Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, professionally known as Gunna, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter born on June 14, 1993, in College Park, Georgia. Raised by his mother with four older brothers, he began making music at the age of fifteen, influenced by local Atlanta artists like Cam'ron, Chingy, and Outkast. In 2013, he released a mixtape titled "Hard Body" under the name Yung Serg.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Gunna's career gained significant momentum after he was introduced to fellow Atlanta rapper Young Thug. This connection led to his feature on Young Thug's 2016 track "Floyd Mayweather," alongside Travis Scott and Gucci Mane. In 2016, Gunna signed with Young Thug's record label, YSL Records. He released his debut mixtape, "Drip Season," in October 2016, followed by "Drip Season 2" in 2017, which featured artists like Young Thug and Playboi Carti. His 2018 mixtape, "Drip Season 3," was a commercial breakthrough, and his collaborative mixtape with Lil Baby, "Drip Harder" (2018), peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart. The mixtape's lead single, "Drip Too Hard," became a massive hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a diamond certification from the RIAA.
Studio Albums
Gunna's debut studio album, "Drip or Drown 2," was released in 2019 and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. His sophomore album, "Wunna" (2020), became his first to debut at number one on the chart. He followed this success with "DS4Ever" in 2022, which also topped the charts, and "A Gift & a Curse" in 2023, which peaked at number three. His fifth studio album, "One of Wun," was released in 2024 and reached number two on the Billboard 200.
Legal Issues
In May 2022, Gunna, along with Young Thug and 26 other associates of YSL Records, was arrested and charged in a 56-count RICO Act indictment. Authorities alleged that YSL is a criminal street gang. After turning himself in, Gunna was denied bond multiple times. In December 2022, he was released from prison after entering an Alford plea to a single racketeering charge. This plea deal allowed him to maintain his innocence while acknowledging that it was in his best interest to accept the plea. His sentence was five years, with one year commuted to time served and the remainder suspended, conditional on completing 500 hours of community service.
Fashion Influence
Gunna is recognized for his significant influence on fashion, often credited with popularizing the term "drip," which refers to one's style and outfit. His style is characterized by a blend of high-end designer brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton with streetwear aesthetics. He is known for experimenting with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and unique silhouettes. His impact on fashion has led to collaborations with brands like BoohooMan for his own collection called 'P by Gunna'.