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.
Tattoo Session
Kevin Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, you sayin' you won't fuck with me but
You know, we don't need to have no contract
You know, if I don't keep it real, you already know what to do me
Let's go
My nigga got a pint now, I'm pulling up on the west end
Face card digital, Challenger with the FN
They get out of jail, no answers, you gettin' left in
I just pull up outside in a foreign in this bitch
I ain't got on no designer, women swarmin' in this bitch
My eyes are squeezed like I'm foreign in this bitch
IDGT, ain't no snorin' in this bitch (go)
Breadwinner team (go), breadwinner team (go)
Breadwinner team, no surrender, no retreat
Breadwinner team (go), breadwinner team (go)
Breadwinner team, no surrender, no retreat
Now watch the watch how it dance, while I thumb through the bands
Sellin' rocks in my trap, got beaucoup racks in my pants
In the bottom, hold up, what up, man? Shout out to Lil Vance
On the phone with Jason, keep it gangster know how we be playin'
If you like 'em you can fuck 'em too, you know we don't be carin'
We ain't have a lot when comin' up, you know we be sharin'
I used to fuck with shorty tough, I gave her to my daddy
Kept it real when we was comin' up, you need somethin', get at me
I broke up with her for Nikka, I pull up on Oleander
(Yeah, I was fuckin' with Maurice daughter, man
That nigga used to keep it real with me
Used to drop us off at the movies and shit
I think the bitch was called City Place at the time, or
Yeah, um, I forgot, but fuck it)
B-Bitch, I'm turnin' up in foreigns, caught a juug in Alabama
Kayla tellin' me she pregnant for some nigga out in Plaquemine
I got family across the water, we all the way retarded
We got acres, we got horses, what I meant to say was 'Rari's
And I wanna fly to the other side of the country
Gettin' brain on a private jet when I'm steady runnin' to the money
Thuggin' on my mind, all I see is dollar signs
And everybody watchin' when the whips pass by
Now watch the watch how it dance, while I thumb through the bands
Sellin' rocks in my trap, got beaucoup racks in my pants
I got family across the water, we all the way retarded
We got acres, we got horses, what I meant to say was 'Rari's
It ain't shit to get a ho, I got Mac Dre flow
Why you fuckin' with a square? I'm a certified player
When I rock Louis Vuitton people stop and stare
Fell in Nieman Marcus had this Gucci love affair
When I talk my diamonds glare, I got every pair
If its something new by Coogi I'm completely unaware
Hold up, that's my dawg, had to show him bean ball
Had to fold him, beefin' with the home team
Watch how I act like I don't know 'em
Panoramic roof inside the coupe, I could look up and talk to God
Gettin' brains, lookin' at the stars, I say thank you, Lord
Its on everything its like a dealership in my garage
Step inside the car then we take off and go to Mars
Smokin' satellites, loaded with them bars
Prison like fillin' prescriptions, I go hard behind the bars
Pack got a runner, run it back
Macaroni Tony in the hamper
College life, star running back
Step team swaggin' on the campus
I'm a fly nigga, button down
Collared shirts and designer fabrics
Fuck it, baby, maybe I ain't flashy
Bust it, baby, steady be harassin'
Slap her ass, who the fuck you sassin'?
Told her friends, "Girl, he fuckin' nasty"
Cutter with the pistol and assassin
Jumping out the window with the ratchet
Soccer player kickin' it with Samson
She the truth, makin' an example
Won't forget I done been embarrassed
DUB show, I done been to Dallas
In attendance, somethin' that was average
Baby daddy playin' for the Mavericks
People sayin', "Kevin, stop the madness"
I don't know, couple stubborn habits
Money level, jumping acrobatics
Band camp swimming with lil' daddy
Meant to say diving in the shit
Interstate flying with a brick
Glidin' with the iron in the clip
Face card, buy 'em and conceal
Send 'em back wrapped in Saran
Vacuum seal trailer with the wheel
Hate the way I'm playin' in the field
Taylor Made, staying in for real
Dress code orange all in one
All white coming with the stripes
Novel reading skimming through the pages
Modulating, contemplating things
Uh-uh, but you complicating things
Know he jealous, in his heart he timid
Tell a pussy nigga mind his business
Start a fight, he wouldn't start a engine
Sleep him, he could argue with the fishes
No retreat and never no surrender
Excellent, whatever you can mention
Beautiful, creative ingenuity
Barnes and Nobel, chauffeur with extensions
Women winnin', got to pay attention
(I don't know what I'm doin')
Not in love but lovin' your position
Push button, switchin' the ignition
Love myself, people say I'm picky
Other partner don't believe in trickin'
Down south nigga thinking different
One of mine want it, I'ma get it
Breadwinner stickin' to the mission
One God, this is my religion
(I don't know what the fuck the world comin' to
