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.
I Don’t Apologize
Kevin Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We in the great divide
You either vibrate low
Or you choose to vibrate high
Make sure you keep your head up when told you won't be nothin'
Told that a lot of times, I lost of patnas
I cried a lot of times
I done a lot of crimes, survived a lot of times
Fast forward to modern times, I look like dollar signs
I'm drivin' foreign cars, I don't apologize
I'm fuckin' foreign broads, I done a lot of dimes
I don't apologize, I don't apologize
We made 'em focus, it's protocol
Pots and pans, I could cook all the soda off
Where I stand, could turn that into motocross
Pray for every man that go to court tomorrow
Where should I begin? Not scared of the pen'
My nuts resemblin' bowling balls
I'm one in a million, the stories they makin' pretend
Don't none of that throw me off, I'm goin' off
Wardrobe consistin' of a lot of black lately, but I'm not depressed
Bullshit approachin' way I been respondin' back, baby, I don't address it
I get fresh, new private jet, cryptocurrency, I manifest
Talkin' 'bout an NFT, ain't got enough to pay for me
So naive of me to think that this lil' bitch'll wait for me
I done found out how to love myself and that's okay with me
Now I'm diplomatic status, baby, stay away from me
I done grew into my power, I do things you can't believe
Keep your head up when told you won't be nothin'
Told that a lot of times, I lost of patnas
I cried a lot of times
They said I was a problem, labeled me a problem child
I done a lot of crimes, survived a lot of times
Fast forward to modern times, I look like dollar signs
I'm drivin' foreign cars, I don't apologize
I'm fuckin' foreign broads, I done a lot of dimes
I don't apologize, I don't apologize
You know it's just a celebration right now goin' on, you know what I'm sayin'?
Yes, Lord, we just feelin' good right now, you know what I'm sayin'?
We just, we just, I can't be distracted, you heard me?
But bitch, I'll, pff, I'll send that bitch right now, what's happenin'?
Know how to refocus for gratitude
A ho better not show me no attitude
I turn your feet into feathers, breathe one the propellers, now peep out the altitude
I know how to reroute them bricks like I'm off the Smith, I'm makin' them fastest moves
Life was stressin' me out but I sacrificed and did what I had to do
Thankin' God I'm livin' this life, I won't live it twice, I'll never be mad at you
Say I'm in the air now and I don't chase down nothin' that's tangible
I been workin', increasin' my stamina
Allah is the best of planners, yeah, and I'm plannin' for the unplannable
I'm humble remainin' and an animal
Make sure you keep your head up when told you won't be nothin'
Told that a lot of times, I lost of patnas
I cried a lot of times
They said I was a problem, labeled me a problem child
I done a lot of crimes, survived a lot of times
Fast forward to modern times, I look like dollar signs
I'm drivin' foreign cars, I don't apologize
I'm fuckin' foreign broads, I done a lot of dimes
I don't apologize, I don't apologize
Kevin Gates's hit single 'I Don't Get Tired' is an introspective reflection on his life and work ethic. Gates opens the first verse by stating his desire to stack money ("dead presidents"). He claims that he never gets tired, despite having six different jobs that he balances with ease. He makes it clear that he won't settle for anything less than success and urges others to follow his example of "grinding" to push past failures.
In the second verse, Gates expands on his past struggles and perseverance. He talks about growing up poor and sleeping on air mattresses with his partner, stealing cereal to survive. Despite this, he also takes on a preachy tone, stating that success can be achieved by simply following your heart and having faith in God, and never giving up no matter how dark it gets.
Gates reinforces his mindset by repeating the chorus several times, which underlines his work ethic and determination. He concludes with a repetition of the phrase that has become the song's tagline: "I don't get tired."
