Kevin Gates Gives It His All On Concise Album "I'm Him 2"

BY Zachary Horvath 2.0K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
kevin-gateskevin-gates
Kevin Gates brings a lot of contrast in terms of tone on his new album, and it helps prove that he's still "Him."

Kevin Gates has always stayed true to himself. Sometimes, it rubs people the wrong way. But when you are authentic and don't play around, that's going to happen. He obviously knows that, and it's helped him remain a steady and respected figure in hip hop for the last decade and a half. On his latest album, I'm Him 2, Gates is an open book. It allows him to touch on a bevy topics and aspects of his life that would otherwise be avoided by a more private MC. On the trim 11-song set, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana rapper divulges on the wins and painful losses in his career. He also gets vulnerable on the opener, "Therapy Sessions." Here, he expresses that sometimes it's hard for him to share what's troubling him.

It may be our favorite moment on the record. His passionate flow and vivid lyricism over the minimal beat give it a personal feeling that's hard to replicate. But he manages to on songs like "Be Somebody," one of the lead singles to I'm Him 2. Kevin Gates encourages everyone listening to stay on the track towards becoming someone special in life. "Better know I spread my wings, you surrounded by them steppas
You better know I'm a big eagle if you're listenin' to this message / Don't you ever let nobody tell you ain't no blessing / Don't you ever let nobody tell you you ain't special
." Not only is Gates reaffirming that he is that guy, but he's also giving the listener confidence to see that in themselves across this tape.

Kevin Gates I'm Him 2

I'm Him 2 Tracklist:

  1. Therapy Sessions ft. Lingo
  2. Big Bruddah (Don't Be Mad)
  3. Manifest
  4. Right Where I'm Supposed To Be
  5. No Pressure
  6. Same Way
  7. Brasi The Eagle
  8. See Me
  9. Block Away
  10. Be Somebody
  11. Kiss The Ring
About The Author
Zachary Horvath is one of the Music Freelance News Writers at HotNewHipHop and has held that title since August 2023. Prior to this position, he held another freelance gig covering local high school football, girls and boys varsity basketball, in addition to recapping Cleveland Cavaliers games remotely. He's taken the previous experience and used it to become a jack of all trades at HotNewHipHop. Zach has thoroughly enjoyed tackling some of the trending topics in sports, with a larger focus on hip-hop and pop culture. Some of those include Bronny James's draft stock, a multitude of angles swirling around the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef, as well as Diddy's arrest and lawsuits. Separate from the headlines that everyone wants to hear about, he was fortunate enough to help spread Zaytoven's current thoughts at the time around mid-December in 2023. Even though being able to give his expertise on these stories is fulfilling, being able to share his passion for releases trumps that ever so slightly. Having the chance to express his excitement indirectly about what he thinks our readers should be checking out/revisiting grows his passion for writing that much more.