When we last spoke in February, Lexa Gates shared with me her blueprint for so-called rap world domination.
A newly-released single and a full-length album were both set firmly in her sights. A nationwide tour? Not so much. However, as she took the stage at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, Colorado on Monday (Nov. 13), it seemed like it had been a part of her plan all along.
At just 23, Lexa has undoubtedly had the best year of her career thus far. Coming off a year-long hiatus, she released back-to-back singles, “I Just Can’t Be Alone” and “Provider,” followed by Elite Vessel, her most ambitious project yet. Touting 12 tracks and features from Zeelooperz, Billy Lemos, and Alé Araya, Elite Vessel feels like a grand entrance for the New York rapper on the cusp of widespread stardom. At just 30 minutes long, Gates’ unique blend of nonchalant (almost aloof) rapping layered with her ghostly vocals is not only what makes her refreshing, but proves she’s cut from a different cloth when it comes to her pen.
On this particular night in Denver, Lexa was joined by Los Angeles-based artist Jonah Love—who caught eyes over the past year with his Griselda-esque flow and lyrics that sound suspiciously similar to any number of “accidentally Bronson” tweets. He warmed up the crowd with an array of altitude, weed, and snow jokes—a go-to for any artist visiting the Mile High State—before diving into his hour-long set, featuring fan favorites like “Coe Park” and “1 of 1.”
After a brief intermission by DJ Mellow Domingo, filled with Afrobeats and vintage Drake, Lexa was ready to perform. She entered the stage with flowers in her arms—a common trope within her fanbase, as they bring flowers to each show—and wasted no time before diving into her first song, “Selfish,” off her 2022 album, Universe Wrapped in Flesh.
For a relatively new fanbase, the crowd of around 900 fans seemed all too familiar with her on stage, belting every word of arguably her biggest hit, “Lately, Nothing,” along with a myriad of other tracks. These ranged from the slower, more winding cuts like “If I Die, I Die” to “Thinking of You,” where Lexa raps over a beat that wouldn’t be out of place on a KAYTRANADA record.
The night wrapped up with raucous applause from the crowd, shouts of “I love you Lexa,” and an encore of “Where Are You.” For the fans who showed up for her—many seeing her live for the first time—one thing was clear: while she is still growing into the role, Lexa Gates is a performer gifted with elite potential.
Pictures by @shotbysopa | getemhigh.com
Check out ‘Elite Vessel’ below!