The Ceremony is the fourth studio album by American rapper Kevin Gates. It was released on January 26, 2024, via Atlantic Records and Bread Winners' Alumni. The album features guest appearances by B.G. and Sexyy Red and notable productions by CashMoneyAP, Drumma Boy, Go Grizzly and Richie Souf.
Background
On October 25, 2023, Gates announced the release of his next studio album. He also revealed that the album would be called "The Ceremony".
Singles
On August 10, 2023, Gates released a promotional single via YouTube, "Rumors". It was later included on the album. On October 6, 2023, he released the first official single from the album, "God Slippers". On November 9, 2023, he released the second official single from the album, "Yonce Freestyle". On January 12, 2024, he released the third official single from the album, "Birds Calling".
Critical reception
Hattie Lindert of Pitchfork wrote that "where a more polished, pop-minded sound was jet fuel for Gates" on Islah (2016), "it's quicksand on The Ceremony. The writing is all about moving forward, but the sonics keep Gates frozen in time, fused to an outdated Hot 100 sound that's incongruous with his matured, quieter stylings".
Track listing
Notes "Rumors" is stylized in all caps.
Charts + Chart performance for The Ceremony Chart (2024) Peakposition US Top Streaming Albums (Billboard) 27
References