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.
Nothing Change
Kevin Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hustling hard dodging the squad car
Popping off, running your charms
Front of the fire star
Die hard, living to feel, killing is my job
Body on the hind me when
The shot at your blunt
Living the star, get them starred
But in the same, never change
Complaining to earn something
Probation, on the thrown
No joke can’t burn nothing
Police been deceived I’m eager
To turn from me
Lil ditches, unrated, no sweet, a clean money
Stacks in the shoe box, movie money
Wise she college fool, loosely money
Understanding brought wisdom is wrong
When you cross me
Call the boss now I’m sending the
Sharp with the sharp teeth crush time
After brunch had lunch on the gun line
Whats grime? I’m a rap game
Legend I must shine
They don’t love me for my bucks
I’ma cut them with punch lines
I say if ain’t nothing change
Why you looking surprised?
Dead Game chain swing
See the look in my eyes
I be like bitch I’m gangsta
Ion’ ever back down
Say bitch I’m gangsta ion’ ever back down
September 12th in front of the board
Got a court case pending
Play them chouder get the vaguer
Like I’m OJ Simpson
Spraying flower through the towers for
The no name niggas supply food for the goons
And the cocaine dealers
Me cleaver mistake, we eat at your grave
I leave optimus prime the bean
Beam in your face my stay
Had to following browsing through the city
Window shopping with the mafia for
Houses we can visit
Push and shove under the rug
Dusting for finger prints
All honour calls say loose lips
Can sink a ship
Me and my weapon, match made in heaven
Crack had a divorce but
Stacks stayed together
On brother, with the poke-a dots poking out
Some was in the dungeon bet they
Wonder what I’m smoking now
Driving where I posted got me
Ordered grabbed the posters now
Hate to be a pro but she said
She want me to poke her now
The lyrics of Kevin Gates's song "Nothing Change" explore themes of hustle, survival, and the harsh realities of street life. The opening lines depict the singer navigating the streets, working hard to make money while evading law enforcement. The phrase "die hard" and the line "killing is my job" suggest that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to survive in their environment. The reference to a body being left behind after a shootout further emphasizes this point.
Gates also touches on the idea of staying true to oneself despite the circumstances. He claims to never change, even in the face of difficulties. The line "Complaining to earn something" suggests that the singer understands the need to work hard and not dwell on complaints. The mention of probation hints at a turbulent past and a system that is against him.
The lyrics also highlight Gates's lyrical prowess and his ambition in the rap game. He considers himself a rap game legend and declares that he'll cut down those who only love him for his money with his powerful punchlines. The repeated line "I'm a gangsta, I don't ever back down" further emphasizes his bold and unyielding nature.
Overall, the lyrics of "Nothing Change" paint a vivid picture of a person surviving and thriving in a challenging environment, staying true to themselves, and using their talent to make a name for themselves in the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
Hit the block
Engage in street activities
Hustling hard dodging the squad car
Putting in effort to avoid getting caught by the police while engaging in illegal activities
Popping off, running your charms
Showing off and attracting attention
Front of the fire star
Being at the center of attention and fame
Die hard, living to feel, killing is my job
Living life to the fullest, even if it involves dangerous actions
Body on the hind me when
Having people support and follow you
The shot at your blunt
Being targeted or attacked for your actions
Living the star, get them starred
Embracing the celebrity lifestyle and attracting followers
I go rock them to god
Impressing others with your skills or performance
But in the same, never change
Remaining true to oneself despite external circumstances
Complaining to earn something
Expressing dissatisfaction in order to bring about change or improvement
Probation, on the thrown
Being restricted or monitored by authorities
No joke can’t burn nothing
Being serious and determined in achieving goals
Police been deceived I’m eager to turn from me
Law enforcement being misled, while the singer is ready to distance themselves
Lil ditches, unrated, no sweet, a clean money
Engaging in low-key, under the radar activities for honest money
Stacks in the shoe box, movie money
Keeping savings in hidden places and having a lifestyle resembling a movie
Wise she college fool, loosely money
Being smart about earning money, especially compared to someone who spends it freely
Understanding brought wisdom is wrong when you cross me
Realizing the consequences of mistreating or betraying the singer
Call the boss now I’m sending the sharp with the sharp teeth crush time
Seeking help from someone in power to retaliate aggressively against enemies
After brunch had lunch on the gun line
Taking action and engaging in dangerous situations after a relaxed moment
Whats grime? I’m a rap game legend I must shine
Questioning the negativity surrounding the artist while expressing the desire to achieve greatness
They don’t love me for my bucks I’ma cut them with punch lines
People don't appreciate the artist's material wealth, so they will impress them with their clever wordplay instead
I say if ain’t nothing change why you looking surprised?
Expressing curiosity about someone's reaction to the lack of change in the singer's situation
Dead Game chain swing see the look in my eyes
The artist's chain representing their loyalty to their lifestyle, and their eye expression revealing determination
I be like bitch I’m gangsta Ion’ ever back down
Asserting dominance and fearlessness in the face of challenges
September 12th in front of the board got a court case pending
Having a legal case coming up, causing stress and uncertainty
Play them chouder get the vaguer like I’m OJ Simpson
Using a strategy to confuse the opposition and gain an advantage, similar to OJ Simpson's legal defense
Spraying flower through the towers for the no name niggas supply food for the goons and the cocaine dealers
Providing support and resources to those in the criminal world, assisting them in their activities
Me cleaver mistake, we eat at your grave
Making calculated moves that result in the downfall of others, celebrating their demise
I leave optimus prime the bean beam in your face my stay
Using a powerful weapon to intimidate and dominate others, establishing a lasting presence
Had to following browsing through the city
Moving discreetly and observing the environment for potential opportunities or threats
Window shopping with the mafia for houses we can visit
Engaging in discussions with influential and powerful individuals to explore luxurious properties
Push and shove under the rug dusting for finger prints
Engaging in covert activities, covering up evidence, and looking for clues to protect oneself
All honour calls say loose lips can sink a ship
Emphasizing the importance of keeping secrets and avoiding loose talk that can lead to negative consequences
Me and my weapon, match made in heaven
Having a deep connection and reliance on one's weapon for protection
Crack had a divorce but stacks stayed together
Referring to the decline of the crack cocaine industry, but emphasizing the artist's ability to maintain wealth
On brother, with the poke-a dots poking out
Having a distinct style with noticeable, attention-grabbing elements
Some was in the dungeon bet they wonder what I’m smoking now
Surprising and intriguing others with one's actions or habits
Driving where I posted got me ordered grabbed the posters now
Being targeted or pursued due to one's actions or reputation
Hate to be a pro but she said she want me to poke her now
Receiving sexual interest or advances from someone, despite not desiring a serious relationship
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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