I’ve observed Kevin Gates’ rise, fall and re-emergence into the man whose “I Don’t Get Tired” motto eventually became a theme for aspirational millennials ignoring fatigue brought by various grinds. Forget the recommended eight – ten hour sleep regimen, those six jobs are first priority. Then again, anyone familiar with Gate’s rise understands that mentality. His early beginnings under Baton Rouge collective Dead Game Records resulted in some pretty local classics like personal favorites “Head 2 My Toes” and “Grinder.” Hell, I still remember his cool cameo in the video treatment for one very serious guilty pleasure of mine, Jimi Jump’s “Too Pieces.” Looking back, it’s quite incredible when one realizes how many struggle rappers he outlasted within Baton Rouge’s post-Boosie (a then close collaborator) explosion. That final stint in prison led to a psychology degree and emo-thug reinvention.
By the time 2013 rolls around, he’s distanced himself from Dead Game, found a close association with YMCMB, created his own Bread Winners Association imprint and inked a deal with Atlantic Records. Then came those guest verses including his assist on Pusha T’s “Trust You” and his breakout Luca Brasi Story mixtape. Mr. Kevin Jerome Gilyard had a knack for painting incredibly vivid gangsta rap pictures fitted with small lyrically vulnerable details. Of course, his actual delivery was clearly post-Drake along with an unhinged baritone; almost reflecting a serious level of insanity. It was a formula that worked well on projects ranging from Stranger Than Fiction to the Gangsta Grillz hosted Luca Brasi 2 which featured his biggest single to date “I Don’t Get Tired” featuring August Alsina. Add his place on XXL’s coveted Freshmen List with Chance The Rapper, Ty Dolla $ign, Jon Connor and Vic Mensa, 2014 should have been his breakout year. Most of his times in front of the camera involved a real street intellect that many consider life lessons let social media say anything. The way he articulating his life was fascinating.
Unfortunately, Gate’s social media presence and a few interviews turned him into a character who overshadowed his then constantly evolving music. Any true follow-up feels similar to all gas with no fire. Gates’ shenanigans were amusing at first. He handled interviews regarding his affinity for eating booty with slick wit and morbid understanding. Matter of fact, videos like these pre-date Jhene Aiko’s best line of 2015:
There was a mixture of him being equally honest and in on the joke at the same time. Problem is, it opened the floodgates for moments that were just unnecessarily sickening. Gate’s Instagram page became a problem. Having sexual relations with one’s cousin without knowing is one thing. These things just happen sometimes. Openly admitting to still participate in acts is disturbing.
Later on within the year’s time, he would engage in cold war beefs with Game and Young Thug. Thankfully, both were squashed before things got too heated. If the situation with his cousin wasn’t crazy enough, things later turned from bad to worse this year.
Yup, he made the news again this year for non-music related issues. The problem is that in the case of allegedly kicking a woman out of his crib for not performing oral sex on his dog, the bizarre lines between trolling and truth became too blurred. Devil worshipping beads anyone? Gates really started to show his subversive dislike of females when footage of him fighting two women in a Flint, Michigan club emerged. And, here we are today ladies and gentleman. Last weekend, Gates is caught kicking a concert goer Charlie Murphy style in the chest for allegedly grabbing his junk in Florida. The end result: a simple battery charge. How does he respond? A half-assed track that serves absolutely nothing. With everything going on around him, most have totally forgotten his above average Murder For Hire mixtape that dropped in May. This is a telling sign of his musical relevance. Hopefully, Gates can pull it together before his career joins the dark abyss of internet buzz.
he deserves to go to jail
and why is that? im pretty sure their is more to the story. this guy is use to fans trying to touch him. why would he decide to kick her because of that? what made her a victim? maybe she did grab his private parts and in that case she got what she deserved. all celebrities dont embrace groupies.
Go to jail for?
Whoever writes this is overly biased and generally sucks at expressing opinions in written format. Lmfao go back to college
People think Hip Hop is theater…a reflection of something real…and sometimes its just that.
