Formed in 2012 in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, C-GATE steadily increased their live performances within a year of their inception and released three demo CDs before graduating from high school.This led to an increase in offers for live shows in Tokyo and other areas.
In 2015, they relocated their activities to Tokyo and released their debut full album, "void," in April 2016. The release show, held on the same day in Tokyo, drew an audience of over 160 people, an impressive feat for their first self-hosted event. In July 2017, they unveiled their second full album, "Brightness," which received national distribution through triple vision marketing. Following an extensive 11-tour cycle, they concluded their tour with a sold-out final show at Shibuya Club Asia in November of the same year.
Subsequently, C-GATE announced the departure of their former vocalist and guitarist. In November 2018, they bid farewell to their previous lineup with a final live performance at Shibuya CYCLONE. As a parting gift, they released the venue-limited EP, "DIARY." The final show exceeded the venue's capacity and left a lasting impression on the attendees, becoming a legendary performance. Following this, the band went on a one-year hiatus.
After their one-year hiatus, C-GATE introduced new vocalist NaShun on October 4, 2019. On December 7, they announced a self-hosted event at Shibuya GARRET and confirmed the release of their new EP, "INCEPTION." With NaShun's passionate vocals adding to their aggressive and intense sound, the band resumed their activities as C-GATE. In March 2020, they released their first digital single, "Pink."
Continuing their live activities primarily in Tokyo, C-GATE released their second digital single of the year, "Because we," in November 2020. The release included the music video for the track "Derangement." In March 2021, they announced the forthcoming release of their new single, "DAWNING," and held a release show at Shinjuku Antiknock on April 11 of the same year.
As of 2023, C-GATE has unveiled their first full album titled "NO FUTURE," featuring 13 tracks. The band's sound has evolved with lower tunings, reaching as low as Low F, and heavier compositions. Their metalcore style draws inspiration from bands like Killswitch Engage, incorporating elements of death metal riffs akin to Dying Fetus and an aggressive approach influenced by hardcore acts such as TUI and Expire. These elements contribute to their distinct appeal.
Visions
C-Gate Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No cap I switch caps bars be so fitted
Used to crack down on pills now no crack on my bills
Take a psychedelic ego deaded ain't just for the thrills
Hard times hard rhymes will it stop on dimes
Nothing is real I'm never not on time
You're food on screenplays I be eating drama
I said this would happen found the steps of chilam balam
Couldn't walk in my shoes even if the socks fit
They all be looking for punchlines all looking for hooks
But when your souls on the line you don't go fishing with hooks
Alcoholic Preaching catch me at the pulpit
I can hear half your bars and know that you're a whole bitch
Respect to my sisters my brains just twisted
Tectonic bars you can feel the floor shifting
(Yea)
This where the hook should be
Visions in my bars only if you can see
(Yea)
This where the hook should be
Visions in my bars only if you can see
Visions come only if you please
The black goat bringing rappers to they knees
(Rappers to they knees)
Visions come only if you please
The black goat bringing rappers to they knees yea
Cold flow be heating up these tracks
Oxy moron used to be hooked way back
When I had the red and black tape on the gat
With your fate in my strap mean mug to match
Found a better way but I know my roots
Remove the stems before I puffed and it changed my view
The truth that I spew make niggas feel hurt
We're genetically different you can't prove my birth
On the front of the front line no front time
Familiar with the static automatic pound sign
Try to figure me out go find Solomons key
Always be a problem high so astronomers can see
A G from fast break didn't choose this way
A broken fuse and abuse made me use this way
Not a clue with my view it ain't for you to say
I live between the tics I'm a muse this way (Yea)
(Yea)
This where the hook should be
Visions in my bars only if you can see
(Yea)
This where the hook should be
Visions in my bars only if you can see
Visions come only if you please
The black goat bringing rappers to they knees
(Rappers to they knees)
Visions come only if you please
The black goat bringing rappers to they knees yea
(2 Dot bitch)
In "VISIONS" by C-Gate, the artist starts with the question of who is calling his name, but then asserts that it's better for nobody to call him unless they are smart about it. The lyrics then continue with references to drug use and taking psychedelics for enlightenment purposes, rather than for the thrills. The artist has a harder edge, with hard rhymes that may stop on a dime and a sense of nothing being real. C-Gate references the consumption of drama found in screenplays as well as finding the steps of Chilam Balam, an ancient Maya manuscript used for divination. The artist also asserts his own prowess by claiming he stays in the sky like a pilot and that people couldn't even walk in his shoes. The lyrics also reference the music industry, with everyone looking for punchlines and hooks but when someone's soul is on the line, they do not fish with hooks.
The verse continues with the artist acknowledging his roots and how he has changed after finding a better way, but still remaining true to himself. C-Gate then claims that he is genetically different and that no one can prove his birth. He references his experience on the front line, being familiar with violence, and being a problem that can be seen from afar by astronomers. The artist concludes with the idea that he is a "muse" who lives "between the tics," leaving the listener to interpret the meaning for themselves. Throughout "VISIONS," C-Gate displays a sense of toughness and a rejection of the conventional in favor of a more spiritual approach.
