Sure to continue his prolific, post-prison run, Atlanta trapper Gucci Mane closed 2019 with a last-minute holiday surprise for fans,
East Atlanta Santa 3. There's nothing new added to the Gucci equation here, but the set is a fun romp nonetheless. Keeping in theme, references to Christmas, the Grinch, "snow" (from both the clouds and the trap house), and other seasonal touches are combined with his usual sex, hustling, and big money lyrics. Guests Jason Derulo, Asian Doll, Rich the Kid, and a double-dose from Quavo lend a congenial vibe to the affair, while the bulk of production comes courtesy of J. White Did It, with familiar faces Metro Boomin, Murda Beatz, Zaytoven, and Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E. picking up the slack. Upon release, the album debuted on the Billboard 200 at number 68. ~ Neil Z. Yeung