One of rap’s most unique and skillful voices comes from Louisiana rapper Kevin Gates, who presents distinctly gritty, raw, and introspective rap music. Not currently a household name among rap listeners, but holds a regional backing in his hometown of Baton Rouge and attention from various music blogs. Gates’ output in 2014 continued to garner further notice, in the release of two quality projects, By Any Means and Luca Brasi 2, the latter further expanding on a range of themes and possibly Gates’ most polished project to date, lyrically and production-wise.
In Luca Brasi 2, the sequel to The Luca Brasi Story, Gates’ breakout mixtape from 2013, he further showcases his brand of direct, no nonsense, gut-wrenching approach to rap and this is part of what makes his music evidently striking. Where other rappers may choose to play it cool in their delivery, Gates’ is clearly on the other end of the spectrum, in that he holds nothing back in his self-expression. He experiments with a number of vocal styles. Where at one point, Gates’ may be rapping in a deep, gruff voice along with some subdued delivery on “John Gotti”, aggressive, hostile on “Luca Brasi Intro” and vulnerability on “In My Feelings”. All of such is a testament to the unique ability that Gates has in engaging and connecting to the listener.
While most of Gates’ music may be explicit and shows a darker side to one’s internal struggle, see “Wild Ride” and “Pourin’ the Syrup”, there are signs in his music which contain an appeal to reaching wider audiences. He does so in a way that doesn’t sacrifice any authenticity to his character and lyrical ability, yet having possible potential on the radio, such as on “I Don’t Get Tired”.
At 18 tracks long, Gates weaves through crime narratives, emotional turmoil and personal longing for affection, displaying the pieces of man who attempts to manage his innermost thoughts and flaws in a way that is as brutally honest as one can be.