Today I’m taking a look at a 2022 release from Queens, NY-based artist Lexa Gates. I have to tell you, this one is truly special, and I’ve been excited to dive into it ever since I caught a few of her video clips. She’s an absolutely incredible talent, and this album is something I just had to pick up and explore. It’s probably one of the most exciting new discoveries I’ve wanted to share with you guys in quite a while.
Lexa Gates brings a fresh energy with an awesome style. Her style is hard to pin down – but not only is that a good thing, it’s a great thing. She effortlessly moves between hard-hitting rap and smooth R&B-influenced vocals, with just a bit of pop, often within the same track. What really stands out about Lexa is her authenticity.
Whether she’s laying down fierce rhymes or delivering soulful melodies, there’s always this sense of honesty in her music. It’s clear she’s telling a story, and she’s doing it with style. And that’s one of the reasons I was so drawn in by this album. So, with all that said, let’s take a closer look at this album. I’m excited to break down each track and really dive into what makes Lexa Gates such a standout artist. Trust me, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Starting with ‘Selfish’, I’m drawn in by the unique intro. The coughing and door knocking create an atmosphere, as if I’m right there. When her vocals kick in, I’m struck by the quality of her voice. The way it’s arranged against the smooth piano backdrop is really effective. What really catches my attention are the vocal overlays. There’s this subtle higher register harmony happening in the background that adds depth to her delivery. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big impact on the overall sound.
To me this song seems to be a bit about of self-reflection. I get the sense that Lexa is grappling with her own identity and how others perceive her. There’s a tension between her public persona and her private struggles. She appears to be wrestling with feelings of isolation, even while surrounded by people.
It goes on a bit about success and its pitfalls, the quest for genuine connections in a world of superficiality, and the pressure to maintain a strong facade. I feel like Lexa is questioning who really knows her beyond her public image, and whether anyone would be there for her in times of need.
It comes across as if she’s tired of dealing with people’s expectations and is determined to do things her own way, even if that means being perceived as selfish. And it’s just like, that sometimes, taking care of oneself first is necessary, especially in an industry that can be draining. And my God, can it ever be draining.
I think Lexa is also commenting on the hollowness of certain relationships and interactions in her life. I’m picking up a bit of disillusionment with people who might be around for the good times but absent when things get tough. ‘Selfish’ feels like a brutally honest self-portrait. It’s like she’s laying bare her thoughts and feelings, acknowledging her flaws and contradictions. It makes a powerful opening statement for the album.
“Where Are You” hits me with a smooth, laid-back vibe that’s deceptively powerful. The beat is strong for being in a more chill style track. I’m really loving the key melodies and the retro synth work that gives it this cool early ’70s feel. It’s like a modern take on a classic sound.
But what really catches my ear is this subtle, eerie element in the background. It’s so faint that you might miss it without good headphones, but it adds this otherworldly quality to the song. It reminds me of those spooky sounds you hear in sci-fi or old horror shows on TV. I’m not sure if it’s actually a theremin or just some clever synth work, but it creates this cool contrast with the overall mellow tone of the track.
This song is all about the complex emotions following a difficult breakup. I get the sense that she is grappling with feelings of abandonment and betrayal. There’s this feeling of longing for someone who’s no longer there, mixed with the painful realization that she might have been deceived all along.
And it explores the conflict between still caring deeply for someone and recognizing that the relationship wasn’t what it seemed. I feel like there’s a theme of self-deception here – she is wanting to believe they were special to their ex-partner, even as evidence suggests otherwise.
There’s also a sense of being stuck in limbo, unable to move on but also aware that waiting for the person to return is likely futile. It captures difficult period where you’re still holding onto hope even though you know it’s probably time to let go. I think “Where Are You” is also touching on the idea of being used or taken for granted in a relationship. There’s a bitter realization that what felt like a unique connection might have been just another casual fling for the other person.
“The Person That I Was Before” opens with an engaging conversational skit that smoothly transitions into the main track. The beat is solid, and the baseline really stands out – it’s deep, strong, and adds a lot of character to the song.
What impresses me most about this track is how it showcases Lexas’ versatility. Her ability to switch effortlessly between rapping and singing is really awesome I would say. Her vocals are incredibly beautiful and serene, filled with soul and passion. The contrast between her rap verses and sung portions creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Thematically, this song seems to be about personal growth, self-reflection. R.I.P. to your old self after all. It is about someone who’s been through difficult experiences and is determined to evolve beyond their past self. Be it financial struggle and the need to provide for family. It also really hits well into issues of self-worth, dealing with criticism, and the challenges of staying true to oneself. It’s about a person who’s embracing their uniqueness and refusing to apologize for who they are, even if it means facing conflict or misunderstanding from others.
I find that it comes across as a powerful statement of personal evolution and self-empowerment. It’s about leaving behind old versions of oneself, confronting fears, and pushing forward despite obstacles. The song’s energy and Lexa’s passionate delivery really drive home these themes of transformation and resilience. You can really, really feel it.
‘Mind Your Business’ seems to be an empowering closing track that really showcases Lexa’s range as an artist. The happy-go-lucky intro transitions into a catchy vocal melody that’s hard to get out of your head. What really stands out to me is Lexa’s attitude in her delivery. Throughout the album, she’s shown this incredible ability to blend toughness with charm, and it reaches its peak here. She manages to sound assertive and even a bit confrontational, but does it in a way that’s still somehow endearing.
It’s this contrast that makes her performance so great I feel. Now this song is about setting boundaries and having some independence. I get the sense that it’s addressing someone who’s been overly involved or controlling in the past. There’s a strong theme of moving forward and creating a new life for oneself, free from outside interference or judgment.
The lyrics give off a desire for growth and beauty, contrasted against a firm resolve to keep certain people or influences at arm’s length. It feels like a a way of intent to live life on one’s own terms, regardless of what others might think or say. There’s also an underlying message about learning from past experiences and using those lessons to make better choices in the future.
The tone is confident and unapologetic, with a hint of a warning towards anyone who might try to derail these plans for personal growth and happiness. Overall, ‘Mind Your Business’ comes across as a powerful statement of self-determination and personal boundaries. It’s a fitting close to the album, leaving you with a sense of Lexa Gates’ strength and resolve. The way she delivers this message – with both attitude and charm – really drives home the complexity of her artistry and her ability to convey nuanced emotions through her music.
This has been such a fun little discovery for me. I absolutely enjoy this whole record from start to finish. And wow, is Lexa insanely talented. The way she delivers her lines, her singing – it’s like she’s a Jill of all trades and a master of all trades. She really does it all so well. This is probably one of my favorite emerging artists that I’ve come across in recent memory.
Her versatility is just unbelievable. She can switch from hard-hitting rap to smooth, soulful vocals without missing a beat. The production throughout the album complements her style perfectly, creating a great listening experience.
What really stands out is how Lexa manages to infuse her music with so much personality. Whether she’s being fierce or vulnerable, there’s always this underlying authenticity that shines through. It’s rare to find an artist who can be both relatable and impressive at the same time, but Lexa pulls it off so well.
She’s absolutely going to rise to the top, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she does end up with that green mansion she sings about. This is just an unbelievable talent we’re witnessing here. If you haven’t come across Lexa Gates’ work yet, you need to check it out immediately. It’s incredible, and I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more from her in the future. This album is just the beginning of what I’m sure will be an amazing career.
