Gunna

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, known professionally as Gunna, was born and raised in College Park, Georgia. From a young age, he was deeply influenced by the local music scene, which shaped his musical style and aspirations. Gunna began making music as a teenager and gained early exposure through his collaborations with fellow Atlanta rapper Young Thug, who became a significant mentor and collaborator in his career.

Breakthrough and Early Success

Gunna's breakthrough came with the release of his mixtape "Drip Season 3" in 2018. The mixtape featured high-profile collaborations with artists like Lil Baby and Young Thug, solidifying his presence in the hip-hop industry. One of the standout tracks, "Sold Out Dates" featuring Lil Baby, became a viral hit, amassing millions of streams and earning Gunna widespread recognition.

In September 2018, Gunna and Lil Baby released the single "Drip Too Hard," which peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track was part of their collaborative mixtape "Drip Harder," which also saw significant commercial success, debuting at number 4 on the Billboard 200​​.

Major Releases and Chart Success

Drip or Drown 2 (2019): Gunna's debut studio album, "Drip or Drown 2," was released in February 2019. The album included hit singles like "One Call" and "Speed it Up," and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. The project featured contributions from prominent artists such as Lil Baby, Young Thug, and Playboi Carti, further establishing Gunna's reputation in the industry​​.

Wunna (2020): His second studio album, "Wunna," released in May 2020, marked a significant milestone in Gunna's career. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included popular tracks like "Skybox" and the title track "Wunna." The deluxe edition, released later that year, featured additional songs with guest appearances from artists like Future and Lil Uzi Vert​.

DS4EVER (2022): The fourth installment in his Drip Season series, "DS4EVER," released in January 2022, featured a star-studded lineup including Future, 21 Savage, Drake, and Kodak Black. The album continued to showcase Gunna's ability to produce commercially successful music while collaborating with some of the biggest names in hip-hop.

Recent Projects and Tours

In 2024, Gunna released "ONE OF WUN," an album featuring guest appearances from Offset, Normani, Roddy Ricch, and Leon Bridges. The album was supported by "The Bittersweet Tour," covering 16 cities across the United States. The lead single from the album, "Whatsapp (Wassam)," added to his growing list of hit songs.

Legal Issues and Personal Challenges

In May 2022, Gunna, along with Young Thug and other associates of YSL Records, faced a 56-count indictment under the RICO Act. This legal battle significantly impacted his career, leading to widespread media coverage and public scrutiny. Despite these challenges, Gunna continued to release music and address his experiences through his art. His 2023 album "A Gift & A Curse" delved into these personal and legal struggles, with tracks like "Bread & Butter" reflecting on his arrest and the allegations against him​.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Beyond his music career, Gunna has been active in philanthropy. In February 2022, he partnered with the sustainable food waste management and hunger relief company Goodr to open a free grocery store at Ronald E. McNair Middle School, where he once attended. This initiative aimed to provide students and their families with essential food and supplies, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to his community.

Musical Style and Influence

Gunna's music is characterized by his smooth, melodic style and ability to blend catchy hooks with intricate flows. His collaborations with artists like Young Thug, Lil Baby, and Travis Scott have been instrumental in shaping his sound and expanding his reach in the hip-hop world. Gunna's influence continues to grow as he remains a prominent figure in the genre, consistently releasing music that resonates with a broad audience.