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.
Strong
Kevin Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody tell me, please tell me, I don't know
It just, I don't feel these niggas
We are strong, no one can tell us we are wrong
Heartache to heartache we stand
We are strong
They watchin' how I move cause they know I get dough
Posted on the block, stuntin' with my kin folks
Nigga, you ain't talkin' money what the fuck you here for?
When I'm finna cop a crib somewhere by the rich folks
Same old young nigga used to kick doors
The whole world love me cause they know my shit cold
If not, I switch hoes every time I switch clothes
Pockets got knots in 'em, keep a couple Glocks near 'em
Long ass clip, know it got a lot of shots in 'em
Keep a bad thot with 'em, killas from the block with 'em
Pussy ass rap niggas always got the cops with 'em
That's why I can't fuck with 'em, never put my trust in 'em
How they gone react when a nigga get to bustin'?
Couple shots fired, watch the niggas get to runnin'
Niggas sneak dissin' so I just say fuck it
Really said fuck 'em, this is not a rap song
Boost Mobile Curve, this is not a TracFone
Contract free, what a nigga trap on
Inner tube, cocaine with the mustard on a couple
Pray the Lord keep me safe from who I fuck without a rubber
Prayer make me cold hearted, I don't ever wanna love again
Sacrificing random money, up and bought another Benz
Brother got murdered, I'll never have another friend
Now I'm blowing loud when our lounge got emotional
At times but the drugs help a motherfucker tuck 'em in
Diamonds in my teeth will help me represent the struggle
People in position recognize a nigga muscle
When you come up in the slums having nothing make you humble
Stomach rumble learned to kill without a question in the jungle
Scary ass rappers when I leave a nigga mumble
Got it out the mud, they respect a nigga hustle
I be tellin' my little brother
"Mane look you got a whole promising future in front of you"
He be ready to flash out and you know, go with his move
I really don't feel right givin' no good advice cause I'm in the streets thugging
I can get killed or go to jail any day
Shit, but by any means, we gonna fucking eat
We are strong, no one can tell us we are wrong
Heartache to heartache we stand
We are strong
Aye Gates, where should I start with 'em?
I can tell these young boys ain't got no heart in 'em
Niggas funny, you don't even like to talk with 'em
(Me either but we gotta play it smart with 'em
Man fuck 'em in they ass, we finessin' for the check
If they get outta line they might get one in the neck)
Lil nigga down there skeet off in the 'Vette
Leave a nigga wet, I can't take no disrespect
(Loaded Mac-11, Bibby come through with the Tech
Shoulder play amazing nigga wanna get some wreck
Say you want us dead? You won't take another breathe
All I know is us, I don't see nobody else)
Did it on my own, I don't need nobody help
I was on the block movin' P's by myself
Chasin' after cash, everything movin' fast
Gotta get it while you can cause you know it won't last
(Rap don't work, Back to standin' in the trap
On the phone, in the kitchen, cookin' wearin' slabs
Nigga want four, I'mma hit him for the 40
40 Grand a bird, yea, a nigga been retawdid
Me and Bibby in the building, life of the party
Know it's got a name but I don't know what to call it)
We are strong, no one can tell us we are wrong
Heartache to heartache we stand
We are strong
The song “Strong” by Kevin Gates is a rap that aims to address how the rapper deals with his feelings of disillusionment with other people around him, who he feels lack what it takes to truly survive in the tough street life that he lives. In the first few lines of the song, Gates expresses his confusion and frustration with other people whom he feels he cannot connect with. He does not know what is wrong with them or why they are different from him, but he knows he cannot trust them. The chorus is a repetition of the phrase “we are strong,” which is meant to communicate that Gates is confident in himself and his abilities, despite not feeling a connection with others.
Gates talks about being a young rapper with a talent for making money and being able to buy the kind of lifestyle that only the rich can live. However, he struggles to connect with people on a deeper level since they do not share his experiences or understand what he goes through in the street life. Gates is aware that some people may be jealous of him or want to harm him, so he has to be careful about whom he trusts. He talks about his faith in himself and his strong will to overcome the obstacles that come his way.
Overall, the song encourages people, especially those who feel disconnected from others, to remain strong and persevere despite the odds. Gates uses his words to uplift other people who may feel alone and remind them that they are not alone.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know what the fuck wrong with these niggas man
Asking for an explanation for the strange behavior of certain individuals
Somebody tell me, please tell me, I don't know
Requesting for someone to explain the mysterious behavior of certain individuals
It just, I don't feel these niggas
Expressing a lack of connection with certain individuals
We are strong, no one can tell us we are wrong
Emphasizing collective strength and determination
Heartache to heartache we stand
Stating that they will continue to support each other through difficult times
Yea, I'm the young nigga with the sick flow
Identifying himself as a young person with exceptional musical talent
They watchin' how I move cause they know I get dough
Acknowledging that people are paying attention to his actions because of his wealth
Posted on the block, stuntin' with my kin folks
Spending time with family members and showing off their wealth
Nigga, you ain't talkin' money what the fuck you here for?
