Lexa Gates - Universe Wrapped In Flesh (Album)

Thanks to the always illustrious Hellcat! who earlier in the week had posted NY native Lexa Gates on her IG story, which intrigued me at first glance. I was initially unfamiliar with her name and sound, but the title of her recent album, “Universe Wrapped In Flesh,” got my curiosity. I decided to sit down briefly with the project to check it out. After experiencing about 40 seconds of her intro, I was immediately hooked; where that brief minute extended over to 30 minutes, where I graciously heard the album from start to finish. I’m a sucker for intros, and her joint “Selfish” is a perfect example of why. Raw & lethal with the wordplay, with her wit being the most diabolical placing of her cadence. She’s free willing with the flow while she throws stones of lyrical pressure at the domes of those opposing her talent. It’s just the first track, and I’m already a fan and know this right now….it only gets better.

Her second record, “Nothing Really Hurts Me,” is deeply profound by the chorus alone. She’s been through so much pain and hurt that it doesn’t affect her anymore; take your turn to put her down or clip her wings; it ain’t going to bring her any lower than what she’s already felt. I can understand that feeling wholeheartedly, and I’m sure many can, too. This is why relatable records like this speak high in volume to me since it creates a storytelling structure to put yourself in somebody else’s shoes for a change. Harmonious in nature while still spitting that malicious intent throughout the single, making it a two for two so far. It’s crazy how each song is just as enjoyable as the last; one record is full of angst, while the next is a beautifully sung ballad. “If I Die, I Die” is just so powerful, man, the title itself is just so superior, but when you dig deep into this track, it just puts you in the spotlight, tempting you to take something or do something that is outside your norm but meant to break you in the process. Could it be for the better, or could it be for the worse? It’s your decision, so make sure it’s the right one. Another highlight for me has to be “I’m All Way In,” which is that go-getter release. I love her storytelling arc in this record, holding the whole world on her shoulder and building her empire right in front of our eyes; she’s all in with her chips in the middle, so there is no need to look back. The production on here is amazingly flourished throughout, matching her caliber just right; it’s almost too perfect getting this kind of talent to share so much of her inner self on wax while still pouring out emotions in a raw format. I’m deeply thankful an album like this came my way since it has quickly become one of my favorite releases so far, which I championed an artist like Lexa here to give us this astonishing gift to cherish.

Best believe that Lexa Gates is now on my radar for future releases & will get placement on the site from now on. I’m keeping her high on my list of artists to look out for, and I know many will fall in alignment to witness her spark continue to shine. If you aren’t familiar with Lexa Gates, then it’s a great time to start today by checking out her latest album here while sharing it around on all social media avenues.