Embattled rapper Gucci Mane has opened up about his life in prison in an open letter to fans, revealing his incarceration has inspired him to turn his life around after a string of legal troubles.

The Icy hitmaker was ordered to serve 39 months in prison in August (14) for a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and the sentence was extended by three years in September (14) after he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault following a separate attack on a fan at an Atlanta, Georgia nightclub in March, 2013.

Gucci Mane, real name Radric Davis, has now reached out to fans from behind bars and he admits that despite his prison time, he is looking forward to the future as he works to rebuild his life and career.

In a letter obtained by MTV.com, he writes, "My idea is to take my career to the next level. I am planning to take my music to a higher level and use the attention and influence to sell movies, books, clothing and be a living testimony to all people showing that you can start from humble beginnings and transcend to something greater.

"It feels great to see my plan take root and begin to blossom even though I'm physically incarcerated but spiritually and mentally I'm free as ever. I enjoy working out molding my body and I look forward to changing my diet for the better because I realize to get to the status I crave I must make a life-change which is permanent not a quick-fix.

"I can see myself now at the top of my game, me and my beautiful lady walking the red carpet at the best parties and getting flooded with accolades at the award shows and setting trends that will be copied around the world. This is not a dream though this is a plan that I will affect directly. I know that by me stayin (sic) sober, praying and fasting and stepping up to the plate to the father, and man I am destined to be I will impact my family and the entire universe for the better."