Line by Line Meaning
Who call my name? none if you're smart with it
I don't want anyone bothering me. Leave me alone if you know what's good for you.
No cap I switch caps bars be so fitted
I am a versatile artist and can adapt to any situation. My bars are always on point.
Used to crack down on pills now no crack on my bills
I used to sell drugs to make money, but now I earn a living through my music.
Take a psychedelic ego deaded ain't just for the thrills
Taking psychedelics can help me explore my mind and inner self. It's not just about getting high for fun.
Hard times hard rhymes will it stop on dimes
Despite facing difficult times, I will continue to make great music and succeed financially.
Nothing is real I'm never not on time
Reality is subjective and time is a human construct. I am always punctual and reliable.
You're food on screenplays I be eating drama
I am skilled at writing and acting, and always crave more excitement and conflict in my life.
I said this would happen found the steps of chilam balam
I predicted my own success and discovered the secrets to achieving it through ancient texts like the Chilam Balam.
I stay in the sky like I live in cockpits
I am always rising higher in my career and feel most comfortable at the top.
Couldn't walk in my shoes even if the socks fit
My experiences and struggles are unique to me and cannot be fully understood by others.
They all be looking for punchlines all looking for hooks
Other artists are too focused on making catchy songs instead of expressing themselves authentically.
But when your souls on the line you don't go fishing with hooks
When your artistry and personal values are at stake, you shouldn't compromise or take shortcuts to attain success.
Alcoholic Preaching catch me at the pulpit
I enjoy drinking and sometimes use alcohol as inspiration for my music. It's like preaching from a pulpit.
I can hear half your bars and know that you're a whole bitch
I have a keen ear for weakness and can easily recognize when other rappers are not authentic or genuine.
Respect to my sisters my brains just twisted
I have a lot of respect for women and recognize the challenges they face in society. My own thoughts and emotions can sometimes be complex and confusing.
Tectonic bars you can feel the floor shifting
The power and intensity of my lyrics can cause a physical and emotional reaction in listeners.
(Yea)
This where the hook should be
Visions in my bars only if you can see
I don't need a catchy hook to make a great song. My true message and vision is embedded in the lyrics.
Visions come only if you please
The black goat bringing rappers to they knees
(Rappers to they knees)
Visions come only if you please
The black goat bringing rappers to they knees yea
You will only understand my message if you are open to it. My powerful artistry and message will challenge other rappers to elevate their game.
Cold flow be heating up these tracks
My style is fresh and powerful, and can heat up even the coldest beats.
Oxy moron used to be hooked way back
I used to struggle with addiction and hypocrisies in my life, but have now overcome them.
When I had the red and black tape on the gat
I used to carry a gun and was involved in dangerous situations in my past.
With your fate in my strap mean mug to match
Back then, I had a confrontational and aggressive attitude, willing to fight or kill to protect myself.
Found a better way but I know my roots
I have grown and matured as a person and artist, but still acknowledge and appreciate where I came from.
Remove the stems before I puffed and it changed my view
I now have a better perspective on life and my art after overcoming my addictions and bad habits.
The truth that I spew make niggas feel hurt
My honest and raw lyrics can be painful and uncomfortable for others to hear, especially if it exposes their own flaws and weaknesses.
We're genetically different you can't prove my birth
My identity and background cannot be easily defined or explained, as there are many factors that contribute to who I am as a person.
On the front of the front line no front time
I am at the forefront of my industry and always authentic, without pretending to be someone I'm not.
Familiar with the static automatic pound sign
I am skilled in the language of the streets and know how to communicate effectively through social media and other digital platforms.
Try to figure me out go find Solomons key
I am a complex and enigmatic artist, and to fully understand me requires a lot of effort and intellectual curiosity.
Always be a problem high so astronomers can see
My art and persona will continue to challenge and push boundaries, making me visible and recognizable among other great artists and performers.
A G from fast break didn't choose this way
I had a tough upbringing and faced many obstacles in my life, but my passion for music and my talent as an artist led me on this path.
A broken fuse and abuse made me use this way
I have been through a lot of pain and trauma, and my art is a way to channel those emotions and experiences into something powerful and meaningful.
Not a clue with my view it ain't for you to say
My perspective and worldview are unique to me, and others cannot fully understand or appreciate it.
I live between the tics I'm a muse this way (Yea)
(Yea)
I exist in a liminal space between different identities and social constructs, and use my art to inspire and influence others to think and act differently.
This where the hook should be
Visions in my bars only if you can see
My true message and vision is embedded in the lyrics. I don't need a catchy hook to make a great song.
Visions come only if you please
The black goat bringing rappers to they knees
(Rappers to they knees)
Visions come only if you please
The black goat bringing rappers to they knees yea
You will only understand my message if you are open to it. My powerful artistry and message will challenge other rappers to elevate their game.
(2 Dot bitch)
This is a signature and identifier of the artist, C-Gate.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Aaron Castaneda
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind