How Gunna transformed from an Atlanta newcomer into a chart-topping Billboard powerhouse
In short: Born Sergio Kitchens, the rapper known as Gunna rose from the Atlanta scene to dominate the Billboard 200 with consecutive number-one albums. His career, defined by the Drip series and high-profile collaborations, navigated both massive commercial success and a complex legal battle that reshaped his trajectory within the music industry.
Born in College Park, Georgia, in 1993, Sergio Kitchens began his musical journey at age fifteen. After early mixtapes like Hard Body, he was introduced to Young Thug through a mutual friend, eventually signing with YSL Records. His breakthrough arrived with the 2018 mixtape Drip Season 3, followed by the collaborative success of Drip Harder with Lil Baby. The lead single, Drip Too Hard, became a defining hit, earning diamond certification and a Grammy nomination.
Gunna’s studio albums solidified his commercial standing. Wunna, released in 2020, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, marking his first number-one record. He repeated this feat in 2022 with DS4Ever, which notably outperformed The Weeknd’s Dawn FM by about 2,300 units. His subsequent work, including A Gift & a Curse in 2023, continued to produce major hits like the top-ten single FukUMean, which spent thirty-two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
In May 2022, Gunna’s career faced a significant interruption when he was arrested alongside Young Thug in a 56-count RICO indictment. After being denied bond multiple times, he entered a plea deal in December 2022, receiving a sentence that included time served and probation. Following his release, he addressed the allegations in his music and returned to the charts with projects like One of Wun and his final YSL-affiliated release, The Last Wun, announced in 2025.
Beyond his discography, Gunna has engaged in community efforts, such as partnering with the company Goodr in 2022 to open a free grocery store at his former middle school. His career remains a study in the rapid ascent of modern hip-hop, characterized by frequent collaborations with artists like Travis Scott, Nav, and Future, and a consistent ability to secure high-ranking positions on global music charts.
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