Gates got every nigga in the game talkin' 'bout they eat booty
And you know, eatin' booty and
What other shit that nigga do? Sag his pants and
Cell phones and gettin' money and all that bitch ass shit
That ain't no real nigga shit that nigga be doin', man
That a nigga a bitch, man
I wouldn't tell him that to his face, but, but, but
He is a bitch
Yeah, straight up, you know I'ma say it behind his back
When he come, I ain't gon' say nothin'
But when he leave, it's fuck him again
You know how that go
You know)
In Kevin Gates's song Tattoo Session, he starts off by reminiscing about a meeting he had with someone where he told the person that they don't need a contract to work together because if Gates doesn't keep it real, he knows what will happen to him. Then he delves into a series of different topics, exploring his life and mindset. In the first verse, he talks about his friend who has acquired a pint and he goes to meet him on the west end; he says the situation is critical and the firearms they have must step in to resolve it. Gates then talks about how he pulls up in a foreign car with no designer clothes on but women still swarm around him. He repeats the phrase "Breadwinner team," which is a term he uses to refer to himself and his crew, and emphasizes their commitment to no surrender and no retreat. Gates goes on to talk about his lifestyle, smoking satellites, selling rocks in his trap, and thanking God for his blessings. He mentions his love for designer brands, his diamonds, his cars, and the fact that he's always running to the money. He relays a few stories from his past, including his relationship with a girl and a time when he was "fucking with Maurice daughter." Gates talks about attending DUB shows in Dallas and being in attendance for things that were average, mentioning a time when a baby daddy played for the Mavericks. He emphasizes his commitment to sticking to his mission and mentions that his religion is "One God."
The song is filled with personal stories, some of which are difficult to understand without context. However, the message throughout the song seems to be about Gates's dedication to his own success regardless of the opinions of others around him. He emphasizes his commitment to his team and he also lets listeners know that he's not afraid to make bold moves to ensure everything goes according to plan. Overall, the lyrics in Tattoo Session paint a complex picture of Kevin Gates, his beliefs and his lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
When I met dude, I told dude
Upon meeting the person, I made it clear to them
Yeah, you sayin' you won't fuck with me but
You claim that you do not want to associate with me, however
You know, we don't need to have no contract
We do not require a formal agreement
You know, if I don't keep it real, you already know what to do me
If I am not genuine, you are aware of the consequences to be faced
My nigga got a pint now, I'm pulling up on the west end
My friend acquired a quantity of a drink, and now I am arriving in a certain neighborhood
Face card digital, Challenger with the FN
My reputation is established online, and I drive a Challenger with a certain firearm
Situation critical, calibers got to step in
The circumstances are urgent, and certain firepower must be utilized
They get out of jail, no answers, you gettin' left in
Upon being released from prison, they provide no explanations, and you are being abandoned
I just pull up outside in a foreign in this bitch
I arrive in an exotic car at this location
I ain't got on no designer, women swarmin' in this bitch
Although I am not wearing expensive clothing, women are attracted to me at this place
My eyes are squeezed like I'm foreign in this bitch
My eyes are narrowed, giving the impression that I am unfamiliar in this situation
IDGT, ain't no snorin' in this bitch (go)
I Don't Get Tired, there is no resting in this environment (let's go)
Breadwinner team (go), breadwinner team (go)
The group of individuals focused on financial success (let's go)
Breadwinner team, no surrender, no retreat
The group dedicated to acquiring wealth, refusing to give up or back down
Now watch the watch how it dance, while I thumb through the bands
Observe the way the watch moves, as I count and handle stacks of money
Sellin' rocks in my trap, got beaucoup racks in my pants
Engaged in drug dealing in my location, with a significant amount of money on my person
In the bottom, hold up, what up, man? Shout out to Lil Vance
In my hometown, wait a minute, what's going on? Greetings to Lil Vance
On the phone with Jason, keep it gangster know how we be playin'
Speaking with Jason on the phone, maintaining our tough and authentic demeanor
If you like 'em you can fuck 'em too, you know we don't be carin'
If you are attracted to them, you are also permitted to engage in sexual activity, as we have a lack of concern
We ain't have a lot when comin' up, you know we be sharin'
We did not possess much while growing up, and we had a habit of sharing
