The Fallout of Betrayal: How Gunna’s Actions Changed the Way I Listen to His Music

Breakdown and Analysis

This passage reflects a personal journey of disillusionment with an artist’s actions, framed within a broader discussion of loyalty, betrayal, and the concept of “snitching” in the context of street culture. The speaker explores the emotional and moral impact of Gunna’s involvement in a legal situation that led to him being labeled as a “snitch.” The passage blends personal reflection with a critical examination of loyalty in both the music industry and criminal justice system.

1. “When I first came home from doing my 21 years in prison one of the first albums that I fell in love with was ‘Trick Season 3’ by Gunna…”

The speaker begins by reminiscing about a time when they first re-entered society after serving a long prison sentence. The album Trick Season 3 by Gunna was one of the first they connected with, highlighting the joy of rediscovering music and culture post-incarceration.
Effect: This sets up the emotional attachment the speaker had to Gunna’s music and creates a personal connection to the narrative that follows. It emphasizes the significance of music in the speaker’s reintegration into society and their emotional state at the time.

2. “But I can’t listen to that album anymore with the same enjoyment because of the principles and values behind the person that made it…”

The speaker reveals a shift in their perception of Gunna due to the artist’s actions in a legal situation, particularly his cooperation with authorities, which the speaker interprets as betrayal. The enjoyment of the album is now tainted by the perceived loss of Gunna’s integrity.
Effect: This shows how personal values and principles influence how one engages with art. The speaker’s disillusionment demonstrates that music is not only about the sound but the artist’s character and the authenticity of their actions.

3. “Let me tell you about when I became an unfair fan of Gunna when he snitched in open court against Young Thug…”

Here, the speaker transitions to describe the moment they lost respect for Gunna. The term “snitched” is used to describe Gunna’s cooperation with law enforcement in a case involving his friend, Young Thug.
Effect: The speaker introduces the central issue of the narrative—Gunna’s actions in court—and sets the stage for a deeper exploration of what “snitching” means in their world. This creates a sense of betrayal and dishonor in the speaker’s eyes.

4. “Let’s clear up what snitching is because when this jumped off there seemed to be a lot of confusion on the Internet…”

The speaker takes a moment to define “snitching” in clear terms. According to the speaker, snitching is when someone involved in a criminal activity turns on others to save themselves from legal consequences. The speaker contrasts this with a non-criminal bystander calling the police on someone engaging in illegal activity.
Effect: This segment clarifies the speaker’s stance on snitching, emphasizing that it’s not just about informing on someone but betraying those with whom you share a lifestyle and mutual risks. This helps the listener understand the gravity of Gunna’s actions in the eyes of the speaker.

5. “See the working fighting was not involved in the criminal lifestyle they called the police on you because you are outside selling drugs in front of her house…”

The speaker contrasts “snitching” with a non-criminal bystander who calls the police when witnessing illegal activity. This comparison highlights that a civilian reporting a crime is not the same as a criminal betraying their associates to save themselves.
Effect: This distinction reinforces the moral line that the speaker draws: real betrayal happens within a shared criminal culture when someone involved turns on their peers.

6. “Everybody that was really from the streets was not debating them Gunna snitch or not…”

The speaker asserts that people within the street culture immediately understood what Gunna did, implying that the real ones—those with experience in the lifestyle—saw his actions as unequivocally wrong. This is contrasted with the general public or those outside the culture, who might debate or misunderstand the situation.
Effect: This reinforces the idea that street codes of loyalty are non-negotiable, and that within the culture, Gunna’s actions were viewed as a direct betrayal, making his loyalty to Young Thug suspect.

7. “Young Thug knew too because this was the first tweet that he made about Gunna when he came home…”

The speaker highlights that even Young Thug, Gunna’s close associate, recognized the betrayal. The mention of Young Thug’s tweet implies that the artist was aware of Gunna’s disloyalty and responded accordingly.
Effect: This further emphasizes the real-world consequences of Gunna’s actions. It shows that betrayal in the context of street loyalty is not something that can easily be dismissed or overlooked, even by those directly affected.

8. “Let me tell you something that prison is full of heart broke people because somebody that they loved that they thought loved them told them…”

The speaker delves into the emotional toll that betrayal has on those who experience it, particularly in the context of prison. Inmates, many of whom were betrayed by people they trusted, suffer from the deep psychological effects of such a loss.
Effect: This adds an emotional and human dimension to the story, as it paints a picture of the emotional devastation caused by snitching. The speaker shows that betrayal affects not only the person who is snitched on but the broader emotional landscape of those involved in the lifestyle.

9. “Prison is full of people suffering from PTSD because they have to watch somebody they love do that…”

The speaker extends the idea of emotional harm to the broader population of incarcerated individuals, many of whom are dealing with trauma from being betrayed by close associates. This is presented as a painful reality in the prison system.
Effect: This illustrates the long-term effects of betrayal and reinforces the severity of Gunna’s actions. It suggests that snitching does not just affect the person directly involved but ripples out and creates trauma within the community.

10. “It takes a very unprincipled filthy person to do that that’s why we call them rats…”

The speaker uses strong language to emphasize their disgust for those who betray their peers by snitching. “Rats” is a term used to describe people who betray their friends and associates for personal gain.
Effect: This line solidifies the speaker’s moral stance on Gunna’s actions and the ultimate breach of trust that snitching represents. It’s a personal condemnation of Gunna’s character, which is why the speaker can no longer enjoy his music.

11. “Now when I hear his music that’s all I can think about…”

The passage concludes with the speaker revealing that the betrayal has irreparably changed their relationship with Gunna’s music. Now, whenever they hear it, they are reminded of the snitching, and the enjoyment is gone.
Effect: This closing statement highlights the deep emotional impact that the loss of respect for Gunna has had on the speaker. Music, which was once a source of enjoyment and escape, is now tainted by the artist’s actions. It reflects how deeply personal values can influence the enjoyment of art.

Conclusion

The speaker’s disillusionment with Gunna’s music is rooted in a sense of betrayal and the violation of principles surrounding loyalty and trust, particularly in the context of street culture. The passage explores the emotional pain caused by snitching and the lasting effects it can have on those who are betrayed. The speaker uses Gunna’s actions as a case study to discuss broader themes of loyalty, respect, and the consequences of disloyalty, ultimately suggesting that personal principles outweigh the enjoyment of art when the artist’s integrity is called into question.