The Boot has been the hot topic in hip-hop for the past week thanks to Lil’ Boosie. But he’s not the only Baton Rouge rapper fresh out the state pen. Atlantic Records artist Kevin Gates has been doing stints in jail since his snotty-nosed, cartoon-watching days on the South side of Baton Rouge. Despite his many bids, the self-proclaimed news reporter has kept a steady flow of street music.
Now that KG is finished serving time for probation violation, he’s ready to supply the streets and radio again with his vivid bars. He’s been prepping fans for the March 18 release of his next project, By Any Means, by dropping singles “Amnesia,” featuring Doe B, and “Arm & Hammer.” As KG fans await By Any Means, here’s a list of 10 Kevin Gates songs you should listen to and get familiar. —Darryl Robertson
1. “Get In The Way,” feat. Lil’ Boosie (All Or Nuthin’)
Long before prison, Kevin Gates and Lil Boosie linked up for this B.R. street anthem, where the two rappers, both from the “Bottom” section of Baton Rouge, warn foes and haters to stay in their place. Because of the alleged rumors of beef, it may be a long time, or the only time, fans get to hear Boosie and KG on the same track.
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2. “IDGAF” (The Luca Brasi Story)
Kevin Gates, an avid reader, is at his best when telling tales. Some of his songs are so potent that you feel as if you’re trapping in the Bottom with him. “IDGAF” is one of those songs. Gates raps, “Young Troll just hit the phone, but he don’t keep one thousand/Rayfish just jacked him and he see ’bout that/Now he telling me ‘bout that/Seem to me he ain’t ‘bout that.” Gates raps as if the more aggressive he is the more listeners will feel his pain.
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3. “Streets Of B.R.” (All Or Nuthin’)
The world is a ghetto and Baton Rouge is no different. Kevin Gates displays his storytelling abilities as he paints a real-life story of drug sales, drug use and murder.
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4. “Neon Lights” (The Luca Brasi Story)
Yes, Drake is an emotional rapper. But Gates is just as heart-wrenching as the YMCMB artist. The radio-friendly “Neon Lights” finds him spazzing on a woman who left him lovelorn then rapping about making love to her in the second verse.
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5. “Paper Chasers” (The Luca Brasi Story)
Here, Gates shows his ability of make a radio jam but still keep it gangsta, mixing shopping sprees, drug dealing, guns and a nice flow over a catchy beat courtesy of Swiff D. Gates pulls it off while keeping his core fan base satisfied.
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6. “Die Behind Me” (All Or Nuthin”)
There was a time when Master P would get played in a club and more than a few partygoers would catch a few elbows to the head. Well, “Die Behind Me” is reminiscent of those early No Limit days. Over hard 808s, Gates delivers a classic Baton Rouge club banger for the gangsters who get buck.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed])
7. “Keep A Heater” (All Or Nuthin”)
Being a voracious reader has done Gates good, because he has an eye for detail that shows in his songs. On “Keep A Heater,” he informs listeners of everyday life in the Bottom.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
8. “Remember Me” (All Or Nuthin”)
Kevin Gates admits he’s an emotional rapper. But on “Remember Me,” he makes the song cry, touching on issues from his faith in God to side chicks having abortions, trust and losing friends to the streets. It’s one of those tracks that make you reminisce on your own darkest secrets.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
9. “Satellites” (Make Em Believe)
Storytelling and broken relationships are KG’s forte, and here he bangs out a nice commercial record about never experiencing making love but holding out hope that it will happen one day.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
10. “Don’t Know” (By Any Means)
Gates gets out of his comfort zone for “Don’t Know.” He’s usually dropping street knowledge or venting over a broken heart, but this is all boasts about not knowing “broke niggas,” “hoe niggas” and ugly women.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]