The New 1017 Continues

5.25.21

Gucci Mane, BigWalkDog

At the beginning of last year, Gucci Mane set out to completely reform his label 1017 with a list of brand new artists. He specifically told the wold he wants to sign the hottest unsigned artists to a million dollar label. Even since then, artists have came and gone. There have been several collaboration projects out. But Gucci Mane is no where near being done. Less than two weeks ago Gucci Mane posted that he was looking to sign another million dollar deal, and he got himself something real interesting in his new artist, BigWalkDog.

Gucci Mane continues to grow his label into artists taking over the scene of hip-hop - especially in the south. While it may seem that today’s generation of southern hip-hop is more inclined with Young Thug and the sound of his artists, Young Thug started on Gucci’s team way back when. The two remain friends and business works well, because it is two different eras and genres of music. Each artist has been able to formulate a crew of new musicians who fit well with their catalogs, their style, and way of moving. Sometimes, maybe a little too similar.

One of the first artists Gucci Mane signed to the “New 1017” was Ola Runt. The relationship only last a few months until the two got into a heated feud, and Ola Runt had to leave the gig behind. The one artist signed prior to Ola Runt, was Foogiano. Foogiano was getting some big features and doing really well as the front runner of the New 1017. Unfortunately, he has been recently incarcerated and sentenced to five years for breaking off his ankle monitor. In the past, Gucci has been known to upset some, (aka Ralo) by not saying “free him” and ultimately removing the artist from the label. It does not seem to be an issue in this instance with Foogiano, as Gucci Mane posted an image of the two of them shortly after word spread about his sentencing. Gucci wrote “Free my dawg ASAP we on top of it.” So, it sounds like he is sticking with his man - there is plenty of room for more at the 1017 house.

Besides these guys, you have Pooh Shiesty, who in a way, you could say is the most “main-stream” of the new bunch. He is getting a lot of radio time and doing big features with artists like Lil Durk, G Herbo and more. Shiesty just dropped the Deluxe of Shiesty Season, which currently is sitting at the number two spot on Apple Music. Gucci has proudly been supporting the project on his social medias as well. You have Biig Scarr who recently dropped his own album as well. And of course, Enchanting, the lady of the crew.

After building his new empire, having a son and showing him off to the world, Gucci was ready to go back for more. With the latest addition to the 1017 label, we have BigWalkDog, a new artist from Mississippi. Not only did Gucci Mane sign the artist, but they already dropped their first single and music video together, Poppin. Gucci represented well on his own Instagram by highlighting his new artist, telling everyone to go follow him, stating he was going to be a superstar. Of course, he always shared the snippet for their latest 1017 hit.

In the music video, the two recorded in Miami, Florida, rocking their New 1017 tees and chains. They ride a red Rolls Royce convertible together, across the town, to the studio, shows, the club and more. I was a big fan of the duo. You could instantly tell that BigWalkDog is from Mississippi. He had a hint of Yo Gotti in him. I am wondering if Gucci wanted to get to him first, since Gotti did just pick up Kentucky’s latest EST Gee. The two are going head-to-head with the hottest new artists of the south. BigWalkDog has the southern sound but raps really clearly and has a lot to talk about. Almost like Yella Beezy energy, only without any autotune or voice enhancer. With the current 1017, they just have that gutter and eery, scary kind of vibe. WalkDog seems like he is having fun with it, and a just a fan of the music. I think he going to do really well with his new team.

Gucci Mane comes in for a quick third verse on the song, and he always shows up for his team. With a handle of quick punchlines, he cosigns WalkDog having the ability to go platinum now that he has his name team. “Sign with Gucci Mane, get rich, go platinum.” I love the continuation of building this team and I cannot wait to see what is next from Gucci and the New 1017.