It’s about the pain of being there but not really being there. If you’ve ever sat in a room full of people and felt completely isolated, you get it. But for Kevin Gates, that feeling was literal. When "Imagine That" dropped in late 2017, it wasn’t just another track on a mixtape. It was a transmission from a man behind bars.
Kevin Gates has always been different. Most rappers brag about the life; Gates dissects the consequences of it. Imagine That Kevin Gates is the definitive example of that raw, unfiltered honesty that makes him a titan in the game. It’s a song that asks you to put yourself in the shoes of a father who can only see his kids through a glass partition or on a grainy video call.
The track appeared on By Any Means 2, a project released while Gates was serving time for a weapons charge. He didn't just record these songs; he lived them. And while the industry was moving toward "mumble rap" and shallow club hits, Gates was busy talking about the spiritual cost of the hustle.
The Weight of the Lyrics
"To lose somebody you really love and they not dead."
That line hits like a ton of bricks. Honestly, it’s one of the most haunting things he’s ever said. He’s talking about his wife, Dreka, and his children, Islah and Khaza. While the world was bumping "2 Phones," the man behind the music was grappling with the reality of missing birthdays, anniversaries, and first steps.
The song isn't just about jail. It's about the psychological toll of the "trench" lifestyle. He mentions Lee Lucas, a man who spent decades in prison, highlighting the systemic cycles that trap people from his neighborhood. It’s not just a song; it’s a social commentary wrapped in a melodic trap beat.
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Why the Music Video Broke the Internet
If you haven't seen the video, it's basically a home movie. It’s vulnerable. You see Dreka and the kids, but Kevin is noticeably absent, represented only by old footage or the shirts his family wears that say "Free Kevin Gates."
- It features real family moments.
- The lip-syncing by his daughters makes the lyrics feel even more tragic.
- It was directed by Pasqual Gutierrez, who captured the loneliness of a family trying to stay whole while the patriarch is away.
Basically, the video serves as a visual open letter. Gates has always used his platform to speak his "truth," even when that truth is ugly or uncomfortable. He’s said in interviews that his music is his journal. If that’s the case, "Imagine That" is the page where the ink is smeared with tears.
What Most People Get Wrong About Kevin Gates
People like to label Gates as just another "street rapper." That’s a mistake. You’ve got to look at his background to understand the complexity. He’s a guy who allegedly earned a master’s degree in psychology while incarcerated. He reads. He meditates. He talks about "semen retention" and "spiritual alignment" as much as he talks about the streets.
When you listen to Imagine That Kevin Gates, you’re hearing a student of human nature. He’s exploring the concept of "disallowance"—a word he used in a letter to his fans during his sentence. He told them not to be troubled by his absence because hardship is a requirement for greatness. That’s a stoic perspective you don't usually find in hip hop.
The Psychology of "Imagine That"
The song uses a repetitive, almost hypnotic hook to drive home its point.
"Imagine that... imagine that..."
It forces the listener into a state of empathy.
Can you imagine being the most famous person in your city but being unable to buy your daughter an ice cream?
Can you imagine having millions in the bank but eating a "spread" in a bunk?
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He challenges the "highlight reel" culture of Instagram. Gates has been vocal about how comparison is the killer of joy. By showing his struggle so openly, he’s telling his fans that the "glamorous" life of a street legend is often a lie. The real life is the one where you're missing your family.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Gates’ journey didn’t start or end with By Any Means 2. Born in 1986, he was a product of the Baton Rouge foster system and the streets of New Orleans. He lost his father to AIDS at 14. He was arrested for the first time at 13. By the time he was a legal adult, the "system" had already tried to break him.
But it didn't work. Instead, it gave him a perspective that few other artists possess.
- Early Years: He started with mixtapes like Pick of Da Litter in 2007.
- Breakthrough: The Luca Brasi Story in 2013 changed everything.
- Mainstream Success: Islah (named after his daughter) went multi-platinum.
- The Setback: His 2017 incarceration happened right as he was becoming a global superstar.
"Imagine That" was the bridge between his peak and his comeback. It proved that he didn't need to be physically present to dominate the conversation. His voice was loud enough to reach through the walls.
The Spiritual Shift
Lately, Gates has moved even further into the spiritual realm. If you follow him on social media or catch his recent interviews, he’s a different man than he was in 2017. He talks about gratitude. He talks about God’s purpose. He prays for his audience during his shows.
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This evolution makes Imagine That Kevin Gates even more significant. It was the turning point. It was the moment he realized that "living in his truth" was more important than maintaining a tough-guy persona. He’s admitted that he "aged ten years backwards" once he stopped trying to be what the world wanted and started being what he actually was.
Actionable Insights from the Story of Kevin Gates
If you’re a fan or just someone looking for inspiration, there are a few things to take away from this era of his life:
- Own Your Narrative: Gates never let the media tell his story. He told it himself, even when he was in a cell.
- Vulnerability is Strength: "Imagine That" is one of his most popular songs specifically because it’s so raw. People connect with pain more than they connect with bragging.
- Keep Growing: Don't get stuck in who you used to be. Gates went from a "juvenile delinquent" to a "spiritual guide" for millions.
- Family Over Everything: At the end of the day, his biggest regret wasn't the lost money or fame; it was the lost time.
Kevin Gates is a reminder that you can go to "hell and back" and still come out with something beautiful. "Imagine That" isn't just a song; it's a testament to the fact that even in your darkest moments, your voice can still be heard.
To really understand the impact of his work, go back and listen to the By Any Means 2 album from start to finish. Notice the lack of features. It’s just him, his thoughts, and the reality of his situation. It’s as real as music gets.
Reflect on your own "disallowances." What are the things in your life that are holding you back, and how can you turn that hardship into a story that helps someone else? That’s what Gates did. And that’s why, nearly a decade later, we’re still talking about it.