Released: 2019
“Richer Than Errybody” by Gucci Mane featuring DaBaby and YoungBoy Never Broke Again explores themes of wealth, power, and survival within the streets and the music industry. Each artist provides a vivid glimpse into the life of success juxtaposed with violence and loyalty, highlighting how money can create a distorted sense of invincibility and the complex dynamics that come with fame.
The hook of the song, “One brick he think he richer than errybody,” repeats several times and emphasizes a mindset that equates accumulating drugs, specifically bricks of cocaine, to status and wealth. In this context, ‘brick’ refers to a kilogram of cocaine. The repeated lines suggest that merely possessing this level of product gives a false sense of superiority or financial security.
The first verse by Gucci Mane introduces the gritty reality of his world. He makes bold statements about his violent past and the dead bodies he’s encountered. Phrases like “Gucci’s a murderer, he got dead bodies” assert his dangerous reputation. Gucci juxtaposes these harsh truths with his luxury lifestyle, demonstrated when he talks about dropping his car’s top and flaunting wealth to the detriment of his enemies.
Throughout his verse, Gucci Mane plays on the idea of being haunted by his past actions. “He traumatized, he done seen too many dead bodies” not only speaks to the literal presence of death around him but also alludes to a mental burden he carries. This shows a depth beyond the surface braggadocio common in hip-hop.
Next up is DaBaby’s contribution to the song, characterized by a distinct focus on violence and domination. “Imma get that li’l bitchin’ ass if I wanna” suggests a ruthless approach to getting what he wants. He blends this aggressiveness with braggadocious talk of wealth, enhancing the image of invulnerability and the constant readiness to confront challenges head-on.
DaBaby continues by expressing his lavish lifestyle, riding in luxury cars while under surveillance by the law, which underscores the dual life he lives — one filled with luxury but constantly under threat. “Sellin’ drugs, got the feds on us” speaks to the precarious balance between the street life and legal consequences that many artists in this genre must navigate.
YoungBoy Never Broke Again follows with a similar narrative of blending wealth with caution and violence. He emphasizes loyalty to his lifestyle and readiness to defend his status at any cost. His lines “I’m droppin’ a bag on errybody” suggest not only wealth but a readiness to act against any threat to his domain.
He further solidifies his image as an artist intertwined with the streets, professing allegiance to narcotics and how deeply embedded he is in that world, a point echoed by many of his fans. “I’m too rich so I just had to switch up my number” demonstrates how his rising fame affects even personal choices.
Returning to Gucci Mane, he paints himself as someone who rose from the streets but remains close to his roots, albeit more guarded. The image of soldiers around him, like “Feel like Obama when I move ’cause I keep soldiers ’round me,” enhances the perception of his cautious navigation through his wealthy yet dangerous lifestyle.
In the end, “Richer Than Errybody” doesn’t just glorify wealth and excess; it underlines the constant danger and paranoia that accompany them. Gucci Mane, DaBaby, and YoungBoy Never Broke Again successfully depict the intertwining paths of money, power, and the streets, making it both a celebration and a cautionary tale of their lifestyles. The historical context of their personal stories within hip-hop gives an authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences familiar with their work.
