This past week, Gucci Mane’s “Mr. Davis” was finally released. Originally intended to be released Sept. 15, the artist’s 11th studio album was released nearly a month later than anticipated, leaving many devoted fans restless. Being the second largest work Gucci has put out this year, “Mr. Davis” follows suit with his collaborative mixtape “Droptopwop,” which was released in May.

The album itself includes a star-studded cast with the likes of Migos, The Weeknd, Ty Dolla $ign, Big Sean, Monica, ScHoolboy Q, A$AP Rocky, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj and Rico Love, who are featured in 10 of the 17 tracks on the album. As for  Gucci Mane’s opinion of his work, he said, “To all whom this may concern, I would take my hip honors or legend award now why I’m young, active and attractive,” via Twitter. 

With all things seeming to go his way, Gucci has been nothing short of successful lately. Within the past 10 months, the artist has released his own book, “The Autobiography of Gucci Mane,” dropped a clothing line, “DELANTIC,” and released a hit with “Met Gala.” He has also released ice cream cone Reeboks, and to top it all off with a cherry, he and his fiancee, Keyshia Ka’oir, finally wedded on Oct. 17.

Commencing the album with an introduction of “Work In Progress,” he taps into his childhood and proceeds to have a brief reflection on his life. He discusses how he was kicked out of his house, looked up to his older brother and could not even cry for the death of his father within the past year. With much hopping around in time, he reflects on his time in prison, artists he has seen as sons and the people he learned truly loved him. “But I forgive, I been forgiven, I hold grudges too / I’m just a work in progress, I’m not even through.”

“I Get The Bag,” a featured song from “Mr. Davis” with Migos, was released in August to create tension for the upcoming album. “Skrrt, skrrt, skrrt, and it jump out the pot / Came out of jail and went straight to the top.” With slight references to Gucci’s major fame since his release from prison, this theme appears to carry on throughout the album as Gucci Mane emphasizes his changes since he got out of jail. “Curve,” which features The Weeknd, is a song that was released just before the album’s release for September was pushed back. “Bum, bum-bum-bum, I feel like Rocky in his prime.” Here, Gucci Mane uses the sounds of punches to signify beating of gloves, evoking the boxing imagery used by Migos in “Fight Night.”

“Money Make Ya Handsome,” one of Gucci’s 7 lone tracks on the album, acknowledges his self-awareness and how artificial the world can be, especially for those that are involved in entertainment and music. “Money make you handsome, even if you’re ugly / Money make her f*** me, she wanna f*** my money.” “Make Love,” featuring Nicki Minaj, just may be the best track on the album with lines like, “I don’t see her / n**** I’m the greatest, no Kendrick and no Sia.”

With highlights like “We Ride,” with Monica, and “Miss My Woe,” featuring Rico Love, the album also had some pitfalls, including “Changed,” featuring Big Sean, and “Tone It Done,” with Chris Brown, where lyrics and character were lacking heavily. “Mr. Davis” has lyrical and memorable bookends “Work In Progress” and “Made It” that truly make the album, though, Gucci could have cut a few tracks and made the album even better.

Photo provided by Evan Guest (https”//goo.gl/RjtQx3) via flickr