CREDIT: @gaptoothshorty
September 16, 2024 – Today, rising rapper and singer Lexa Gates announces the release of her highly anticipated debut album, Elite Vessel, set to drop on October 18th. Reflecting on the project, Lexa shares, “Elite Vessel is more than just a title; it’s a manifestation of everything I’m striving to become. I am the vessel, and this album represents my journey toward everything I’ve ever dreamed of—it’s a surreal feeling.” Alongside the album news, Lexa Gates also announces her first-ever North American headline tour, set to kick off this fall.
Lexa has already shared two singles off her upcoming album. “I Just Can’t Be Alone” delves into the emotional turbulence of relationships, blending soulful production by Billy Lemos (Omar Apollo, Still Woozy), jazzy melodies, and Lexa’s smooth, captivating vocals, and “Provider,” a heartfelt anthem that showcases her confident delivery over evocative production, reflecting on the effort of supporting her family. The track went on to receive support from Billboard and The Face, earning spots in their “R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week” and “Best New Tracks” columns.In support of Elite Vessel, Lexa is gearing up for her first-ever North American headline “The Elite Vessel Tour,” starting on November 4th in Chicago. She will then make her way to major cities such as Austin, San Francisco, and DC, before concluding in her hometown of New York. Artist presale begins on Tuesday, September 17th at 10 AM local time, with the public on-sale starting on Friday, September 20th at 10 AM local time.
Tickets available HERE.
Full list of tour dates below.Lexa is a refreshing contrast to the usual boldness of rap. She’s introspective and unapologetically honest and offers a raw sound that captures the genuine essence of NYC. The 23-year-old Latinx artist quickly garnered a loyal fanbase by showcasing her ability to evoke a full range of passion in her music. Her journey began with her mother, who taught her music theory and composition. When she was 9 years old, her mother bought a keyboard and the two of them took vocal lessons, going on to play shows in cafes together until Gates dropped out of school at 15. She went through a tumultuous period before discovering she could record music at home, which then became her lifeline. Her 2022 album, Universe Wrapped in Flesh, and subsequent works showcase her evolving style and sobriety, reflecting her life experiences and growth.
On Valentine’s Day 2023, Gates released the exuberant “Angel.” A TikTok user shared the audio a few weeks later and it instantly gained traction on the platform. The song now has more than 1 million streams on Spotify. It also landed her an appearance on the renowned YouTube series, On The Radar. Following her appearance, she went on to perform at Great Escape Festival in the UK, as well as sell out shows in London, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles. With this drive, focus, and talent comes a whole new world of possibility. Gates talks about her future with poetic optimism. “I just want to do things for my mom and my sister and show my mom that this stuff is possible and it’s not a dream,” she says. “If you can think about it, you can get it done.” Lexa Gates is poised for an exciting rest of the year. As she continues to make waves, stay tuned for what’s next—this is just the beginning of her journey.“
THE ELITE VESSEL TOUR” DATES:
Monday, November 4th Subterranean Chicago, IL
Thursday, November 7th House of Blue Bronze Peacock Houston, TX
Friday, November 8th Club Dada Dallas, TX
Saturday, November 9th Parish Austin, TX
Monday, November 11th Cervantes’ Other Side Denver, CO
Wednesday, November 13th Barboza Seattle, WA
Thursday, November 14th The Hawthorne Theater Portland, OR
Sunday, November 17th The Independent San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, November 20th Longboat Hall Toronto, OR
Thursday, November 21st Brighton Music HallBoston, MA
Saturday, November 23rd Union Hall Washington DC
Wednesday, November 27th Racket NYC New York, NY
KEEP UP WITH LEXA GATES:
Instagram / Twitter / TikTok / YouTube
