Kevin Gates – Islah (Album Review)

Kevin Gates’ “Islah” is a raw, unfiltered gem from 2016.

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TOP 5

5. Not the Only One

Damn, Gates came out swinging on this album.

This track gets straight to it—no wild punchlines, just Kevin Gates rapping about his come-up and rap career. It’s a fitting and grounded way to kick off an album.

The beat is phenomenal, perfectly matching the underdog energy Gates brings. The constant sirens in the background amplify the track’s intensity and seriousness.

The chorus is where Gates really shines. It showcases his underrated ability to harmonize—he sounds like that one thug in church who can sing the hell out of a hymn. He switches up his style throughout the hook, adding depth and complexity.

I fully approve of this song. It’s a strong opener that sets the tone.

4. Time For That

This is a drug dealer’s version of “Icebox” by Omarion.

Kevin Gates taps into his heartbreak bag on “Time For That.” Not only does he lean deep into his R&B side with a smooth, emotionally-driven chorus, but he also opens up about wanting to see his girl’s true colors—while making it clear that his heart is on some Waldo s**t: hard to find.

This track showcases one of the most talented versions of Gates. His vulnerability, vocal delivery, and introspection hit just right, and the R&B-laced production—layered with subtle trap elements—helps maximize the mood.

3. Kno One

Rappers who drug dealers employ aren’t supposed to make songs like this.

Walahi, this might be the most romantic track of 2016. “Kno One” features an instrumental that’s meant to mesmerize and leave lovers in a daze—think a legal, musical form of Quaaludes.

For a good chunk of the song, Kevin Gates sings like his life depends on it. As for his raps, they come across raw as hell, as he effortlessly rides the beat with freedom and ease.

Lyrically, he taps into his seductive side, talking about being the one guy who can bring out the wild side in a woman, mainly because he has more power moves than a wrestler.

Undeniably catchy, undeniably nasty—“Kno One” is a hypnotic, dirty love anthem that hits just right.

2. Really Really

“Really Really” is what I tell the Chipotle workers when I tell them I want extra rice.

Kevin Gates talks more s**t than Vernon Maxwell in “Really Really,” bringing up all the women he’s smashing and the diamonds he’s rocking. It’s the kind of record you throw on when you’re ready to walk into the club and whoop a collection of negroes.

The production attached has a slow pace and is on some trap armory s**t, but that simplicity works in the song’s favor. It gives Gates the space to lean wholly into his hard-edged delivery and gangsta persona without any distractions.

1. 2 Phones

I also have two phones: one regular one and another for Black Planet.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my life, but not putting this song in the initial top five? That might be one of the biggest. I must’ve had serious wax in my ears. Feel free to slap the hell out of me the next time you see me.

“2 Phones” is incredibly dynamic. Kevin Gates delivers a layered, memorable hook that explains the many reasons he keeps two phones—each more honest and clever than the last. It’s a brilliant concept, and even better in execution.

The verses? They may not be mind-blowing lyrically, but Gates’ delivery fits the track’s energy perfectly.

Forget the album—this is hands-down one of the best songs of 2016. My bad, y’all. I owe this one the respect it deserves.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Not The Only One (3.5/5)

2. Really, Really (4/5)

3. 2 Phones (5/5)

4. Pride (3.5/5)

5. La Familia (3.5/5)

6. Time For That (4/5)

7. Thought I Heard (Bread Winners’ Anthem) (3.5/5)

8. Hard For (3.5/5)

9. Ask For More (3/5)

10. One Thing (3.5/5)

11. The Truth (3.5/5)

12. Kno One (4.5/5)

13. Told Me (3.5/5)

14. Ain’t Too Hard (4/5)

15. I Love It (3.5/5)

RGM RATING

(75%)

Overall, I think Kevin Gates really delivered on Islah. His unique style stands out, and he came out swinging on his major label debut. Without a doubt, it’s one of the hidden gems of 2016.

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