Gucci Mane sounds wealthier, calmer, and more battle-tested than ever on “Episodes.”

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TOP 5 SONGS

5. Back Cooking (Ft. OJ Da Juiceman)

Holy s**t, is that OJ Da Juiceman!?

As someone who grew up on Wock Belly-era Gucci Mane, seeing him reunite with OJ Da Juiceman was a straight-up moment of nostalgia. Beyond the sentimental vibes, OJ absolutely kills his verse, bouncing energetically while flexing on flipping bricks, spending cash, and showing off his Spanish skills. Gucci Mane matches that energy, bringing animated bars about his trap trials, scrappy moments, and endless money. Together, they sound electric over the angelic trap production, proving this reunion was worth the wait.

4. Rich N***a Problems

People don’t give Gucci Mane enough credit for riding beats extremely well.

This is hands down my favorite track on the entire project — and honestly, it’s not even close. I’ve said Gucci Mane slides on plenty of songs throughout this album, but not like how he does on “Rich N**a Problems.”* Over a dark yet groovy Memphis-inspired beat, Gucci flips his flow multiple times, effortlessly weaving in and out of pockets like Deion Sanders running back an interception. He talks about flexing different Bentleys, showing love to his guy Pooh Shiesty, and cutting off anyone who doesn’t match his energy. The cherry on top? A hook that’s catchy as hell and sticks with you long after the track ends.

3. Money

Man, if they tossed Offset or even Skippa Da Flippa on this s**t, I would’ve liked the track even more!

On “Money,” Gucci Mane could easily pass as the fourth member of Migos. He rides their signature triplet flow flawlessly, weaving over the hypnotic, numb-inducing production. Lyrically, it’s classic Scrooge McGucci territory — flexing his love for cash, how it’s kept him out of trouble, and traveling with stacks everywhere he goes. Even if the message becomes obvious, the track’s infectious energy keeps you locked in from start to finish.

2. Voices

How come these strange verses never tell people to pick up a bible?

Unlike in Amityville, the voices in Gucci Mane’s head aren’t calling for chaos—they’re whispering luxury, self-preservation, and pure indulgence. It’s peak flex rap, with Gucci proudly distancing himself from the ordinary, embracing the finer things with unwavering confidence. The bass-heavy, Memphis-influenced production could shake the bolts off your trunk, and while the hook leans a little gimmicky, that’s precisely what makes it stick.

1. Gucci Special

I feel like men shouldn’t listen to a track called “Gucci Special,” but here we are.

Gucci Mane and this song’s production are like Kobe and Shaq in their prime — Chef’s kiss-level chemistry. The beat carries a hypnotic, laid-back vibe that instantly pulls you in, setting the stage for Gucci to glide effortlessly across it. He unloads bar after bar about the next-level lifestyle he’s living — pulling stunts like Tom Cruise, shutting down parking lots, and spending money like it’s nothing. The whole thing feels so natural for him, like making hits at this level is just second nature.

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SONG BY SONG RATING

1. Episodes Intro (3.5/5)

2. Beautiful Nightmares (4/5)

3. Voices (4/5)

4. Psycho (4/5)

5. Gucci Special (4.5/5)

6. Only Time (4/5)

7. Still In Icy (3.5/5)

8. Rich N***a Problems (4/5)

9. I Need You (3/5)

10. Cold (3.5/5)

11. In Common (4/5)

12. Savages (3.5/5)

13. Money (4/5)

14. Forest (4/5)

15. Record Deal (4.5/5)

16 Real (4/5)

17. Back Cooking (Ft. OJ Da Juiceman) (4/5)

1. Preference (4/5)

2. You Don’t Love Me (Ft. Sexyy Red) (4/5)

3. Hit (Ft. BossMan Dlow) (4/5)

4. Heard (3/5)

5. Lust or Love (3/5)

6. Just Like Me (4/5)

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RGM RATING

(77%)

Gucci Mane has solidified himself as one of hip-hop’s ultimate underdog stories. After doing time in jail and struggling with a wock-filled belly, he turned his life around, focusing on his health and mental well-being. Episodes feels like a celebration of that transformation. While there are moments where Gucci dips back into tales of dealing drugs and street life, the album mainly chronicles his rise from a darker chapter, highlighting his improved mindset and the stacks of money he’s accumulated during this focused period. Sure, his money flexes can feel a bit excessive, but after everything he’s been through, can you really blame him?

One of the album’s surprises is its Memphis-inspired production. Gucci Mane clearly drew influence from the likes of Key Glock, with many beats carrying a laid-back Southern vibe perfect for layering clever flows over. From a rapping standpoint, Gucci’s underrated skill shines through — he toys with different cadences, drops punchlines effortlessly, and keeps you engaged even though he handles most of the album solo. While the money talk can create some “Gucci fatigue,” the overall listening experience never feels tedious.

Lyrically and sonically, Episodes strikes a balance between reflection and indulgence. Gucci Mane revisits his trap roots without dwelling on them, allowing listeners to experience both the grind and the rewards. His smooth navigation over the beats makes the album feel cohesive, and his animated delivery ensures that even solo tracks remain dynamic and entertaining.

Ultimately, Episodes is one of the most self-care–inspired albums in recent memory. It’s a record that motivates, celebrates personal growth, and reminds fans why Gucci Mane continues to dominate hip-hop. Are you ready to press play and take notes from the Zone 6 legend?

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