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.
Black Clouds
Kevin Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in the studio, baby, I'ma hit you in a lil' second
Alright
Alright, baby
They say a man not supposed to cry
Tell me why these tears keep fallin'
We die to live, but we live to die
I live a breadwinner lifestyle
Forever I'ma keep on ballin'
Told me it was over, it was lights out
Tell me why my thoughts keep callin' (ouu)
Free Lil' Mane, my city want me dead
My mama said I got a black cloud over my head
No surrender, no retreat, that's how we play
I promise you I won't back down until I'm dead
Where the love at? Fell in love, they don't love back (damn)
Sadly mistaken, guess it never was that
Thought we had the same dream back when we was rugrats
In a grudge match, over somethin' petty, what was that?
I deleted old things, I changed my contacts
Praying every night and day this pain don't come back
Back when we was in the game, stack change off drug packs
Swerving lane to lane, sip drink with gun strap
That switch a bitch that crossed a motherfucker
Weather every storm, that's coming all I know is hustle
Emotional turmoil had my heart in trouble
Relationships, got burned from, but I forever love 'em
That's a misconception
Being able to show vulnerability is what makes you strong
Ooh
Love is a battlefield, willing to kill for you
How do you heal from scars when you not built for war?
They say a man not supposed to cry
Tell me why these tears keep fallin'
We die to live, but we live to die
I could feel my heartbeat often
I live a breadwinner lifestyle
Forever I'ma keep on ballin'
Told me it was over, it was lights out
Tell me why my thoughts keep callin' (ouu)
Feel like my city want me dead
My mama said I got a black cloud over my head
No surrender, no retreat, that's how we play it
I promise you I won't back down until I'm dead
Where the love at?
Fell in love, they don't love back
Used to pull your hair from the back, givin' you love taps
We was upstairs on the carpet with no rugs there
Diamonds glistenin', gettin' it in the mirror
Know you love that
Now tell me again (the lights out)
Can we be lovers again? (I'm to the ceiling with it right now)
Lovers and friends, could we be lovers and friends?
All my feelings been conflicted
I'ma take it as a loss
Sometimes I don't wanna see you
Ain't no thoughts of you at all
I don't go look at your pictures
Act like we was not involved
Got a bitch for mutual con and I got Mexico involved
I got a boosted in Perico, I'm a Puerto Rico don
Stack the Lion's Mane and Niacin and then went took a walk
Couple sets of calisthenics then I finish with a jog
Clique up with my engineer and then check-in, I'm on a job
I'm starting to not believe God, please answer my prayers
Take what little heart I have, it don't need to be repaired
I don't wan' love nobody
I don't wan' love nobody
I don't wan' love nobody
I don't wan' love nobody
They say a man not supposed to cry
Tell me why these tears keep fallin'
We die to live, but we live to die
I could feel my heartbeat often
I live a breadwinner lifestyle
Forever I'ma keep on ballin'
Told me it was over, it was lights out
Tell me why my thoughts keep callin' (ouu)
The lyrics to Kevin Gates's song "Black Clouds" delve into themes of struggle, resilience, and the complexities of love and relationships. The song reflects on the emotional and mental turmoil faced by the artist, as he navigates through life's challenges and battles his inner demons.
The opening lines, "They say a man not supposed to cry, Tell me why these tears keep fallin'," explore the pressure society places on men to suppress their emotions. Despite this expectation, the artist acknowledges his vulnerability and the constant struggle he faces. The repeated line, "We die to live, but we live to die," speaks to the paradox of existence and the relentless pursuit of happiness and fulfillment amidst adversity.
Gates references his own lifestyle as a breadwinner, emphasizing his determination to keep hustling and succeeding despite the obstacles in his path. He mentions the black cloud over his head, symbolizing the constant sense of negativity and challenges he faces. The repetition of the phrase "no surrender, no retreat" highlights his unfaltering determination to keep fighting until the end.
In the second verse, Gates expresses his frustration and disappointment in love and relationships. He reflects on past experiences and the pain caused by unrequited love and broken promises. Despite the hardships, he holds on to the hope of reconnecting with a former lover, asking if they can be lovers and friends once again.
The final verse delves into the artist's personal struggles and his search for healing. He reflects on the conflicting emotions and the need to detach from the past. Gates portrays a sense of self-reliance and independence, distancing himself from the idea of love and declaring that he doesn't want to love anybody.
Overall, "Black Clouds" showcases Kevin Gates's introspective nature, exploring themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the complexities of love and relationships. The lyrics reflect his raw emotions and the constant battle to overcome obstacles and find inner peace.
