Since this crazy year started, Kevin Gates has managed to deliver some dope videos and freestyles to his fans. For his latest, he drops off a new clip for “Still Hold Up,” a message to all who need some inspiration in the midst of struggle:
“Traffic tickets, had too many, I was gettin’ stopped, never happen when I’m by myself so bein’ friendly stopped/
I rock a lotta gold chains, I am not a coward, I’m thuggin’ hard, I’m connected to the higher power/
Damn near lost it all believing’ in a bitch nigga, okay, problem solved, I do shit a little different
….
Instances I used to deal with tried to hurt my marriage, but I’m built Ford tough, and I still hold up…/”
The accompanying video matches the songs lyrics, putting whatever subject that’s brought up — from the police to a voodoo practitioner — in front of a craps table, adding to the symbolism of the Patrick Carmelo and James Maddocks-produced cut.
Recently, Kevin Gates has liberated top-quality visuals for “Fatal Attraction,” “Dreka,” and “Wetty (Freestyle).” Courtesy of Charlie Sloth, he’s delivered a solid freestyle as a part of the British DJ’s “Fire In The Booth” series. He also provided assistance for Destructo’s “Bandz” alongside Yo Gotti and and Denzel Curry.
In a recent interview with Complex’s “Everyday Struggle,” Gates spoke on mental health and how he suffered to the point of attempted suicide:
“I was possessed. I was trying to die… Such a beautiful life, such a beautiful soul. Look at what you mean to the world—why you wanna die, Kevin? I was possessed. Always feeling like I wasn’t good enough. Low self-esteem, those are spirits. Those are low-vibrating spirits… I didn’t want to be here anymore. … I had more money than probably anybody my age ever had. I just wasn’t happy.”
You can press play on “Still Hold Up” below.