Swamp Smarts by Branden Janese

Some of the best rap songs are based on street life. However, Baton Rouge native Kevin Gates has separated himself from the pack by not glorifying the background that led to his serious legal issues. His songs are vulnerable and sensitive yet he makes it clear that he is not the one to fuck with. With a new mix tape, Lucas Brasi 2 and the South on his back, and several children that call him Dad, it’s no wonder why Gates gets no sleep.

Do you meditate?

I do control breathing exercises. All I gotta do is shake someone’s hand and I can see their past and their future, I just can’t see my own.

What’s your diet like?

I go through different phases. I only eat fish from one person, I don’t really care for restaurant food because I know how to cook. I don’t eat too much meat. I like to cook fish, pasta but with my pasta I like to make my own sauce.

Have you ever lost a fight?

A million. I’ve lost a million fights. I’m like 6’2 but I fought a lot when I was young. I guess that was the learning process, the losses are what makes up. I lost way more fights, but I’ve won the ones that counted. When you get tired of losing you’ll find a way to win. People say I’m incredible when I perform. I took a lot of loses to get where I am at.

How have your live shows improved?

My stage presence has grown. When I first performed, I forgot all my words, it was horrible. It was for a pajama party back in 2005. I was so embarrassed. It was like going to school on the first day and your clothes were dirty, it was worse than that.

Favorite Biggie verse?

(Raps) “Today’s agenda/got the suitcase up in the Centra.”

That’s my guy, I really emulate a lot of his rhyme patterns. (Raps) “Black and ugly as ever however I stay Coogi down to the socks.” He was a fat nigga so he had to be creative. To thy own self be true, I respect that.

Are you a Danny Brown fan?

I don’t know who that is.

He’s an emcee, from Detroit. I ask you because I watched an interview of him and they asked Danny who he was into, he mentioned you.

It’s not because I’m against listening to any other artist but I don’t want to allow myself to be influenced by anything going on around me, things can influence you indirectly and you won’t even know it.

What’s your cut off age for rap.

I don’t believe you stop anything you love to do. To be honest with you, I don’t age so I’ll probably be doing this forever.

Yeezys?

I feel like less is more. I like the all white Air Force 1’s and the all white Jordan 1’s. My swag is clean.

Do you envy women?

No, not at all. I think my appreciation for women is greater than most men.