Kevin Gates’ release from prison in January didn’t result in him hitting the ground running like Gucci Mane’s post-prison run in 2016. Instead, Luca Brasi kept a low profile on both the music and social media front.
Months after gaining his freedom, the platinum-selling artist made his proper return with the surprise release of his Chained To The City EP. And unlike 2017’s By Any Means 2 mixtape, which was comprised of placeholder material recorded before he got locked up, this EP lives up to the standard set by his 2016 breakthrough album Islah.
In returning to rap’s crowded landscape with a three-track EP, Gates hits some high marks thanks to its brevity. “Vouch” is one of the most compelling records of his entire career, addressing the narrative of his supposed fakeness that’s persisted thanks to old associates in Baton Rouge. Gates lays out his street credentials, shouting out the 70805 — often considered the most dangerous hood in his hometown — and recalling his path from dealing narcotics to a failed deal with Cash Money.
“Change Lanes” is a strong reminder of Gates’ hit-making ability, which he established on “I Don’t Get Tired” and solidified with “2 Phones.” Go Grizzly’s warbled production fits Gates like a glove, providing a connective tissue for the versatile MC’s shifts between a more direct flow and the stretched out vocals of his melodic delivery.
Gates doesn’t go three-for-three, misfiring on the banal trap record “Let It Sing” and occasionally reverting to some simplistic rhymes that aren’t up to his caliber of songwriting. But in light of the long layoff caused his legal woes, Chained To The City is an impressive return to form. Fans have plenty to be excited about if this EP is a prelude of what’s to come.
Fake Muslims, cousin fuckers and dindus stan up. This no talent hack is free.
Miserable
Back in my day we called 3 songs a single, and 8 tracks an EP
Way too much vocal reverb. I used to dig dude, but can’t mess with this.
Its a 3 song ep and he just came out of Jail if you’re a real fan you know hes capable of doing better I don’t one Hip Hop artist that hasn’t had any bad songs. You guys are too quick to hate on the few actual good rappers we have. But you praise ppl like Tekashi and lil uzi and lil peep y’all don’t shit. Kevin gates is easily one of the best current artist out. So you hatercan STFU
I think is doing grreat,we need them all rappers like,kelvin Gate,lil uzi and more talks…uhm
Fuck with gates but all these songs sound the same to me
Honestly, Gates has brought better in guest appearances on other artists joints. I applaud him for letting intertia keep him from producing new material but these 3 seem more like B sides or exercises than fully fleshed out songs.
That being said, it’s all still very Gates and has everything I’ve come to know and love about him. I won’t say it’s his best, but I’d rather have it in my playlist than anything in the current top 40 rotation.
Love Gates! Love this new album! ??
Good
Not long enough to justify a review – but still fun