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.
Counting On Ya
Kevin Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I mean
A lot is countin' on ya
Your women sidin' with ya partners, why they plottin' on ya?
We might never understand, no one's there to hold your hand
Even heaven would agree sometimes, how this road gets
Losin' focus
They was all I had, I mean what made 'em go pretend on me?
Spirit of the sermon, discernin' moments I see shit
Can't look me in the eyes then it's somethin' you don't agree with
Perhaps I'm too quick off the draw from how I deal with altercations
From where gangsters only talk cocaine, it ain't no other language
Awkward interviews discussin' my inner views on life itself
Figure me pretentious, evading mischief by writing hymns
Labels shown interest, no showers are showin' interest
Both old ladies show resentment, resented my show of interest
Moved out from my momma detached garage and a small apartment
Shut the door or shut the fuck up, we fussin', we always arguin'
It sucks we always arguin', but she started it
Moms believe, I grew up on the farm with no understandin'
Kevin's stupid, tell him anything, he won't understand it
Stupid ass Kevin, anything, he won't understand it
A lot is countin' on ya
Your women sidin' with ya partners, why they plottin' on ya?
We might never understand, no one's there to hold your hand
Even heaven would agree sometimes, how this road gets
Losin' focus
Can't depend on them, why do they depend on me?
They was all I had, I mean what made 'em go pretend on me?
Spirit of the sermon, discernin' moments I see shit
Can't look me in the eyes then it's somethin' you don't agree with
Stolen cars, open charges, matchin' blunts blowin' each other charges
Summer '08 me and Menance in a Daytona charger
Club exquisite, nigga know the business, pull off in the front
Ain't no VIP, got nook in front, pockets got the mumps
Money come in clumps, what I clutch might knock out your lung
Keep that on the tuck, it go KKK if you uh
Got two people livin' in me, one the realest one a killer
Luca Brasi, he a sinner, Kevin trynna be a Christian
Seems life is less fulfilling when livin' is unattended
Performin' rituals to whatever God that'll listen
Had a lot of prayers answered, ain't had to sit in no buildin'
Run your flap, get your bap for a package, I'm in the buildin'
A lot is countin' on ya
Your women sidin' with ya partners, why they plottin' on ya?
We might never understand, no one's there to hold your hand
Even heaven would agree sometimes, how this road gets
Losin' focus
Can't depend on them, why do they depend on me?
They was all I had, I mean what made 'em go pretend on me?
Spirit of the sermon, discernin' moments I see shit
Can't look me in the eyes then it's somethin' you don't agree with
In "Counting On Ya," Kevin Gates opens up about the pressure and expectations that he faces in his life, addressing the people around him who are counting on him to succeed. He talks about the betrayal of those he trusted and the isolating feeling of being on a journey alone. The lyrics suggest that Gates is grappling with both external and internal confrontations that challenge his understanding of the world and his own purpose.
The line "A lot is countin' on ya" alludes to the significant role that Gates has to play, and he feels the need to elevate himself and not allow the people around him to drag him down. "Losin' focus" and "Can't depend on them, why do they depend on me?" indicate the immense burden Gates bears and the pressure to not falter. He speaks of being misunderstood, and how people's perception of him is a far cry from the beauty in his heart. He is also trying to reconcile the two sides of his personality, the one that wants to live a righteous life and the one that wants to indulge in sin.
The song is an introspective journey that allows listeners to tap into Gates's emotional state and understand his struggles. Gates is talking to himself as much as he is to his audience. Through the lyrics, he clears his head and slowly reconciles his conflicts.
Line by Line Meaning
I mean, what up?
Kevin is greeting someone and asking how they are doing.
A lot is countin' on ya
There is a significant amount of responsibility placed on Kevin's shoulders.
Your women sidin' with ya partners, why they plottin' on ya?
Kevin's female partners are supporting his male friends, but they are secretly planning against Kevin.
We might never understand, no one's there to hold your hand
Kevin feels like he is alone and does not have anyone to rely on or guide him through difficult times.
