But now he’s found himself trying to figure out his next career move behind bars.

In a telephone interview from the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Gucci Mane talked about how he’s been more “at peace” during his jail stint, how miserable he felt on the day after his album release and how he’s been a mentor to other inmates.

The Associated Press: You were featured on Carey’s “Obsessed” and had the hit “Break Up” with Mario and Sean Garrett, as well as the single “Spotlight” featuring Usher. How did it feel to finally breakthrough?

Gucci Mane: It felt good to finally be noticed and get some kind of acclaim. This is by far the most praise I’ve ever gotten. It feels like all my hard work is getting recognized. It makes me work even harder.

AP: How did it feel to have your album top the charts while in jail?

Gucci Mane: Excited. I still had a release party, though I wasn’t there. But the day after was the toughest because I just wanted to get out there to see my fans. … Getting on stage, it’s nothing like it.

AP: Gucci, you’ve been to jail on a few other occasions. How can you avoid being sent back again?

Gucci Mane: Before I make an action, think about the consequences. … Any decision I make is a heavy decision. I got a lot of people who depend on me. Everything I do has so much weight on it.

AP: How do the other inmates treat you in jail?

Gucci Mane: It’s a great response. … So I try to take a couple of these young guys under my wing and tell them what I’ve learned, because you can’t teach nobody if you don’t know anything.

AP: Rappers who have been jailed in the past like Tupac has said it was difficult to jot down lyrics while in prison. How has writing songs been for you?

Gucci Mane: Unfortunately I’ve been to jail a couple times. Anytime I come in it’s difficult to make music, write songs. This time, I have a peace within me. I’ve been so excited to get out. I’ve written about 50 to 60 songs.

AP: How much has your jail time been a setback on your career, which was at the peak?

Gucci Mane: With money and selling CDs, I can always do that. I believe I can make all the money I’ve missed the last six months. But I can’t regain the time with fans and family.

“I have accepted full responsibility for my actions and I am ready to deal with what is in front of me right now,” wrote Gucci, born Radric Davis. “Thankfully, my label is still moving forward with my album release so I will have plenty to look forward to when I get out. I am remaining positive and want my fans to know that I am grateful for their loyalty and continued support. I will get through this.”

Gucci’s attorney, Dwight Thomas, spoke on his client’s state of mind and how the Atlanta rapper avoided getting the maximum sentence.

“In court, Mr. Davis was extremely articulate and he was remorseful for his conduct,” wrote Thomas, via statement. “He was able to convince the courts that he was not deserving of the two year prison sentence he was facing.”

Despite Gucci’s recent incarceration, Asylum/Warner Bros. Records is pressing forward with the release of Gucci’s first major album, The State vs Radric Davis, on December 8. The LP includes features from Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and Usher among others.

Currently behind bars, Gucci is eligible for release in six months or less for good behavior.

We still holdin you down!