Arts Vanity: The Theory of Interconnectivity: 5 Songs Inspired by "Gucci Gang"

As someone always looking for up-and-coming talent, I’ve been obsessed with Lil Pump for months. I’ve come to realize that the Trapper of the Century’s biggest hit, “Gucci Gang,” is in everything I hear. It’s the Pachelbel’s Canon of the modern age. “Gucci Gang” is so defining a statement of rap’s most timeless figure that it is present in all music. Lil Pump is the beginning and the end of time, both the root of art and its final state. “Gucci Gang” has existed in many forms since the first crickets realized they could make music, but has blessed us in this year of 2017 with its presence in full form. Pump’s mastery of craft is so thorough that “Gucci Gang” has definitively shaped music as we know it. Don’t believe it? Here are five examples that demonstrate the breadth of “Gucci Gang”’s impact.

“Keep Ya Head Up”: In 1992, 2Pac was jealous of Lil Pump’s success as a deep, lyrical rapper and stole the lyrics to a new song Pump was working on to make “Keep Ya Head Up.” In response, Pump took the remaining beat and turned it into “Gucci Gang.” I think we all know who did better with that one.

“Mr. Brightside”: Lil Pump and Brandon Flowers used to go to the same church in Las Vegas. In 2001, Pump gave Flowers “Mr. Brightside” because he believed Flowers’ new band, The Killers, wouldn’t survive without the extra help. To thank him, Flowers gave Pump the immortal line “My bitch love do cocaine (ooh).”

“All Too Well”: Lil Pump and Liz Rose are actually old friends, and Pump used his connections to introduce Rose to a young singer-songwriter named Taylor Swift. The two hit it off and Rose co-wrote some of Swift’s biggest hits. Not coincidentally, “Gucci Gang” pays homage to Swift’s greatest song on her album “Red” with the line, “Bought some red bottoms, cost hella Gs (huh).”

“Rumours”: Circa 1976, Pump was Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s dealer, and he eventually became popular with the rest of Fleetwood Mac. Pump’s supply ensured the band got along while recording their magnum opus. Several members of the band have confirmed that “Rumours” is dedicated in part to Lil Pump. In fact, the immortal title to Pump’s masterpiece is etched in the liner notes of the album.

“Purple Rain”: Pump says “Gucci Gang” 57 times on the track—a reference to Prince, who died last year at 57. The song was a message to Prince that he’ll still look sharp in heaven. The line, “I can’t buy a bitch no wedding ring (ooh)” confirms this, referencing Prince’s struggles with commitment and love in the movie soundtracked by Prince’s opus. Lil Pump’s eponymous album is in fact purple-themed in honor of the movie’s title track.

These five examples illustrate something very important: “Gucci Gang” is present in all music. Truly no artist has ever been as omniscient as Pump. His biggest hit has influenced over six decades of music. From the fluttering yet abrasive instrumentation of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” to the distorted wail of the solo in Kanye’s “Runaway” to, well, Lil Pump himself, “Gucci Gang” has inspired countless revolutionary works of music. It is truly the summit of our culture, in everything and everyone. All songs lead to “Gucci Gang.” It is the beginning and the end. The alpha and the omega. The genesis and the finale. Gucci Gang. Gucci Gang. Gucci Gang. Gucci Gang. Gucci Gang.

—Edward M. Litwin is the incoming music exec, and yes, by the way, he does have a Lil Pump tattoo. And no, you can’t see it.