I used to fuck with shorty tough, I gave her to my daddy
I used to have a strong romantic relationship with a woman, but I allowed my father to be with her instead
Kept it real when we was comin' up, you need somethin', get at me
I remained genuine while we were progressing, if you require something, contact me
I broke up with her for Nikka, I pull up on Oleander
I ended the relationship with her in favor of another person, and now I arrive at Oleander Street
(Yeah, I was fuckin' with Maurice daughter, man
(Yes, I was involved with Maurice's daughter, man
That nigga used to keep it real with me
Maurice was someone who always remained genuine with me
Used to drop us off at the movies and shit
He would bring us to the cinema and other locations
I think the bitch was called City Place at the time, or
I believe the establishment was referred to as City Place back then, or
Yeah, um, I forgot, but fuck it)
Yes, um, I do not remember the exact name, but forget it)
B-Bitch, I'm turnin' up in foreigns, caught a juug in Alabama
I am enjoying myself in exotic cars, recently had a successful business transaction in Alabama
Kayla tellin' me she pregnant for some nigga out in Plaquemine
Kayla informed me that she is pregnant, and the father is a man from Plaquemine
I got family across the water, we all the way retarded
I have relatives in another country, and we are all very eccentric
We got acres, we got horses, what I meant to say was 'Rari's
We own large plots of land and horses, what I intended to say was Ferraris
And I wanna fly to the other side of the country
I desire to travel by air to the opposite coast of the country
Gettin' brain on a private jet when I'm steady runnin' to the money
Receiving oral sex on a private jet while continuously working to accumulate wealth
Thuggin' on my mind, all I see is dollar signs
Engaging in criminal activities is always on my mind, and I only see monetary value
And everybody watchin' when the whips pass by
Everyone is observing when our expensive cars drive past
I got family across the water, we all the way retarded
I have relatives in another country, and we are all very eccentric
We got acres, we got horses, what I meant to say was 'Rari's
We own large plots of land and horses, what I intended to say was Ferraris
It ain't shit to get a ho, I got Mac Dre flow
It is effortless to attract a promiscuous woman, as I possess the style and charisma similar to Mac Dre
Why you fuckin' with a square? I'm a certified player
Why are you involved with an uncool person? I am an experienced and respected seducer
When I rock Louis Vuitton people stop and stare
When I wear Louis Vuitton clothing, individuals pause and admire
Fell in Nieman Marcus had this Gucci love affair
I became infatuated with Gucci while shopping at Nieman Marcus
When I talk my diamonds glare, I got every pair
When I speak, my diamond jewelry sparkles, I own a set of each
If its something new by Coogi I'm completely unaware
If there is a new product by Coogi, I am completely unaware of its existence
Hold up, that's my dawg, had to show him bean ball
Wait a moment, that's my friend, I had to demonstrate my aggressive behavior
Had to fold him, beefin' with the home team
I had to defeat him, as he was in conflict with our group
Watch how I act like I don't know 'em
Observe how I pretend to be unfamiliar with him
Panoramic roof inside the coupe, I could look up and talk to God
The sunroof in my car allows me to gaze up at the sky and converse with God
Gettin' brains, lookin' at the stars, I say thank you, Lord
Receiving oral sex while gazing at the stars in the sky, expressing gratitude to God
Its on everything its like a dealership in my garage
There are numerous luxury cars in my garage, as if it were a car dealership
Step inside the car then we take off and go to Mars
Enter the car and then we depart and travel to Mars
Smokin' satellites, loaded with them bars
We are smoking marijuana and consuming drugs, filled with lyrics and verses
Prison like fillin' prescriptions, I go hard behind the bars
My time in prison is comparable to filling prescriptions, I am committed and determined
Pack got a runner, run it back
The package has a designated courier, bring it back
Macaroni Tony in the hamper
Macaroni Tony is hidden in the laundry basket
College life, star running back
Experiencing the lifestyle of a college student, a highly skilled football player
Step team swaggin' on the campus
Demonstrating stylish dance routines as part of a step team on campus
I'm a fly nigga, button down
I am a fashionable and attractive individual, wearing a button-down shirt
Collared shirts and designer fabrics
Wearing shirts with collars made from high-quality materials
Fuck it, baby, maybe I ain't flashy
Forget it, baby, perhaps I am not extravagant
Bust it, baby, steady be harassin'
Go ahead, baby, constantly bothers me
Slap her ass, who the fuck you sassin'?
Spank her buttocks, why are you disrespecting me?
