Kevin Gates first began rapping in 2007, when he began making music with fellow Louisiana natives such as Webbie and Lil Boosie. Gates first received attention with his 2008 single "Get in the Way" featuring Lil Boosie. Soon after, he and Boosie would be incarcerated in separate cases. Gates would then be released in 2011 and immediately returned to recording music. He would soon earn the attention of Lil' Wayne. In early 2013, Gates released a mixtape, The Luca Brasi Story which was called "easily the best rap-related thing" in February 2013 by Spin Magazine. The Luca Brasi Story has been downloaded from popular mixtape sharing site, DatPiff, over 130,000 times.
On February 15, 2013, it was announced that Kevin Gates signed to Atlantic Records. Gates was also featured on Pusha T's 2013 mixtape as well as on Gudda Gudda's mixtape. On July 16, 2013 Gates released a street album titled Stranger Than Fiction, the street album was supported by the single "4:30".
He released his latest project By Any Means in 2014, and from there exploded in even more popularity. Mid-year made his way onto the cover of the 2014 XXL Freshman list.
4:30am
Kevin Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hello?!
What up nig?
What up nigga?
Shit, chillin'.
Shit I said, I’m just cooling brah, I’m jus cooling
But look
I’m bout to get it in right fast
Lemme do this I'mma call you later
Alright Nigga.
Alright I love you boy
Love you too nigga.
Gladiators on deck
Drug user, don’t drink sprite
And when I do, it ain't pink sprite
A lot on lean, it’s purple
Trust issues, don't trust really
No two point conversion
Won't run it after I touch down
My punter kicking, its defence
Where was you when I was slumped over
Gums hurting from a old bullet
In front the toilet while hunched over
Puking all of my insides
Stab wounds from a old friend
Well at that time we were close friends
They said I killed him in cold blood
We wrestled for the gun but the gun went off
He up’d the pistol looked him dead in his eyes
I’ve been ready to die so nigga do it
Gates ride, I really do it
I’m serious too nigga, really do it
Turned his head, closed his eyes
Aimed the tool, started shooting
I didn’t die, my life a movie
4:30 Am, never say when
It’s five in the morning
And your children are somewhere on the corner
6:00 Am, water boiling
Think I'm addicted to the strong aroma
When I was touchin' McKinley
Erin really my best friend
And I was loving her best friend
Bright Brittany with the long hair
You know (?) lil sista
She stole a Jag for her to come and get me
I was buying dope
In and out the system
Brandy fucking my nigga Ray
At the same time
He fuckin' cold sweatin'
He the track coach
And a asshole
Know that didn't have shit to do with this
I was just stating the facts though
Jessica round me, talking sexually bout me
She bend over in front me
From the back while I'm pounding
Now it's over
Bitch get up and get out
I mostly likely forgot to mention
But we was in my trap house
Just brainstorming, in the game for me
These thoughts and the ideas
No regrets for the shit I did
That also mean for the niggas I killed
4:30 Am, never say when
It’s five in the morning
And your children are somewhere on the corner
6:00 Am, water boiling
Think I'm addicted to the strong aroma
The song, 4:30am, by Kevin Gates is a story that reflects on his past experiences, from drug use and addiction to lost friends and lovers. The song’s introduction sets the scene with a phone call with a friend, which seems like a casual conversation, but it is also an expression of brotherly love. Kevin is candid, honest, and direct, sharing his experiences with addiction and mistrust. He tells the story of his friend and the confrontation that led to a life or death situation. The phone call at the beginning of the song gives the listener a sense of vulnerability in Kevin, and it sets the tone for the confessional lyrics that follow.
The lyrics of 4:30am also reveal Kevin's introspective and self-reflective nature. The verses showcase a vivid retelling of his memories that are haunting but honest. The stories that unfold in the lyrics of the song are captivating and descriptive, painting a picture of his life experiences. The song exhibits Kevin’s unique flow and rhyming style, which is his signature sound. His lyrics reveal struggles with addiction, self-destructive behavior, and trust issues. The song reflects the purgatory he faced, a lonely place where he faced his demons head-on.
Line by Line Meaning
What the fuck!
Kevin Gates answers the phone in a state of surprise.
Hello?!
Kevin Gates says hello, confused about who is on the other end of the call.
What up nig?
Person on the other end of the call greets Kevin Gates.
What up nigga?
Kevin Gates greets the caller back.
Shit, chillin'.
Kevin Gates is not doing much at the moment and is cool with it.
Shit I said, I’m just cooling brah, I’m jus cooling
Kevin Gates repeats that he is just calming down.
But look
I’m bout to get it in right fast
Kevin Gates is about to do something very important and he ends the call.