Even heaven would agree sometimes, how this road gets
The path Kevin is on can be challenging, and even a divine power would recognize the struggles he faces.
Losin' focus
Kevin is becoming distracted and losing sight of his goals.
Can't depend on them, why do they depend on me?
Kevin cannot rely on his friends and associates, but they continue to rely on him.
They was all I had, I mean what made 'em go pretend on me?
Kevin is feeling betrayed by his friends, who were previously his only support system.
Spirit of the sermon, discernin' moments I see shit
Kevin has moments of clarity and insight, like he is listening to a religious sermon.
Can't look me in the eyes then it's somethin' you don't agree with
Kevin notices when people avoid eye contact with him, suspecting that they disagree with him or are hiding something.
Perhaps I'm too quick off the draw from how I deal with altercations
Kevin acknowledges that he may be too quick to react during confrontations.
From where gangsters only talk cocaine, it ain't no other language
Kevin is describing a culture where drug use and dealing are the norm and a language of their own.
Awkward interviews discussin' my inner views on life itself
Kevin has uncomfortable interviews where he talks about his personal beliefs and values.
Figure me pretentious, evading mischief by writing hymns
People view Kevin as pompous, but he uses music as a way to avoid getting into trouble.
Labels shown interest, no showers are showin' interest
Record labels are interested in signing Kevin, but he does not receive the same amount of attention from women.
Both old ladies show resentment, resented my show of interest
Kevin's interest in older women has caused them to resent him.
Moved out from my momma detached garage and a small apartment
Kevin used to live in a detached garage that was part of his mom's property and a small apartment, but he has since moved out.
Shut the door or shut the fuck up, we fussin', we always arguin'
Kevin gets into arguments with the people he lives with and tells them to either leave or stop talking.
It sucks we always arguin', but she started it
Kevin is frustrated that he and his roommate always argue, but she starts the arguments.
Moms believe, I grew up on the farm with no understandin'
Kevin's mom thinks he grew up with a lack of knowledge and understanding because he did not grow up on a farm like she did.
Kevin's stupid, tell him anything, he won't understand it
Kevin's mom thinks he is unintelligent and cannot comprehend simple concepts.
Stolen cars, open charges, matchin' blunts blowin' each other charges
Kevin and his friends have been stealing cars and doing drugs together, which could lead to legal consequences.
Summer '08 me and Menance in a Daytona charger
Kevin and his friend Menance were driving a Daytona charger together in the summer of 2008.
Club exquisite, nigga know the business, pull off in the front
Kevin goes to an exclusive club where people know the etiquette and he leaves in the front of the club.
Ain't no VIP, got nook in front, pockets got the mumps
There is no VIP section, but Kevin has a designated area in the front with bulging pockets from his wealth.
Money come in clumps, what I clutch might knock out your lung
Kevin has a large amount of money that he carries with him and could potentially use as a weapon.
Keep that on the tuck, it go KKK if you uh
Kevin is keeping something hidden and secretive, which could be dangerous if it was revealed.
Got two people livin' in me, one the realest one a killer
Kevin has two sides to his personality: one is genuine, and the other is dangerous and violent.
Luca Brasi, he a sinner, Kevin trynna be a Christian
Luca Brasi, a character from The Godfather, is a sinner, but Kevin is trying to live a more righteous life.
Seems life is less fulfilling when livin' is unattended
Kevin feels like his life is unfulfilling when he is not actively living it to the fullest.
Performin' rituals to whatever God that'll listen
Kevin is taking part in religious practices and hoping that a higher power will hear his prayers.
Had a lot of prayers answered, ain't had to sit in no buildin'
Even though Kevin has not attended church, he feels that his prayers have been answered.
Run your flap, get your bap for a package, I'm in the buildin'
Kevin is involved in illegal activities where he offers rewards for information.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRETT RYAN KRUGER, KEVIN GATES, ZALE EPSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
VarSkiiii
on Fly Again
I'm laying here crying bc i fell for fatal attraction.