Kevin Gates is giving us new music by any means. The Baton Rouge rapper is not letting jail bars stop him from feeding the streets, having blessed his wife and business partner, Dreka Gates, with all the power to curate and basically put together Gates' upcoming album, By Any Means 2. By Any Means was definitely a fan-favorite release (at least, it was one of my favorites, alongside both the Luca Brasi mixtapes), so we're just hoping that the second instalment lives up to its predecessor, which, it should be noted was also a free release -- By Any Means 2 will be a proper album release. You can pre-order it on iTunes.
The roll-out for By Any Means 2 has gotten underway quickly. It started with "No Love," which at the time, we didn't know was attached to a larger release, and has been followed by "Had To" as well as album details, including the release date and cover art. With By Any Means 2 slated for release on September 21st, next Thursday, we're receiving another leak off it this afternoon. PnB Rock comes through for the r'n'b-leaning "Beautiful Scars," where he provides a sung hook, that while looking to the past, also aim to look forward and turn trials into successes. Gates provides verses detailing how his own struggles, whether with a lover or with the streets, have affected him and play a part in his interactions. Gates is always one to wear his heart on his sleeve, and PnB Rock follows that lead on the hook. Are you feeling the collaboration?
In addition to "No Love," "Had To" and "Beautiful Scars," the previously-released "What If" will also land on By Any Means 2. Recently, we highlighted some of the deep cuts from Gates' discography-- if you're a fan, check these out.
Quotable Lyrics
Handle business how I handle business
Violate you, gotta get the business
I wanted to leave, I had a different vision
Bad bitches wasn't tryna listen
- Gates
