” Gunna salutes and expresses sympathy for Young Thug.
“That’s four walls talkin’ to you, tellin’ you you gone Only I done cried, ’cause this feelin’ for my bro (King Slime) And you know my mind, you done watched that nigga grow Know you hear the lies, it’s your lil’ brother, my folk Yeah, I had popped out, but don’t let ’em say I told.”
– Gunna on “I Was Just Thinking”
Overall, the album is 15 tracks long, clocking in at 45 minutes. You can press play on the release below.
Gunna saw a lot of success with his new album a Gift & a Curse, one of hip-hop’s standout releases of the year so far. Not only did it add to the YSL affiliate’s narrative after taking a plea deal in the label’s RICO case, but it also contains plenty of bangers as well. Moreover, one of these is “fukumean,” which quickly became a fan favorite off the project for its engaging beat and wavy flows. In fact, it seems like it’s only going up, because in the three weeks or so since the album’s release, it reached its highest commercial peak so far. Furthermore, the track became the rapper’s first solo top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, placing at number eight.
Of course, it’s not hard to see why this track is rising up the streaming and sales ranks out of all the others. When looking at a Gift & a Curse‘s tracklist, this is one of the few cuts that exists largely outside of the trial’s context. In addition, it’s one of the more exciting and stank-face-inducing performances and instrumentals on the album. As such, it reminds fans of the old Gunna in the best way while still fitting well with the more somber and lyrically focused songs.
Even the music video and a viral interaction with its producer Dunk Rock garnered some attention online. Unfortunately for Gunna, all the project’s success and hot tracks come with a larger-than-life asterisk for many hip-hop listeners out there. His continued presumed beef with artists about his plea deal took center stage with this release, including former collaborators like Lil Baby and Lil Durk. Still, we don’t know where things are at with Young Thug, which is probably the most burning and important question that fans want answered.
Regardless, hits like “fukumean,” no matter your take on them, suggest that his career is here to stay. In the three weeks since a Gift & a Curse dropped, discussion around the drama of his situation mostly died down. Hopefully that means that all parties involved can just get back to their lives and focus on more important issues. With that in mind, stay logged into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Gunna.
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