Louisiana rapper Kevin Gates developed his style around soul-bearing lyricism paired with passionate delivery, a style that grew more melodic and reliant on vocal hooks as time went on. Third studio album Khaza amplifies the emotional intensity that marks Gates best work as he explores the complex feelings of his long-term relationship ending. Heartbreak, vulnerability, and a conflicted mix of anger and longing run through much of Khaza, with Gates getting into the grim details of infidelity and betrayal on tracks like "Truth Be Told" and "Ups and Downs." Elsewhere, he offers somewhat depraved perspectives of fleeting post-breakup hook-ups, the infectiously catchy "Bad for Me" sounding more anxious than excited about a tumultuous new love. Its not all emotional turmoil, though, as the production and instrumentation throughout Khaza is tight and lively, with the Auto-Tuned vocals and dreamy synth textures on "Big Lyfe" or the dynamic beat of "Mine" injecting a pop element into Gates street-rap core. The Juicy J-assisted "Thinking with My Dick" from Gates 2013 mixtape Stranger Than Fiction makes a repeat appearance on Khaza after having been widely rediscovered by new listeners through viral sharing shortly before the albums release. The lewd and garish trap banger sounds slightly dated compared to the rest of the album but also helps add a touch of levity to some of Gates more raw and personal material. ~ TiVo Staff

Rovi