Released 10 years ago
Murder For Hire 2
Kevin Gates · 2016
29 min · 8 tracks · hip-hop
Raw and confessional, the album blends gritty storytelling with introspective beats that capture the intensity of street life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fuck It Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Prayer — This track stands out as a heartfelt reflection on Gates' past struggles and aspirations, showcasing his vulnerability and faith amidst adversity.
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Great Example — In this song, Gates explores themes of responsibility and legacy, articulating his desire to be a positive influence despite his tumultuous history.
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Showin' Up — This track captures Gates' tenacity and determination, blending braggadocio with sincere moments that highlight his commitment to his craft and community.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends gritty storytelling with introspective beats, showcasing Gates' lyrical depth and personal evolution.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a raw tone, followed by a more introspective piece that shifts the mood.
- Several tracks feature minimalist production, allowing the lyrics to take center stage, while others incorporate heavier beats for contrast.
- 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 reflections
- gritty storytelling with intensity
- short bursts of raw emotion
- focused listening on personal struggles
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Gates' lyrical depth without being a mainstream highlight.
- Themes
- street life struggles· Southern resilience· personal redemption
- Career context
- Released on May 27, 2016, 'Murder For Hire 2' follows Kevin Gates' breakthrough mixtape 'Islah', which had catapulted him into mainstream success. This project showcases Gates' continued evolution as an artist while navigating personal struggles and the complexities of fame.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Boosie Badazz· YoungBoy Never Broke Again· Lil Durk
Tracklist
- 1 Fuck It Start here 4:01
- 2 The Prayer 3:52
- 3 Believe In Me 3:22
- 4 Click House 2:51
- 5 Great Example 3:25
- 6 Lil Nigga 3:37
- 7 Showin' Up 4:16
- 8 Off da Meter 3:48
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Cadillactica
Big K.R.I.T.
Explores Southern identity with raw storytelling over soulful, introspective production.
2014 Forest Hills Drive
J. Cole
Blends personal narrative and street realities with a reflective, melodic sound.
King Of Memphis
Young Dolph
Combines gritty street life themes with hard-hitting beats and a raw, confessional style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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