Kevin Gates Is His Imperial Majesty On "I'm Him"

BY Erika Marie 18.3K Views
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Baton Rouge is in the building.

Louisiana rapper Kevin Gates has delivered his sophomore studio album, I'm Him (His Imperial Majesty). Back in May, Gates dropped off his acclaimed EP Only the Generals Gon Understand and over the summer, he released two singles from I'm Him including "Push It" and "Facts." Once again Gates steps out with no features and shares his "signature soul-baring street rap and pain-inspired melodies" as he hopes to present himself as an artist who has undergone a transformational maturation process. 

"I'm watching Kevin Gates grow," Gates said of himself, speaking in the third person. "I'm proud of it. He's starting not to make excuses. He's starting to hold himself accountable. I'm proud of him. It took a little longer then it took for most people. Women mature faster than men, but I'm proud of him." 

If you ask who Gates who "Him" is, he spells it out in rhymes. "I am H.I.M. I am H.I.M. 'His imperial majesty/ big timer, Benz driver, bread winner anatomy!' Yeah. H.I.M. I'm Him. His imperial majesty. I'm Him. Without a doubt or contradiction and with all due respect, ain't gonna be no killing, without no killing. Yes sir. With all due respect." Give Gates's latest a few spins and let us know what you think.

Tracklist:

1. RBS Intro
2. Icebox
3. By My Lonely
4. Bags
5. Facts
6. Fatal Attraction
7. Say It Twice
8. Walls Talking
9. Let It Go
10. Face Down
11. Push It
12. Have You Ever
13. Pretend
14. What I Like
15. Funny How
16. Betta for You
17. Fly Again


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.