Gucci Mane Released Every 1017 Artist Except Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano; Here’s Why They Likely Got to Keep Their Deals [Video]

Days ago, Gucci Mane announced that he was releasing nearly all artists from his 1017 Records label, retaining only Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano. He shared this decision in an Instagram video, citing the need to make “the unselfish decision” after reviewing his profit and loss statements. The Atlanta CEO expressed that while he could have kept all the artists under contract, he felt it was better for them to explore other opportunities.

This shake-up at 1017 Records, which was initially founded in 2007, comes amid various challenges, including the recent deaths of artists like Big Scarr and Enchanting, both of which were drug-related. Additionally, others have faced legal troubles. Earlier this year, Hotboy Wes was sentenced to 15 years in prison for assaulting the mothers of his children. In 2022, Shiesty received five years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of violent and drug-trafficking crimes. Foogiano received five years in 2021 for a violation of probation.  Past artists Asian Doll and K. Shiday left the label, and others, such as Lil Zay, Big Walk Dog, Brezden, and Li Rye, were released by Gucci during the recent shakeup. 

Though Shiesty and Foogiano are both locked up, there seems to be a good reason why Gucci chose to keep them on the label. Upon Shiesty’s entry into the rap game in 2019, he landed several gold and platinum singles. These include “Twerksum,” “Monday to Sunday,” and “Neighbors.” His biggest single arrived in 2020 with his “Back In Blood” single, which is now five times platinum. 

Foogiano was still working to get established at the time of his incarceration, though he had made great strides. His “Molly” single, released in 2019, achieved gold, then platinum status. He was also featured on the Big Scarr’s “SO ICY BOYZ 2” with Shiesty, Scarr, and Tay Keith. He was featured on several 1017 compilation projects. 

With both artists being the ones to achieve commercial success, it makes sense why Gucci would keep Foogiano and Shiesty on 1017. In his video announcing the label changes, the 44-year-old stated he was looking for other artists, not to sign but to collaborate with his remaining acts. This seems to indicate that Gucci sees the value in both. Shiesty has a release date of April 25, 2026, while Foogiano will return in November of that year. Therefore, fans must wait a while to see what Gucci has in store for his decreased roster.