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.
Hold Ya Head
Kevin Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Loved ones emigrating, the others doing time
But we'll be just right
Hold your head, hold your head
But don't ever hold your head down
Everybody love it when you're broke, hate it when you shine
Back against the ropes, no frowns, we still smile
Hold your head, hold your head
Got it out the mud serving local in the trap
Couple faggots wanted me wacked, had me clutching gats
Pumping crack, crack smokers quickly coming back
I do about 55 ounces off of brick, it's jumping back
Neighborhood record label popping in my city
Dreadlocks, aqua green collar with a fitted
Headlock label say if I leave I get a headshot
Signed one contract, business venture proposal
Pay close attention, tricky dealing with hidden motives
Like I said I signed one contract, but noticed
Went to jail, came home, label playing me closer
Showed me two contracts with my signature and my social
What the fuck is that?
Let's be honest. When you check into a hotel and you sign for your room you don't write your motherfucking social security number next to your signature. I come they got my social next to my shit on two contracts. I only signed one.
All I they ever told me was how blessed I was to be under them
Reaper'll kill you, God's children ain't the children of men
This for those who got picked on and teased all their life
Unspoken motives of the cruel, on my knees every night
Black termal up under army fatigue with a pipe
Itching a brick of biscuit, no need to mimick pretenders
Indeed I eat a business when enemies would befriend you
Until they see you defenseless and send a nigga to flip you
Strictly dealing the district, they leave the building, it's history
Back controlling the city with vacuum sales and them digits
Shitting on you bitches who wouldn't lend me a penny
Smiling everytime I'm sticking my dick in one of your women
Gates
A wise man told me that to get what you want you gotta know what the fuck you want. A wise man also told me that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. I'm up in focus.
In Kevin Gates's "Hold Ya Head," he sends a message of encouragement and hope to those who have lost loved ones, those who are imprisoned and those who have gone through difficult times. He emphasizes that while life can throw curveballs our way, we should never let it get us down. He acknowledges that people tend to love us when we are down and hate it when we succeed, but encourages us to never let their opinions affect our self-worth. Gates shares his own experiences of starting from the bottom and working his way up, selling drugs and surviving multiple murder attempts. He notes that he signed a contract with a record label but was later deceived when they presented him with two contracts, one of which he never signed. Despite facing numerous setbacks, Gates remains focused on his goals.
The lyrics of "Hold Ya Head" are a reminder that life can be tough, but we have the power to overcome our challenges. Gates speaks to those who have experienced loss, those who are incarcerated and those who have faced adversity in their lives. He encourages them to keep their head up, to never let their circumstances bring them down. He acknowledges that life can be unfair at times and that success can breed jealousy, but he reminds his listeners that they are in control of their own destiny. Through his own experiences of starting from the bottom and rising to success, Gates provides hope and inspiration to those who may have lost faith in themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
This goes out to those who in the grave
Dedication to those who are deceased
Loved ones emigrating, the others doing time
Family members leaving the country, others incarcerated
But we'll be just right
Things will be okay
Hold your head, hold your head
Stay strong and keep moving forward
But don't ever hold your head down
Don't let the hardships bring you down
Everybody love it when you're broke, hate it when you shine
People enjoy seeing others struggle but hate their success
Back against the ropes, no frowns, we still smile
Even in tough times, we continue to stay positive
Got it out the mud serving local in the trap
Started from the bottom by selling drugs locally
Couple faggots wanted me wacked, had me clutching gats
Some individuals plotted against him, causing him to carry guns for protection
Pumping crack, crack smokers quickly coming back
Selling drugs and gaining repeat customers
I do about 55 ounces off of brick, it's jumping back
Sold 55 ounces of drugs (off of a kilogram) and quickly restocked
Neighborhood record label popping in my city
Local recording label gaining popularity
Dreadlocks, aqua green collar with a fitted
Describing his appearance (hair, clothing)
Headlock label say if I leave I get a headshot
The record label would harm him if he tried to leave
Signed one contract, business venture proposal
Agreed to one business deal
Pay close attention, tricky dealing with hidden motives
Be mindful of hidden agendas
Went to jail, came home, label playing me closer
The record label became stricter after he went to jail and was released
Showed me two contracts with my signature and my social
The record label forged his signature on another contract and included his social security number
What the fuck is that?
Expressing frustration and confusion over the forged contracts
All they ever told me was how blessed I was to be under them
The record label constantly reminded him of their power and influence
Reaper'll kill you, God's children ain't the children of men
Death is inevitable, but God's children are unique and special
This for those who got picked on and teased all their life
Dedication to those who were bullied and mistreated
Unspoken motives of the cruel, on my knees every night
People with malicious intent hide behind their actions, causing him to pray
Black termal up under army fatigue with a pipe
Describing his clothing and weapon
Itching a brick of biscuit, no need to mimick pretenders
Selling drugs without imitating others
Indeed I eat a business when enemies would befriend you
Succeeding in business despite those who pretend to be friendly but are actually enemies
Until they see you defenseless and send a nigga to flip you
Enemies wait until he is vulnerable to attack him
Strictly dealing the district, they leave the building, it's history
Selling drugs within the same area and avoiding others
Back controlling the city with vacuum sales and them digits
Regaining control of the city with drug sales
Shitting on you bitches who wouldn't lend me a penny
Succeeding despite those who did not support him financially
Smiling everytime I'm sticking my dick in one of your women
Enjoying women who are not loyal to those who did not support him
Gates
Signature ending to the song
A wise man told me that to get what you want you gotta know what the fuck you want.
Quoting a wise saying on the importance of setting goals
A wise man also told me that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Quoting another wise saying on the negative effects of indecisiveness
I'm up in focus
He is currently focused and determined
Writer(s): Kevin Gates Copyright: Artist Publishing Group West, Kevin Gates Music
Contributed by Bella E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
VarSkiiii
on Fly Again
I'm laying here crying bc i fell for fatal attraction.