Told her friends, "Girl, he fuckin' nasty"
Informed her friends, "Girl, he is extremely sexually skilled"
Cutter with the pistol and assassin
Carrying a knife along with a gun, which indicates that I am a skilled killer
Jumping out the window with the ratchet
Making a speedy exit through a window with the firearm
Soccer player kickin' it with Samson
A soccer player is spending time with Samson
She the truth, makin' an example
She is exceptional, setting a positive example
Won't forget I done been embarrassed
I will not forget the times I have been humiliated
DUB show, I done been to Dallas
I have attended the DUB show in Dallas
In attendance, somethin' that was average
Present at an event that was considered ordinary
Baby daddy playin' for the Mavericks
The father of the child is a professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks
People sayin', "Kevin, stop the madness"
Individuals are expressing, "Kevin, put an end to this insanity"
I don't know, couple stubborn habits
I am uncertain, but I have a few persistent behaviors
Money level, jumping acrobatics
My financial status is rapidly increasing, like impressive acrobatic maneuvers
Band camp swimming with lil' daddy
At a music camp, engaging in intimate activities with a young man
Meant to say diving in the shit
Intended to convey the idea of fully immersing oneself in a situation
Interstate flying with a brick
Traveling across state lines while transporting a large quantity of drugs
Glidin' with the iron in the clip
Gently moving with a loaded firearm attached to a magazine
Face card, buy 'em and conceal
Using counterfeit money to purchase items and hide one's true intentions
Send 'em back wrapped in Saran
Returning the purchased items while concealing them with plastic wrap
Vacuum seal trailer with the wheel
Sealing a trailer tightly with a vacuum device, to be transported by vehicle
Hate the way I'm playin' in the field
Disapprove of the way I am conducting myself in this hustling environment
Taylor Made, staying in for real
Being genuine and remaining true to my identity
Dress code orange all in one
Wearing an entirely orange outfit
All white coming with the stripes
Wearing all white clothing, incorporating a striped pattern
Novel reading skimming through the pages
Casually flipping through the pages of a book
Modulating, contemplating things
Adjusting my mindset, reflecting on various matters
Uh-uh, but you complicating things
No, but you are making things more intricate
Know he jealous, in his heart he timid
I am aware that he is envious, and deep down he lacks confidence
Tell a pussy nigga mind his business
Instructing a weak-minded individual to focus on their own affairs
Start a fight, he wouldn't start a engine
Instigate a conflict, but he lacks the courage to initiate any action
Sleep him, he could argue with the fishes
Assault and defeat him, as he would not be able to argue with his demise
No retreat and never no surrender
Absolutely no backing down or surrendering
Excellent, whatever you can mention
Outstanding, accomplishing anything you can think of
Beautiful, creative ingenuity
Exquisite, possessing imaginative and innovative qualities
Barnes and Nobel, chauffeur with extensions
Barnes and Noble, having a chauffeur with hair extensions
Women winnin', got to pay attention
Women are succeeding, so one must take notice
(I don't know what I'm doin')
(I am unsure about what I am doing)
Not in love but lovin' your position
I am not in love, but I appreciate our current arrangement
Push button, switchin' the ignition
Pressing a button to activate the vehicle's ignition
Love myself, people say I'm picky
I have high self-esteem, others claim I am selective
Other partner don't believe in trickin'
My other partner does not embrace the idea of spending money on others
Down south nigga thinking different
A person from the southern region, possessing a unique thought process
One of mine want it, I'ma get it
If one of my associates desires something, I will obtain it
Breadwinner stickin' to the mission
The breadwinners are dedicated to their objective
One God, this is my religion
I believe in one God, this is my faith
(I don't know what the fuck the world comin' to
(I am uncertain about the current state of the world)
Gates got every nigga in the game talkin' 'bout they eat booty
Kevin Gates has influenced many individuals in the music industry to reference analingus in their lyrics
And you know, eatin' booty and
And you know, involving oneself in analingus
What other shit that nigga do? Sag his pants and
What other activities does that man engage in? Such as wearing sagging trousers and
Cell phones and gettin' money and all that bitch ass shit
Using cell phones and accumulating wealth, along with other actions deemed weak and unimpressive
That ain't no real nigga shit that nigga be doin', man
Those actions do not align with the behavior of an authentic individual, man
That a nigga a bitch, man
That person is weak and unassertive, man
I wouldn't tell him that to his face, but, but, but
I would not express those sentiments directly to him, however, however, however
He is a bitch
He possesses cowardly and submissive traits
Yeah, straight up, you know I'ma say it behind his back
Yes, absolutely, you can be certain I will speak negatively about him when he is not present
When he come, I ain't gon' say nothin'
When he arrives, I will remain silent
But when he leave, it's fuck him again
However, once he departs, I will express my disdain for him once more
You know how that go
You are aware of how that situation unfolds
You know
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kevin Gilyard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rt.Clutch314
2023 n it’s still a banger
Josh Winland
Nothing but ❤
Johnna Kayy
I love his music so much ♡ seriously always puts me in a great mood every time hear his songs.
Garry Neal
This shit goes in! Gates doing his thang. Can't wait for this mixtape to drop. Who else counting down days?!
Kell Evans
thing*
Duke Dixon
7 years later ..still the hardest song i ever heard 🔥
No Fatigu3
I can listen to this all day 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Elijah Pickett
Every tattoo session i bump this 🙏🏾
Flow Euphoria
This is still some of the hardest shit in existence
Riccuu
Word 💯