Kevin Gates on Birdman, Lil Wayne, and His Career Path

The Cash Money Offer

• 💰 Kevin Gates recounts Birdman offering him a $100 million deal, inspired by seeing Birdman do the same for his team.
• 🎯 He saw this as motivation to achieve similar success for his own team.

Encountering Lil Wayne and Young Money

• 🎤 Gates met Lil Wayne around 2011 or 2012, shortly after being released from jail.
• 👑 He describes the Young Money group (Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj) as the "Roman Empire of the music industry" at that time.

Reasons for Not Signing

• 🤔 Gates explains that he declined the opportunity because it "wasn't in alignment" for him at that time.
• 🤝 He emphasizes that he still maintains great relationships with both Birdman and Lil Wayne, with no animosity.
• 🚀 He believes that if the situation had happened, he "probably wouldn't be who I am" today.

Philosophy on Rejection and Success

• 🛡️ Gates views rejection as protection, believing that not getting certain opportunities shields him from unknown negative outcomes.
• ⚖️ He accepts both wins and defeats equally, finding contentment in his current position and the person he has become.
• ✅ He values being able to be his authentic self daily, which he believes earns him more respect.

Views on Rap Greatness and Social Media

• 🎤 When asked about Lil Wayne being the greatest rapper from New Orleans, Gates states Wayne is "one of my favorites" but avoids definitive comparisons.
• 🚫 He generally avoids engaging in online debates about rap rankings, preferring to focus on his own life and business.
• 💡 Gates categorizes himself as someone who discusses "ideas and entrepreneurship and business," rather than focusing on other people's actions.

Personal Growth and Aspirations

• 🎤 Gates expresses a desire to work with artists like Rihanna, and mentions that in the rap game, he has already worked with most artists he wanted to.
• 💭 He regrets not being able to collaborate with Biggie Smalls and Big Pun.
• 💪 He shares his journey of losing 40 lbs without surgery, attributing his discipline partly to body dysmorphia, which he is thankful for.
• 🗣️ He emphasizes the importance of raising his frequency through activities like prayer and working out.