For fans, there were a lot of questions surrounding the release of Kevin Gates' Islah, which dropped today. Would the album feature more of the morbid violence of the Luca Brasi saga, or would it find Gates exploring his pop-friendlier side, as heard on the lead single, "Kno One." The answer leans more toward the latter, but that's not to say there's any compromise whatsoever.
Islah is an incredibly romantic album, with many songs dedicated to Gates' longtime significant other, whom he married in October. Gates' brand of romance, though, is the serious, ride-or-die style, and it often includes many X-rated details. The lyrics, and the emotion with which they're delivered, could only come from someone who's been in the trenches and experienced the prospects of never seeing another woman again.
One such piece of raw romance is "Time for That," which will likely be the album's next single. Produced by Swiff D, who made ScHoolboy Q's "Studio," the song is evidence of an underrated aspect of Gates' rising stardom -- his singing ability. He nails this hook with perfect timing and cadence. "Askin' where's my heart, good luck finding that," he sings, as Swiff D uses his kick drums to mimic actual palpitations. We'd be asking the same thing had he not just left it all on the table.
Stream Islah here.
Quotable Lyrics
She screamin' please don't waste my time
I say I totally agree
See girl I'm fine with that
I done gave my watches away, ain't got no time for that
Askin' where's my heart, good luck findin' that
How long could I see her 'round? Think I'm still timin' that
Think I'm still timin' that