Following a co-sign this week from SZA, Queens (NYC) native, emerging rapper and singer, Lexa Gates today releases ‘Provider’, a heartfelt and relatable track that captures the relentless effort of working tirelessly to support one’s family. Her signature confident cadences weave seamlessly over evocative production, while self-assured lyricism and style sheds light on the often-overlooked struggle of an artist providing through their craft. Each bar paints a crystal-clear picture of the moves she’s making to ensure blessings for her family. The song delves into the daily hustle and constant efforts required of a young artist-provider. Accompanying the track is a DIY music video perfectly complementing the song’s intimacy, featuring candid moments with family. The visuals showcase their playfulness, while Lexa’s lyrics provide a poignant contrast, emphasizing her unwavering dedication and determination in the space between aspiration and reality. Listen to ‘Provider’ HERE and watch the video HERE from 5pm BST.
‘Provider’ falls fresh on the heels of ‘I Just Can’t Be Alone’, an expressive exploration of the inner turmoil and contradictions faced in relationships. With soulful production by Billy Lemos (Omar Apollo, Still Woozy), jazzy melodies, and Lexa’s smooth, silky vocals, the track offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into themes of love, self-identity, and the fear of loneliness. ‘I Just Can’t Be Alone’ received support from Billboard who included it on their R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of The Week, The Face, who added it to their Rated By The Face column, and Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1 who said “Queens native, queen herself… just a brand-new sound. I listen to this song non-stop, it’s a great summer song”. The accompanying video was directed, edited, and styled by Lexa herself. A beautifully crafted visual showcase that captures her effortless, ethereal presence. Watch HERE.
Lexa is a refreshing contrast to the usual boldness of rap. She’s introspective and unapologetically honest and offers a raw sound that captures the genuine essence of NYC. The 23-year-old Latinx artist quickly garnered a loyal fanbase by showcasing her ability to evoke a full range of passion in her music. Her journey began with her mother, who taught her music theory and composition. When she was 9 years old, her mother bought a keyboard and the two of them took vocal lessons, going on to play shows in cafes together until Gates dropped out of school at 15. She went through a tumultuous period before discovering she could record music at home, which then became her lifeline. Her 2022 album, Universe Wrapped in Flesh, and subsequent works showcase her evolving style and sobriety, reflecting her life experiences and growth.
On Valentine’s Day 2023, Gates released the exuberant ‘Angel’ – a track inspired by the late Mac Miller’s album, The Divine Feminine. A TikTok user shared the audio a few weeks later and it instantly gained traction on the platform. The song now has more than 1 million streams on Spotify. It also landed her an appearance on the renowned YouTube series, On The Radar. Following her appearance, she went on to perform at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, as well as sell out London’s The Lower Third, Brooklyn, and up next, The Echoplex in Los Angeles. Adding to the excitement, Lexa has an eagerly awaited album on the horizon, which promises to blend her signature style with fresh, innovative elements. With this drive, focus, and talent comes a whole new world of possibility. Gates talks about her future with poetic optimism. “I just want to do things for my mom and my sister and show my mom that this stuff is possible and it’s not a dream,” she says. “If you can think about it, you can get it done.”
Lexa Gates has the ability to seamlessly blend genres – from indie to alt-R&B and hip-hop. Her music has been described as reminiscent of the heartbroken lyricism of Amy Winehouse, with moments of candid humour a la Doja Cat, also for fans of Kali Uchis. From making beats in her bedroom, Lexa Gates’ delivery of compelling bars and lyrics make her a major one to watch, having already seen support from the likes of The Face, DORK, CLASH, DMY, F Word, COMPLEX and BBC 6Music.
Stay tuned…