In May 2022, Gunna found himself entangled in a complex RICO case alongside Young Thug and the YSL crew. Charged with conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, he faced a daunting maximum sentence of 20 years.
As time pressed on, hope seemed distant until December 2022 when Gunna accepted a plea deal. By admitting guilt to a single charge, his sentence was diminished to a five-year term. With one year already served, the remaining four years were suspended, contingent on community service and probation requirements.
Although this proved to be a favorable outcome for Gunna, a bitter pill accompanied his respite. In order to secure such a favorable arrangement, Gunna was compelled to acknowledge, in the solemn setting of the courtroom, that YSL isn't just a mere record label, but encompasses criminal activities as well. This implicated his co-defendants, most notably Young Thug, his mentor, companion, and frequent collaborator.
After his release in December 2022, Gunna remained silent, shrouding himself in mystery and secrecy. On June 2, 2023, he emerged from his self-imposed hush and seized the opportunity to address the skeptics through "Bread & Butter." The track provides a platform for Gunna to shed light on his experiences behind bars, confronting the accusations of being an informant to secure a more favorable plea deal. Moreover, it delves into the complexities of his strained relationship with Lil Baby, laying bare the challenges they faced.
Gunna raps with a smooth and deliberate flow, blending with the guitar-driven beat. In the second verse, he proclaims he was coerced into accepting the plea deal despite his instincts telling him otherwise.
On whatever you n---as on and trust me, I'ma stand on it
Lawyers and the DA did some sneaky s--t, I fell for it
On my Ps and Qs because this time, I be prepared for it
Reflecting on his own errors in trusting certain lawyers and the district attorney, Gunna emphasizes his actions weren't deliberate, but a consequence of misplaced trust - a valuable lesson learned that now fuels his vigilance.
"Bread and butter," a phrase synonymous with one's primary source of income, takes center stage as Gunna kicks off the song by addressing the very essence of his decision-making process: money.
Goin' all out when it's 'bout that bread and butter
They'll kill for clout, I put that on my dead brother, yeah
The rapper lays bare the financial toll his legal battles exacted upon him, an unfortunate consequence of opting for the plea deal.
Yeah, I'm right back and I lost mad commas
I had been down bad inside a dark tunnel, yeah
The first verse is a resolute declaration of Gunna's loyalty, as he unequivocally asserts that snitching is not part of his character. As the verse unfolds, Gunna appears to allude to his strained relationship with fellow rapper Lil Baby, including his label boss unfollowing him on social media. Gunna criticizes the move as hypocritical - especially as Lil Baby continued to associate with Pierre Thomas, co-owner of Quality Control label, who faced similar accusations in a 2010 murder case.
Turbo, Omar Grand, and Cam Griffin produced the track. Atlanta producer Turbo frequently works with Gunna, serving as executive producer on his joint album with Lil Baby,
Drip Harder. Omar Grand's resumé also includes collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion ("
Plan B") and Fabolous ("Frenemies"). Cam Griffin contributed to four tracks on Summer Walker's debut album,
Over It, including the lead single, "
Playing Games."
In the black-and-white video directed by LEFF, Gunna takes us on a cinematic ride through the Hollywood Hills. Cruising in a sleek and luxurious car, he indulges in a shopping spree, exploring a high-end jewelry store in search of some ice.
