Released: 2017 • Features: 2 Chainz, Young Dolph
“Both Eyes Closed” by Gucci Mane, featuring 2 Chainz and Young Dolph, is a braggadocious anthem of success in the face of detractors. This track sees the trio asserting their independence from critics, detailing the luxuries they’ve earned from their successful hustles and their impenetrable self-confidence.
The chorus refers to Gucci Mane’s determination and ability to make money, despite the challenges or critics. “Cartier frames, call me four eyes” is a nod to his wealth, signified by the Cartier glasses he wears, while the repeated phrase “Still can cook a deuce up with both eyes closed” alludes to his history in drug dealing, claiming he was so skilled he could do it blindfolded. When he talks about people having a lot to say about his posts and the clothes he wears, it’s a reference to his flamboyant lifestyle that might attract envy or petty criticisms. His response to this, though, is indifferent as he’s enjoying beautiful days and spoilt for choice on which luxury car to flaunt next.
The verses present a rags-to-riches narrative detailing their transition from risky street hustling (“From the bando to the Waldorf Astoria”) to lavish lifestyles, boasting about private islands, considerable deals, and securing big checks. Autobiographical lines like “Autobiography, Gucci Mane the author/ And I’m the trap sponsor, Gucci Mane’s the father”, demonstrates Gucci’s claim to being a major influence on the trap sub-genre in hip-hop. ‘Trap’ refers to a type of rap that’s usually about drug dealing and the difficult environment that gang-related individuals live in.
2 Chainz’s verse equally invokes opulent imagery, discussing diamond-laden jewelry and luxurious car brands. The phrase “Bulletproof Rhino, coke color albino” references a Rhino GX, a rugged armored SUV, suggesting 2 Chainz’s amassed wealth is still rooted in an adverse past. “Makin’ money in piles sellin’ people the Pyro” hint at his past involvement in drug dealing.
In his verse, Young Dolph discusses the reward of his hustles in the form of luxury and women, and his disinterest in detractors “Don’t mean to brag and boast, but I be fresher than most”. The line “we made it out the streets, pop a bottle, let’s make a toast” is a celebration of their journey from poverty-stricken beginnings to a wealthy lifestyle.
Overall, the song is a commendable ode to struggle, grit, and success – a perfect example of the rags-to-riches motif popular in a lot of hip-hop narratives.