But there are other times when the genuine representation of the lyrics is in your presence…and that representative just happens to be holding the mic…
Some people need to know that just because they bought a ticket to the show and know the words to their favorite rapper’s songs, that doesn’t mean they know that rapper…
See, sometimes, hip hop is not a circus,
sometimes its a zoo…or better yet a jungle…
Under those circumstances, watch your mouth and keep your hands to yourself…
Word to the wise: If you so innocent, dont go to Kevin Gates shows, and definitely dont be feeling on him…how about that?
Who knows? This might make it better for performers.
Maybe this will make other fans think twice before jumping on the stage while artists are performing…
Don’t forget…we’re there to look, listen, and be entertained…
Beyond that, the artist don’t owe us s#!t…
That you mr dont get tired?
I wanna like this 12 times. Your r right this guy is extremely biased and actually know nothin bout gates #BWA #IDGT
Yeah I bet you know everything right?
Slowed musical output? He’s prolific as he needs to be. I wish more artists would go longer between releases. Luca brasi 2 is still selling despite the fact that it’s always been officially available for free.
The only thing im learning out of all this is that mothafuckas are unintelligent when it comes to judging and artist. My dude made a mistake, and now all you stupid ass people are sayin he cant spit. Im sorry but since when did someones personal issues determine how good an artist is? Cuz as far as im concerned an artist is judged off his/her material. Gates went hard before this shit and he gonna go hard after. Yall needa stop talkin shit cuz you know if it was your favorite rapper youd be saying this same shit. Did you know the bitch? I bet money you didnt. Was you at the concert and saw all what went down before the kick? Bet not. Do you even know Gates aside from all the bitch talk? Prolly not. So stop hiding behind your phone actin like gates is trash when you dont even gotta clue. And since an artists retaliations determine his ability to spit nowadays then go on and keep supporting fake ass rappers.. and too all the “former gates fans” yall wasnt ever true anyways, you was all about it when he rappin bout “beatin hoes”, but as soon as he do yall wanna act like you aint down with em anymore. Gtfo. #BWA #IDGT
It doesn’t matter what she done she didn’t deserve to be kicked in the chest. Would you feel the same way if that was your mother or sister?
I dont get it a chick grabs your dck you supposed to do nothing, but you can’t touch her ass. Why???? If I am married and a btch grabs my shit she going to get dat boot. Was that not unwanted intrusion? This shit has to go two ways? Whats good for the goose is good for the gander. Stop the bs? there has to be boundaries. I love the sisters. I have daughters. but I would never raise my daughters to hit on a man and not expect repercussions. I would never raise my daughter touch a man unwanted and not expect repercussions. It’s real like that. Keep your hands to yourself. That goes for everybody. everyfrigginbody.
Would you feel the same way if some homie had grabbed your mother or sisters pussy?
I’m going to need “journalist” to start proofreading shit smh
What kind of attic dust are you smoking? He’s performing at sold out shows you idiot.
I just heard his music the the man can flow. Preordered his new album too.
Hes a pretty good artist, but shit, that dude needs to get it together. I bet there’s less than five other people in the world that asked their gf to suck their dog’s dick. That’s seriously messed up shit.
Man my boy still going in till this day, even though he did kick that young lady. But if you look at it she was warned several times. And she didn’t take heed of it, and plus it was invasion of that man person area…
#JS
I swear I wanna fucking slap you.
How do u feel now dikkkkhead
Man fuck all that ignorant ass shit talkin’.. straight up. I ain’t sayin that none of those instances aren’t true or that I know exactly what did/didn’t happen – but that’s the point. The only people who do are the ones who’s business it is, because they were there/involved in the situation. And with that being said, maybe everyone else should mind their own ???.
Maybe I’m just a lil bit biased ’cause I’ve been listenin to him religiously for almost 6 years now (minus like 15-20 songs by other artists, Gates is ALL I fuck with). And I don’t see that changing.. cause he’s an incredible artist, I can’t say he gets better ’cause he’s always been the best.. Fuck the haters yooo you’re in a class of your own, no comparison. Thank you for everything you give to the world, you’ll never know what your art means to some.. idk where tf I’d be w/o your music, it’s my therapy ????
#BWA
#IDGAF
#LUCABRASI
#IDGT
#100itGANG
♥️
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