Nigga I love you.
Kevin Gates expresses his love to the caller as a friend.
Lemme do this I'mma call you later
Kevin Gates asks for some alone time to complete his task and offers to call back later.
Alright Nigga.
The caller agrees with Kevin Gates and agrees to speak later.
Alright I love you boy
Kevin Gates offers his love to the caller.
Love you too nigga.
The caller expresses his love to Kevin Gates as well.
Gladiators on deck
Kevin Gates and his team are prepared for anything and are ready to fight with all they have.
Drug user, don’t drink sprite
Kevin Gates reveals his preference for drugs and clarifies that he doesn't drink sprite (a lemon-lime flavored soft drink).
And when I do, it ain't pink sprite
A lot on lean, it’s purple
Kevin Gates rarely drinks sprite and when he does, it's not the pink one; he prefers lean (a mixture of promethazine and codeine) which is purple in color.
Trust issues, don't trust really
Kevin Gates has experienced betrayal in the past and this has led to trust issues, making it hard for him to place confidence in anyone.
No two point conversion
Kevin Gates doesn't want to take unnecessary risks in his life; he plans to secure each score once instead of trying to score twice.
Won't run it after I touch down
My punter kicking, its defence
Kevin Gates will not celebrate his victory too soon, but will rather secure the win and move onto the next move, comparing this to a football team that focuses on defense and kicking after scoring a touchdown.
Where was you when I was slumped over
Gums hurting from a old bullet
In front the toilet while hunched over
Puking all of my insides
Kevin Gates questions where the people who claim to be there for him now were when he was in a tough spot, with his gums in pain from a previous bullet wound and vomiting profusely in front of the toilet due to his ongoing struggle with addiction.
Stab wounds from a old friend
Well at that time we were close friends
They said I killed him in cold blood
We wrestled for the gun but the gun went off
Kevin Gates recounts an incident that happened with his former close friend, who fatally stabbed him; Gates had to wrestle the gun away in self-defense and the gun went off, leading to accusations of murder.
He up’d the pistol looked him dead in his eyes
I’ve been ready to die so nigga do it
Gates ride, I really do it
I’m serious too nigga, really do it
Turned his head, closed his eyes
Aimed the tool, started shooting
I didn’t die, my life a movie
Despite being ready for death to come, Kevin Gates fights back and manages to survive the situation, viewing his life as a surreal event.
4:30 Am, never say when
It’s five in the morning
And your children are somewhere on the corner
6:00 Am, water boiling
Think I'm addicted to the strong aroma
Kevin Gates is up early in the morning and reflects on how time is ticking away while observing that children outside his house, on the corner going about their business. He is then reminded of his addiction to boiling water because of the strong aroma it creates.
When I was touchin' McKinley
Erin really my best friend
And I was loving her best friend
Bright Brittany with the long hair
You know (?) lil sista
She stole a Jag for her to come and get me
I was buying dope
In and out the system
Brandy fucking my nigga Ray
At the same time
He fuckin' cold sweatin'
He the track coach
And a asshole
Know that didn't have shit to do with this
I was just stating the facts though
Jessica round me, talking sexually bout me
She bend over in front me
From the back while I'm pounding
Now it's over
Bitch get up and get out
I mostly likely forgot to mention
But we was in my trap house
Just brainstorming, in the game for me
These thoughts and the ideas
No regrets for the shit I did
That also mean for the niggas I killed
Kevin Gates reminisces about various past events involving relationships, drug dealing, and crimes committed in which he doesn't have any regrets. Despite all the killings he's been a part of, he remains committed to brainstorming new ideas in his trap house with his team.
4:30 Am, never say when
It’s five in the morning
And your children are somewhere on the corner
6:00 Am, water boiling
Think I'm addicted to the strong aroma
Kevin Gates reminds himself of the time, the children out on the street corner, and his daily addiction to boiling water for that strong smelling aroma.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KEVIN GILYARD, RAMON OWEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@saintkyrt5264
this was my brother's favorite song. he passed away from cancer on Easter. I play this when I think about him
@CurtisBlow2800
Condolences 💐
@bitcoinmigo9785
I never met bro, but if u tell me his name... I'll think of him too🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🫡
@jayflowers1184
🙏
@chriskleikamp3160
Kg was one of my best friends fav artist and this was his fav song and he just died 2 days ago so I know they up there bangin this song out
@ashleebarnes7353
💯🙏❣️
@RckOut-Ave-75
Playin this in the charger at 4:30am in a rainy day 2023 and still hit the spot
@issavibez394
Damn bro fr real gates go hard tho
@morriganaensland496
Facts
@basicjs347
Onb ts hit hard ngl