I'm Him
Kevin Gates · 2019
49 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop
A raw exploration of vulnerability and resilience layered over gritty Southern beats and introspective lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Icebox Start here — This track stands out for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, where Gates reflects on emotional struggles and vulnerability amidst his tough exterior.
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By My Lonely — The song captures the essence of isolation and self-reflection, showcasing Gates' ability to convey deep personal narratives within concise verses.
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Facts — In this track, Gates delivers sharp commentary on authenticity and trust, resonating with listeners through its candid observations about relationships.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends raw emotion with Southern beats, showcasing Gates' lyrical depth but lacks strong cohesion across its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a personal tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive and introspective themes.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, enhancing the emotional delivery of the lyrics.
- The production employs heavy bass and minimalist beats, creating a gritty atmosphere that complements the lyrical content.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflection sessions
- gritty exploration of vulnerability
- cathartic moments of resilience
- personal storytelling with raw honesty
- suitable for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — It showcases Kevin Gates' continued vitality after his prison release.
- Themes
- prison release reflection· Southern grit
- Career context
- When 'I'm Him' was released in January 2019, Kevin Gates was experiencing a significant resurgence following his release from prison in 2018. This album marked his first major project after re-entering the music scene, showcasing a blend of his signature style with new themes of personal growth and reflection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Boosie Badazz· YoungBoy Never Broke Again· Lil Durk
Tracklist
- 1 RBS Intro 2:18
- 2 Icebox Start here 2:39
- 3 By My Lonely 2:10
- 4 Bags 2:30
- 5 Facts 3:01
- 6 Fatal Attraction 2:49
- 7 Say It Twice 2:41
- 8 Walls Talking 2:53
- 9 Let It Go 3:26
- 10 Face Down 2:38
- 11 Push It 3:00
- 12 Have You Ever 3:02
- 13 Pretend 3:16
- 14 What I Like 2:45
- 15 Funny How 2:57
- 16 Betta for You 2:57
- 17 Fly Again 4:06
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
KOD
J. Cole
Explores personal struggles and resilience over introspective beats with a Southern hip-hop influence.
4eva Is a Mighty Long Time
Big K.R.I.T.
Combines Southern grit with themes of resilience and introspection, showcasing raw emotional depth.
Signed to the Streets 3
Lil Durk
Features gritty narratives of struggle and growth, echoing vulnerability over hard-hitting production.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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