Line by Line Meaning
They say a man not supposed to cry
Society expects men to suppress their emotions, but I find myself crying anyway
Tell me why these tears keep fallin'
I'm struggling to understand why I keep crying when I'm not supposed to
We die to live, but we live to die
Life is a constant cycle of living and dying
I could feel my heartbeat often
I'm acutely aware of my own mortality
I live a breadwinner lifestyle
I provide for my loved ones by any means necessary
Forever I'ma keep on ballin'
I'll keep hustling to secure my financial future
Told me it was over, it was lights out
Despite being told that it's over, I can't stop thinking about it
Tell me why my thoughts keep callin' (ouu)
My mind is consumed with thoughts of what could have been
Free Lil' Mane, my city want me dead
I fear for my life and the safety of those close to me
My mama said I got a black cloud over my head
My mother believes that I'm plagued by misfortune and bad luck
No surrender, no retreat, that's how we play
Giving up is not an option; we keep pushing forward no matter what
I promise you I won't back down until I'm dead
I'm determined to keep fighting for my dreams and goals until the very end
Where the love at?
I'm searching for genuine, reciprocated love
Fell in love, they don't love back
I fell for someone who doesn't feel the same way about me
Sadly mistaken, guess it never was that
I was wrong to assume that our love was mutual
Thought we had the same dream back when we was rugrats
I thought we shared the same aspirations since childhood
In a grudge match, over somethin' petty, what was that?
Our relationship deteriorated over something small and insignificant
I deleted old things, I changed my contacts
I've been trying to move on and forget about the past
Praying every night and day this pain don't come back
I'm hoping to heal from the emotional pain caused by failed relationships
Back when we was in the game, stack change off drug packs
We used to make money selling drugs
Swerving lane to lane, sip drink with gun strap
I used to engage in reckless behavior while carrying a gun
That switch a bitch that crossed a motherfucker
Someone who I trusted betrayed me in a significant way
Weather every storm, that's coming all I know is hustle
I've experienced many challenges in life, but I keep hustling to overcome them
Emotional turmoil had my heart in trouble
My emotional pain was affecting me deeply
Relationships, got burned from, but I forever love 'em
I've been hurt by past relationships, but I still believe in love
That's a misconception
Society's belief that men shouldn't cry is incorrect
Being able to show vulnerability is what makes you strong
It takes courage to show vulnerability and express your emotions
Love is a battlefield, willing to kill for you
True love requires the utmost sacrifice and loyalty
How do you heal from scars when you not built for war?
Recovering from emotional wounds is difficult when you're not prepared for them
All my feelings been conflicted
I'm experiencing confusion and inner turmoil
I'ma take it as a loss
I'll accept defeat in this situation
Sometimes I don't wanna see you
Being around you is sometimes too painful for me
Ain't no thoughts of you at all
I'm trying to forget about you completely
I don't go look at your pictures
Seeing your pictures brings back too many painful memories
Act like we was not involved
I'm trying to distance myself from you and move on
Got a bitch for mutual con and I got Mexico involved
I'm involved in some illegal business with someone and I've involved people in Mexico
I got a boosted in Perico, I'm a Puerto Rico don
I have a source for illegal goods in Puerto Rico
Stack the Lion's Mane and Niacin and then went took a walk
I took some drugs and then went for a walk
Couple sets of calisthenics then I finish with a jog
I did some exercise to clear my mind
Clique up with my engineer and then check-in, I'm on a job
I'm working hard with my engineer to produce some new music
I'm starting to not believe God, please answer my prayers
I'm losing faith in God and need a sign or help of some kind
Take what little heart I have, it don't need to be repaired
I've been heartbroken so many times that I don't want to love again
I don't wan' love nobody
I don't want to love anyone anymore
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Charles Driggers, Kevin Gilyard, Kevin Price, Michael Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gerald Charity
No surrender no retreat that’s how we play it 🙏🏽😎
J Weather
You gotta have a heart bigger than your body to understand what this song means to people. We appreciate and love you always Gates, keep dropping these classics.💪🤟🥰🥰
TRAVIS WARD
❤🙏
YAMES💥
Hearing this song is like breathing brand new air, refreshment to the mind. 💯
OhAnxiety yyy
this song made me break down , finally got to let out all the tears I’ve been holding in for so long , I wish I could listen to this song with my brother
lt mando
Shit I been crying to this song for a while now by the time it’s actually came out I was healed now I just enjoy it but cry it out homie don’t hold anything in it will only get worse you be you anyone who can’t take how intense you are doesn’t deserve you
Mojeezy 704
Me too big brudda bout broke me down nigga been goin thru so much lately
Cee Da Trooth
Same here, when he said “how do you heal from scars when you not built for war” I broke down
Abbyyyyyy
Me too. My brother locked up I wanna call him & play this bih fa him sooo bad cuz like🥺 Free him😒🤞🏻💯
Bryant Guidry
😔 same !!!