Revisiting: "Everybody Looking" by Gucci Mane

In May of 2016, trap legend Gucci Mane was finally a free man. Even though he had served more than two years in prison, he wasted no time on getting back to the studio and recording new material. After a few singles, his first post-prison release, Everybody Looking, was unleashed in July. The album included guest appearances from Kanye West, Drake and Young Thug, and sold 68,000 copies in its first week, earning Gucci the highest sales week of his career since December 2009's The State vs. Radric Davis. Although it is considered as one of his best studio releases, how well does Everybody Looking hold up today? That is what I am finding out.

1. No Sleep - Intro

I know that Gucci recorded new material for this album, but this honestly sounds like something out of his vault of old music. The song has this classic feel to it, and I'm nearly convinced Guwop recorded this in 2009 or 2010. But that doesn't mean it's not a good track. The Zaytoven and Mike Will Made-It production matches Wop's charisma perfectly, and the trio craft a hard-hitting opener. I give this track a high 8/10.

2. Out Do Ya

Well, another Gucci track that sounds straight out of the archives. I feel like the entire album will be filled with these kinds of songs, but I'm not complaining one bit. Zaytoven's on the production again, so I already knew this track would be a banger. Wop also has undeniable charisma. I give this track a high 7.5/10.

3. Back On Road (with Drake)

Although I'm disappointed that Drake didn't have a verse, he still delivered a nice hook, and Gucci spit flames on his two verses. This has a more updated feel than the previous track, partly due to Drake's go-to producers Boi-1da and Murda Beatz handling the production this time around, instead of one of Guwop's go-to producers. However, it still sounds a bit like an old Gucci song, which is nice. I give this track a 7.5/10.

4. Waybach

This track goes way harder than the other songs on here, and that's saying something. This feels more like old Gucci than anything else, and I can't decide what's better: the Mike Will and Zaytoven production or the old-school flow from Guwop. This album may turn out to be Wop's best. I give this track an 8.5/10.

5. P**** Print (ft. Kanye West)

Gucci's flow on here is on-par with some of his best work. The Mike Will instrumental suits Wop perfectly, and he slaughters his verse. That isn't to say that Kanye didn't do good, either. His verse started out a little awkward, but then he switched the flow and it only went up from there. I'm happy that this track exceeded my already high expectations. I give this song a high 8.5/10.

6. Pop Music

Six tracks in and we're still going strong. The Mike Will production, this time with Myles Harris added into the mix, is good for Gucci, because it allows him to go as hard as possible. The hook is catchy and gritty at the same time, and both of Guwop's verses are filled with menacing bars reminiscent of Trap House III. It could have possibly been recorded around that time. I give this track an 8/10.

7. Guwop Home (ft. Young Thug)

Gucci's vocal effects on this track definitely aren't for me, but him and Thugger still work as a hitmaking duo. This is definitely not one of the best tracks on the album, but it can suffice. Plus, Zaytoven and Mike Will team up yet again for another hard-hitting instrumental. I give this track a solid 7/10.

8. Gucci Please

It's a solid song, but this is not up to par with the previous tracks on this album. However, I still enjoy it quite a bit. Gucci's flow is smooth, and the hook is pretty decent. The Mike Will production was expected, but I like it. This is your standard Guwop track, and sometimes that's all you need. I give this track a 7/10.

9. Robbed

This is a bounce-back from the last two underwhelming tracks on this album. Zaytoven handles the production this time, so we get the best producer-rapper duo that we could have on this project. Seeing as Zay and Gucci have always made music together, they're like peanut butter and jelly, and they work together well. I give this track a 7.5/10.

10. Richest N**** in the Room

Zay, Mike Will, and Guwop. The holy trio of trap music. Seriously, can these three ever make bad music together? It seems nearly impossible. From the hypnotizing production to the flex-filled hook, everything about this track feels like an old Gucci mixtape song. He might as well have recorded this around the time he released Writing on the Wall. I give this track an 8/10.

11. 1st Day Out Tha Feds

That beat switch is cold enough to make you shout "BURR!" Mike Will definitely delivers a memorable beat, and Gucci does justice. He could have extended his verse and not have had a minute-long outro, but it is what it is. This might even top his infamous 2009 song "First Day Out," which is somewhat of a trap classic. I give this track a high 8.5/10.

12. At Least a M

This is a weaker track compared to some of the cuts on this album, but the Zaytoven and Mike Will production elevates Gucci's bars. The hook can get repetitive, but the verses are fresh and filled with energy. I guess this was the last project to have that old Gucci feel. I give this track a 7/10.

13. All My Children

Gucci is claiming that a lot of rappers are inspired by his sound. The funny thing is, unlike other people who claim this, he's actually correct. Guwop is one of the most influential trap rappers of all time, and he's doubling down on that in this song. We finally hear some Drumma Boy production, and, boy, is it music to my ears. Wop flows perfectly over the beat. I give this track a 8/10.

14. Pick Up the Pieces - Outro

This is a fitting closer to the album, even if it does sound a bit off. The hook is not great, but it's still decent, and Gucci's flow is dope. I'm surprised at how this album played out, because it sounds like old Guwop, but more crisp. I give this track a high 7/10. Pretty nice outro.

15. Multi Millionaire Laflare

Well, there's a bonus track to this album, and I'm actually pretty happy. Gucci's flow is once again very smooth, and the Southside production is a nice little switch-up from the predominantly Mike Will and Zaytoven instrumentals showcased throughout this project. This is not the official outro to the album, but it is a good send-off. I give this track an 8.5/10.

FINAL RATING: 7.7/10

SUMMARY:

When Gucci Mane came out of prison, he was a changed man. He lost weight, his ice cream tattoo had faded, and his vocals were less slurred. However, his energy was the same. Maybe that's why Everybody Looking feels just like an old Guwop mixtape, except with more mixing and mastering. From the old-school production courtesy of Mike Will Made It, Zaytoven and more, to the multiple different flows employed by Gucci, to the short but substantial list of features, this album may be the last glimpse of the old Wop, before he transitioned to the updated age of rap.