Key Takeaways
- Lexa Gates was raised with her sister in a single-parent home.
- At nine, she started taking piano lessons and performed with her mother at cafes.
- She gained recognition in 2019 by sharing her music on SoundCloud.
Lexa Gates, an American singer-songwriter, rapper and producer, credits her mother for shaping her musical path, though she keeps her parents’ names private.
Lexa, a 23-year-old born on April 8, 2001, grew up in Astoria, Queens, New York, in a musically rich household.
She was not an only child; Lexa grew up with a sister, spending much of her early childhood together.
Their mother wanted to pursue singing, but the responsibilities of being a single parent made her put that dream aside. Details about their father remain undisclosed.
Despite the challenges of being a single parent, her mother ensured music was central to their lives.
When asked about her beginnings in music, Lexa shared:
My mom wanted to be a singer, but she was a single mom so she had to prioritize working and paying the bills. She got me a singing teacher, this dude from Guatemala, to come and teach me how to play piano. She had gotten the piano so that they could sing together, but then I came in and I was like playing it because I thought it was cool.
Via Ourgenerationmusic
Lexa recalls:
My mom was the one playing music for us; she was playing Wu-Tang, Eminem, and Aaliyah. All RnB stuff, all the popular Y2K-type things.
Via Ourgenerationmusic
These influences shaped her signature blend of R&B and rap, showcased in tracks like “If I Die, I Die” and “Selfish.”
At the age of nine, Lexa’s mother bought a keyboard, and they began taking vocal lessons together, performing at local cafes. This shared experience deepened Lexa’s passion for music.
By 14, Lexa dropped out of high school due to personal struggles, including heartbreak and dissatisfaction with the school environment.
However, she later earned her GED, proving her resilience and commitment to moving forward.
Gates talks about her dreams with poetic hope, stating:
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. If you can think about it, you can get it done.
Via Thefoxmagazine
Lexa has always spoken with deep gratitude for her mother’s influence, both musically and emotionally.
In addition to this, Lexa’s Puerto Rican heritage also plays a role in her identity.
While she doesn’t always listen to Hispanic music, her background plays a significant role in her creativity and identity.
Though Lexa has not spoken much about her father, her bond with her mother and upbringing in Queens are central to her story.
Growing up in a challenging urban environment, Lexa drew strength from her mother’s perseverance, which has been crucial to her determination to succeed in her music career.
Lexa Gates, an emerging artist, began sharing her music on SoundCloud in 2019, gaining quick recognition for her DIY production style and introspective lyrics.
Her big breakthrough came in 2023 with the viral success of her single “Angel,” which propelled her to sold-out performances in Brooklyn, London, and Los Angeles, as well as appearances at major festivals like “The Great Escape.”
Her 2022 album, “Universe Wrapped in Flesh,” explored personal themes of growth and resilience, while more recent tracks like “Provider” and “I Just Can’t Be Alone” showcase her emotional depth and storytelling.
She has released various songs across her music career, accompanied by official music videos like “Stupid” (released recently on YouTube), “Rotten To The Core” (released in October 2023), and collaborations such as “I Just Can’t Be Alone” with Billy Lemos, and others.
By 2024, Lexa is set to release a full album, while her mother’s early passion for music continues to inspire her journey.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lexa Gates started making music in a DIY studio in her bedroom in New York.
- She is often compared to artists like Doja Cat and Kali Uchis for her unique blend of music styles.
- She went completely sober on her 21st birthday, which marked a turning point in her life and career.
