Kevin Gates Says He Influenced NBA Youngboy & Other New Rappers

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ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 16: Mulan Hernandez and Kevin Gates attend Ladies Love R&B Wednesday's at Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge on November 16, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Kevin Gates believes that he influenced a whole generation of rappers, including NBA Youngboy.

Kevin Gates really doesn’t get his dues. In recent times, his interviews and online antics have overshadowed any of his musical accomplishments but he’s undoubtedly a trailblazer. Throughout the years of the South dominating, Baton Rouge and Louisiana as a whole produced a number of stars. NBA Youngboy, specifically, is one of the most successful rappers right now, though Gates undoubtedly created a path for him to follow.

Unfortunately, the two have a strained relationship. They previously collaborated closely on the 4 Respect EP but things took a turn. Rumor is that NBA Youngboy took issue with Kevin Gates showing love to Fredo Bang’s project, leading the two to part ways from one another. Nonetheless, Kevin Gates continued to show love to NBA Youngboy over the years, even if those feelings aren’t reciprocated. However, in a recent interview, Gates explained why he doesn’t take any issue with YB.

Kevin Gates’s Influence On NBA Youngboy

During a recent interview with I Am Athlete, the Khaza artist explained that he laid down the foundation for a lot of rappers who’ve emerged in recent years. “I really gave ‘em the game. I’m super proud of ‘em, whatever whatever. Sometimes, people could love you so much… that period of existence will be shattered if you don’t disappear,” he said. A co-host asked him if he’s talking about NBA Youngboy to which he replies, “They got people like that" before explaining exactly how he inspired the young generation of artists that came after him.

With a storied career that dates back to the mid-aughts, Gates suggested that his influence became inevitable. “I been in the streets my whole life, so I got a bunch of people, like, y’all watch me do these things in the streets and emulated me and everything that y’all do,” he said, citing his accent and walk. “I love NBA Youngboy. That’s my lil’ baby. I’ll die for him right now. I’m talkin’ about look in the industry. Everything you see.” Check out the interview above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments. Is Kevin Gates top 5 most influential rapper from the South?

About The Author
Aron A.
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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