Lexa Gates’ journey comes alive with the release of her highly anticipated album, Elite Vessel
“Old school soul merges with new-gen rap... think: Mac Miller meets Lauryn Hill meets that girl you get locked into philosophical chats with at afters” – The Face
“Lexa Gates flows with authenticity, pinpointed as one to watch in the year ahead” – CLASH
“Embodies that sense of feminine grit” – The FADER
“Her ability to discern drama and beauty around the grungy, mundane corners of life extends well beyond her visual art and deep into her sonic creations” – tmrw Magazine
“One of the can’t-miss emerging artists coming out of NYC” – Billboard
Lexa Gates officially releases her long-awaited label debut album, Elite Vessel. A deeply personal and introspective project, Elite Vessel takes listeners on an emotional journey through Lexa’s life, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and ambition. Reflecting on the album, 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.”
Elite Vessel presents Lexa’s raw, honest sound, balancing moments of introspection with bold declarations of strength.
The 23-year-old Latinx artist has quickly become known for her authentic storytelling, drawing on her experiences growing up in New York and her journey from performing in cafes with her mother to making waves today, recently receiving co-signs from the likes of SZA and Clairo.
The album opens with the ethereal track “Alone,” produced by Lexa herself, where her airy vocals set the tone for the 14-track journey. Fan-favorite "Stacy’s Chips" delivers raw, introspective lyrics, adding to the album's depth. Recently, the album gained fresh momentum with two acclaimed singles, "I Just Can’t Be Alone" and "Provider." Produced by Billy Lemos (Omar Apollo, Still Woozy), "I Just Can’t Be Alone" combines soulful production with Lexa’s mesmerizing vocals, delving into relationship complexities. On Apple Music 1, Zane Lowe described the track as one of his “songs of the summer”, while BBC Radio 1’s Sian Eleri declared “it’s like if Olivia Dean and Mary J Blige had a baby”. "Provider" reveals Lexa’s lyrical depth as she reflects on supporting her family, with both tracks earning praise from Billboard and The Face. The album also features collaborations with Alé Araya on “Lately, Nothing” and Zelooperz on “Sweet.. Time.”
In conjunction with the album release, Lexa also shares the video for her single “Stupid,” where she enters a dreamlike world as she launders money. The visual juxtaposes her powerful lyrics, showcasing empowered women who are reversing stereotypes and tropes, even though the lyrics convey a different narrative. Dressed in chic office attire, she fully embodies the office siren aesthetic, Lexa continues to confidentially shares her unapologetic perspective.
Lexa Gates has the ability to seamlessly blend genres - from indie to alt-R&B and hip-hop. Her music often compares with moments of candid humour a la Doja Cat and the dreamy production flairs of Tyler, the Creator, also for fans of Kali Uchis. From making beats in her bedroom, Lexa Gates’ delivery of compelling bars and lyrics make her a major one to watch, having already seen support from the likes of The Face, DORK, CLASH, The Fader, Billboard, tmrw Magazine, DMY, COMPLEX, BBC Radio 1, BBC 6Music and Apple Music 1.
This year has seen Lexa play a sold-out headline show at London’s The Lower Third, plus an incredible set at Brighton’s The Great Escape Festival.
With her drive, focus, and talent, Lexa is stepping into a world full of new possibilities. Speaking with poetic optimism about her future, she says, “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.” Lexa Gates is set for an exhilarating remainder of the year. As she continues to make her mark, stay tuned for what lies ahead as this is only the beginning of her journey.
ELITE VESSEL TRACKLIST
1. Alone
2. Lately, Nothing (ft. Alé Araya)
3. Thinking of You
4. Stupid
5. What You Wish For
6. Sweet.. Time (ft, Zelooperz)
7. The Earth It Works In Funny Ways
8. Stacy’s Chips
9. I Just Can’t Be Alone (ft. Billy Lemos)
10. Yourself
11. Dirt
12. Lover