Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic / Darby Self)
Over the years, the genre of hip-hop has undergone an evolutionary shift, with notable rappers such as Kendrick Lamar and J-Cole who have made an impact with their clever and powerful lyricism. This opened the doors for new and inspiring rappers to explore their own unique artistry.
The New York native, Lexa Gates, is a prime example, as she moves to the beat of her own drum and is not afraid to challenge the societal norms imposed on female rappers.
Ivanna Alexandra Martinez, widely known as Lexa Gates, was born and raised in Queens, New York. Her mother worked and sang in cafes as a hobby, which significantly influenced Gates’ love for music at a young age. She started composing her own melodies and singing at the age of nine. By the time Gates entered high school, she had struggled to maintain her grades, as she felt that high school was uninteresting and the public education system overlooked her capabilities. She would later drop out of school around the age of 15, but eventually she got a GED. Life moved aimlessly for Gates; after a breakup, she knew she had to return to her first love—music.
In 2019, Gates would utilize the music streaming platform, SoundCloud, to upload her music and build her platform to capture a wider audience. Her songs would often include instrumentals that blend the elements of hip-hop, R&B and jazz. However, it was her witty and honest delivery, which she showcased in her lyrics, that captivated listeners.
The track, Rotten To The Core from Gates’ album Universe Wrapped In Flesh, gained millions of streams on Spotify, and became the biggest hit of her career.
Gates never left audiences’ radar as she went viral again for her unusual but creative tactic of promoting her album, Elite Vessel, in 2024. She was locked inside a glass box for 10 hours in New York City’s Union Square; where she listened to her album repeatedly, as people could walk up and listen with her through headphones. She answered any questions regarding her album and successfully garnered attention towards it due to this event.
Songs from the album such as Stupid and I Just Can’t Be Alone became widely popular among listeners as Gates explored topics of confidence and vulnerability within these tracks.
Gates has molded herself into an eccentric artist that has taken risks and ‘thought outside of the box’ when showcasing the creativity in her music.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: Rotten To The Core / Angel / Stupid / I Just Can’t Be Alone / I AM