Asking why someone is present if they are not discussing finances
When I'm finna cop a crib somewhere by the rich folks
Planning to purchase a property in an affluent area
Same old young nigga used to kick doors
Referencing prior illegal activity
The whole world love me cause they know my shit cold
Proudly acknowledging widespread adoration for his music
If not, I switch hoes every time I switch clothes
Implying promiscuity and a superficial lifestyle
Pockets got knots in 'em, keep a couple Glocks near 'em
Carrying large amounts of money and firearms for protection
Long ass clip, know it got a lot of shots in 'em
Referring to the capacity of the gun magazine
Keep a bad thot with 'em, killas from the block with 'em
Surrounding oneself with attractive women and dangerous associates
Pussy ass rap niggas always got the cops with 'em
Disparaging rappers who are affiliated with law enforcement
That's why I can't fuck with 'em, never put my trust in 'em
Expressing distrust for these type of individuals
How they gone react when a nigga get to bustin'?
Questioning how others would respond to violent behavior
Couple shots fired, watch the niggas get to runnin'
Describing the aftermath of weapon discharging
Niggas sneak dissin' so I just say fuck it
Ignoring indirect insults from certain individuals
Really said fuck 'em, this is not a rap song
Asserting that their lifestyle choices are not just for entertainment purposes
Boost Mobile Curve, this is not a TracFone
Referencing a specific phone model to emphasize differences
Contract free, what a nigga trap on
Using a contract-free phone for drug dealing purposes
Inner tube, cocaine with the mustard on a couple
Describing a specific method for packaging illegal substances
Pray the Lord keep me safe from who I fuck without a rubber
Asking for protection from potential dangers of unsafe sexual activity
Prayer make me cold hearted, I don't ever wanna love again
Expressing a diminished capacity for emotional attachment
Sacrificing random money, up and bought another Benz
Spending money on luxury cars without much thought
Brother got murdered, I'll never have another friend
Mourning the loss of a close family member
Now I'm blowing loud when our lounge got emotional
Using marijuana as a way to cope with strong emotions
At times but the drugs help a motherfucker tuck 'em in
Using drugs to alleviate insomnia and other sleep difficulties
Diamonds in my teeth will help me represent the struggle
Using expensive dental jewelry as a symbol of their difficult life journey
People in position recognize a nigga muscle
Being respected and feared by influential individuals
When you come up in the slums having nothing make you humble
Acknowledging that growing up in poverty can lead to humility
Stomach rumble learned to kill without a question in the jungle
Surviving in a difficult environment taught them to be aggressive and fierce
Scary ass rappers when I leave a nigga mumble
Instilling fear in other rappers with their lyrical skills and real-life experiences
Got it out the mud, they respect a nigga hustle
Earning admiration from others for their success despite difficult circumstances
I be tellin' my little brother
Advising a younger sibling
"Mane look you got a whole promising future in front of you"
Encouraging the younger sibling to pursue their dreams
He be ready to flash out and you know, go with his move
Noting the younger sibling's impulsivity
I really don't feel right givin' no good advice cause I'm in the streets thugging
Feeling conflicted about giving advice due to their own questionable activities
I can get killed or go to jail any day
Acknowledging the dangers and risks of their lifestyle
Shit, but by any means, we gonna fucking eat
Emphasizing the determination to succeed no matter the cost
Aye Gates, where should I start with 'em?
Asking for advice on how to deal with certain individuals
I can tell these young boys ain't got no heart in 'em
Observing a lack of bravery or resilience in others
Niggas funny, you don't even like to talk with 'em
Finding individuals to be uninteresting or untrustworthy
Me either but we gotta play it smart with 'em
Acknowledging the significance of strategic decision-making
Man fuck 'em in they ass, we finessin' for the check
Utilizing deceitful tactics to earn money
If they get outta line they might get one in the neck
Threatening violence against those who challenge them
Lil nigga down there skeet off in the 'Vette
Referring to sexual activity that occurs in a Corvette
Leave a nigga wet, I can't take no disrespect
Reacting strongly to perceived insults
Loaded Mac-11, Bibby come through with the Tech
Using weapons to ensure their safety and intimidate others
Shoulder play amazing nigga wanna get some wreck
Boasting about their physical strength and ability to fight
Say you want us dead? You won't take another breathe
Issuing a threat against anyone who wishes to harm them
All I know is us, I don't see nobody else
Prioritizing their own needs and desires over others
Did it on my own, I don't need nobody help
Being self-reliant and independent
I was on the block movin' P's by myself
Engaging in drug dealing alone
Chasin' after cash, everything movin' fast
Striving to acquire wealth in a fast-paced environment
Gotta get it while you can cause you know it won't last
Recognizing the fleeting nature of financial success
Rap don't work, Back to standin' in the trap
Going back to drug dealing when music career fails
On the phone, in the kitchen, cookin' wearin' slabs
Maintaining drug-dealing operations while multitasking
Nigga want four, I'mma hit him for the 40
Selling drugs to a customer for a certain price
40 Grand a bird, yea, a nigga been retawdid
Boasting about the amount of money earned from selling drugs
Me and Bibby in the building, life of the party
Enjoying a fun and exciting lifestyle with close friends
Know it's got a name but I don't know what to call it
Being unsure of how to describe their current situation
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Brandon Dickenson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
VarSkiiii
on Fly Again
I'm laying here crying bc i fell for fatal attraction.