Gunna is carrying the baton as one of the first artists to come up under Young Thug's label, Young Stoner Life, and achieve mainstream success, following behind the Atlanta rap lineage of pioneers like Thugger and Future. Gunna has developed a unique style by borrowing cadences and melodies from the likes of Hendrix and Thug, creating a new sound that has propelled him to chart-topping success.

Gunna's rise in the rap scene can be attributed to his acclaimed Drip or Drown release and his Drip Season series, which he initiated back in 2016.

His momentum grew with releases like the highly anticipated Drip Season 3 in 2018, featuring collaborations with Lil Durk, Lil Yachty, Nav, Lil Baby and Young Thug. The series' third installment showcased production from Metro Boomin and Wheezy, forming a dynamic duo. In the following year, Gunna joined forces with Lil Baby for the collaborative project Drip Harder, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart. The single "Drip Too Hard" became one of the most successful tracks in his career, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a RIAA diamond certification. The track also scored a Grammy nomination in 2020 for Best Rap/Sung Performance.

From 2018 onwards, Gunna embarked on a relentless run, releasing Drip or Drown 2 in 2019, Wunna the following year and DS4EVER in 2022. Drip or Drown 2 peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200, while both Wunna and DS4EVER secured the No. 1 spot following their respective releases. Gunna's ability to transform catchy phrases into global hits, as exemplified by tracks like "Pushin P," solidifies his status as a certified hitmaker.