Kevin Gates' 8 Most Introspective Lyrical Moments On "By Any Means 2"

Louisiana rapper Kevin Gates is currently sitting in a Chicago prison, serving 30 more months in jail due to gun possession charges.

The last project Gates dropped was Murder for Hire 2 back in May of 2016. Despite being behind bars, the rapper has still been able to give his fans with music, thanks in part to his wife and business partner Dreka Gates. She vowed to put the project together while her husband was in prison. She took to Twitter and divulged how she felt about the responsibility of putting By Any Means 2 together while maintaining Kevin Gate's artistic integrity.

By Any Means boasted no features, the sequel continues in that same vein, containing only one feature from PnB Rock on the R&B-leaning “Beautiful Scars,” which he dropped last week. The 14-song project also includes previously-released singles like "No Love" and "What If.” 

Before the announcement of his new mixtape, Gates released a music video for “What If” as an open letter to his fans. The letter read, "Dear loyal family, Disallow yourselves to be troubled in my time of absence. All of the great ones who came before and will come after me: Have had to go through this. by this I am speaking in reference to hardship. A great person is measured by all of the great test they can undergo and still remain to to who they are. What that being said, I'm home. I love you all. In closing I remain the same. Forever, Kevin Gates.”

Gates spits introspective wisdom and poetic imagery that keeps the listener hooked on each verse. Each track weaves into the next to create a cohesive story. While there have been no announcements of any more releases, Gates isn’t up for parole until June 2018, so hopefully By Any Means 2 will tide you over until then.  

Take a look at Gates' most introspective lyrics on By Any Means 2 below.

Niggas want a feature, they gon' holler Gates
Niggas want protection, they gon' say my name
Niggas want some fame, stand on side of Gates
I can see the snakes, nigga you too late

The first taste we got from Gates’ mixtape was spicy. It’s clear Gates has “No Love” for his haters while he’s behind bars, a feeling that is enhanced by the dynamic production, over which his menacing lyrics create a compelling vibe. Reaffirming his boss status, Gates may not be leaving prison anytime soon, but that won’t stop him from giving his fans new music.

What if God is one of us (What if God is one of us)
Just a thug like one of us (Just a thug like one of us)
Getting it out the mud like one of us (Out the mud)
Making calls to the plug like one of us

Trapping Joan Osborne's “One Of Us,” Gates raps about his personal life, the media, and his relationship with God. The beautiful music video was directed by Walu and includes a scene of confrontation between a group of young black men and police officers while Gates’ sings “What if God is one of us/ Just a thug like one of us.” The video ends with an image of the handwritten letter Gates’ wrote to his fans.

Hoes only know that you a lie
Stunt on all ten like you a tall one
One thing you are not is a coward

Speaking to his son Khaza, Gates tells him not to be afraid of anyone and to trust in his own strength. Gates’ has stated in that past that he takes care of himself and doesn’t need security or an entourage. That aura only strengths his image as a complete boss, unafraid of anything that may come across his path.

If I had to I would do it again
My partner died but on my arm he still lives
I wear my heart on my skin, can't forget where I been
You gave me scars
Beautiful scars

Reflecting on the tough lessons that have influenced his life, Gates’ verses detail how those teachings that came to him on the streets or from the soul of a woman have affected him. The song features PnB Rock as well, who delivers the hook embodying Gates’ emotions. He wears his heart on his sleeve and, if that wasn't made clear from his lyrics elsewhere on the project, the sentiment is felt sharply on this track.

When I’m alone in my room
Sometimes I stare at the wall
And in the back of my mind
I hear my conscience call

Quoted from LL Cool J’s 1987 “I Need Love,” Gates refers to the time he’s spending in his cell - reflecting on his past, present, and future. These lines have been quoted in songs like “Make It Go Right,” by Childish Gambino, Common’s “Sum S**t I Wrote,” and many more. It also lets us see a softer, more vulnerable side to Gates who normally gives off a hard, seemingly impenetrable vibe.

I can't even trust my heat, 'cause sometimes that bitch jams
And everybody that I meet swear that they gon' hold it down
And every bitch I thought I loved took my heart and went crash
And every time I was away, she had dealings with the past

Reaffirming the sentiments that he shared with fans and listeners on “No Love,” Gates clearly hasn't got time for bullshit. Keeping to himself, his guard is high - realizing he can’t trust his gun, friends, or women. It's a portrait of how lonely and isolated the rapper, who keeps up a powerful outer shell, can be at times.

And I just wanna take you home and lay you down
And I used to deal with your padre, a long time ago
Since then I moved on, but I still deal dope
Takin' trips out to Bogota, I used to catch hard sales
I was in love with your madre comida
Now I got my own cartel

This song digs deeper into another Kevin Gates song called “Plugs Daughter.” While “Plugs Daughter,” focuses on the hustle, “Jus Wanna,” is a reflection of a relationship Gates had when he was younger. Feeling nostalgic, Gates talks about where they used to play as kids and how he learned the trade (and possibly the hustle in general) from her father.

Ran off on the plug, I was touching her to Plies

Referencing Plies' song “Ran Off The Plug Twice,” Gates is feeling the central female character. While one may think that the song is talking about a drug supplier, when Plies says “running off the plug,” it means to congratulate someone on a smart move. Including meaningful rhymes around nearly every corner of this album? Smart move by Gates indeed.