Line by Line Meaning
I was trying to get it how I live
I am trying to succeed in life by whatever means necessary
I want them dead presidents
I want a lot of money (dead presidents are on US dollar bills)
I wanna pull up, head spent
I want to show off my success even if it costs me a lot of money
Get it, get fly, I got six jobs I don't get tired
I work hard (with six jobs) and don't get tired because I am constantly hustling
(And I don't get tired) I don't get, I don't get tired
I work hard and don't get tired, emphasizing my work ethic
Full time father, full time artist
I am a full-time parent and a full-time musician
Asked God, he said "grind harder"
I asked for guidance from God and he told me to work harder
Learn from every time you ever fail
I learn from my failures and use them as motivation to work harder
If it never fail just grind smarter
If my plan is working, I will continue to work hard and make smart decisions to achieve greater success
Iron sharpens, you the dagger
I am constantly sharpening my skills to become a better musician (dagger)
On they hindquarters and they all acting
I am surpassing my competition as they lag behind and act fake
Rap game, I'm a pallbearer
In the rap industry, I carry the weight of the game and am a leader
Kill me and get a call after
Even if I were to die, my influence and legacy would live on
First look, it was all laughter
At first, people didn't take me seriously but now they have respect for me
Kevin Gates, no small matter
I am a big deal and people recognize my success
Made men believe what they didn't believe
I have inspired others to believe in themselves and their dreams
Dive in the crown, no safety hoardings
I take risks to achieve greatness without any safety nets
Got in the booth, no safety on it
I entered the recording studio without fear, ready to create music
Aim and I shoot for the stars
I set high goals for myself and aim for greatness
At the awards I ain't win no awards
I haven't received recognition from industry awards, but my work speaks for itself
Only meaning one thing, don't get tired, I go hard
My only goal is to work hard and not get tired, emphasizing my dedication to success
Me and the woman I love on an air mattress
I live a humble life with the person I love, even sleeping on an air mattress
We share a cot, my hair nappy
I share a bed with my partner and don't care about my appearance (having nappy hair)
Couldn't afford flights, no air travel
I can't afford to travel by plane, emphasizing my financial struggles
Steal Rice Krispies like sand and gravel
I am so poor that I have to steal breakfast cereal (Rice Krispies)
Our testament to what can happen
Our life is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance
The moment you follow your heart
Following your dreams and passions is key to success
Keeping the faith even when it gets dark
Believing in yourself and staying optimistic during tough times leads to success
They say give up as I tell them "get lost"
People tell me to quit, but I tell them to leave and keep working hard
Six weeks ago I just purchased a farm
I recently purchased a farm, showing my success and ability to provide for myself
Most likely the one that you cannot afford
The farm I purchased is probably too expensive for most people to afford
Right foot on the gas
I am driving with determination and focus
Balenciaga be accelerating, I'm doing the dash
I am driving fast in my expensive Balenciaga sneakers
Chick that I'm with, shorty be doing her shit
The woman I am with is successful in her own right
And it's okay to say that she bad
It's okay to acknowledge that my partner is beautiful
Look to the right and I give her a glance
I look to the side to admire my partner
Pray to God we don't, pray to God we don't crash
I hope that we don't get into a car accident, showing the importance of safety
Don't play with the hustle, you eat or you starve
Working hard is crucial in order to survive and be successful. There is no room for games or complacency
Don't mimic pretenders, just be who you are
Be true to yourself and don't try to be like others who are fake or inauthentic
Ain't never change, been like this from the start
I have always been true to myself and stayed the same, despite any changes in circumstances
And I don't get tired
I work hard and don't get tired, reiterating my dedication to success
Get it, get fly, I got six jobs, I don't get tired
I work hard, maintain my style, and have multiple jobs without getting tired
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ardash Mani, Brandon Russell, Kevin Gates, Michael O'brien
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lgrello1214
Someone’s inability to see your worth doesn’t mean you’re not valuable. 👑
@DaRealVellChapo23
It’s finally here:
https://youtu.be/u07YtG9sGXA
@terrancehackett4369
Real Talk
@langston7551
W Dhar Mann quote
@ROYZARMY
gates drops heat everytime! He never disappoints 💯🔥
@lgrello1214
@whatchamadfor9290 I do aswell now that I'm free
@ashbot90
I felt that "I found out how to love myself, that's okay with me" 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@MelBrook-lq1nj
Wrd
@lasandraperry6148
That’s my favorite part I found out how to
Love myself and that’s alright with me 💪🏾❤️
@taraowens613
"I FOUND OUT HOW TO LOVE MYSELF, AND THAT'S OK WITH ME" 💥 🔥 🔥 🔥 💯
You did the damn thing again Kevin Gates 🙌💯💯💯💯❤️❤️ 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