Allen Gates

Playora interviews Hip Hop Artist Allen ‘Gates’ Allen won the Dr Jays 2010 Fresh Faces of Spring modeling contest and was also inducted as an honorary alderman for the City of St. Louis in January 2011. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the betterment of the city. He sets aside time to perform at schools, interacting with students and encouraging them to make the most of their talents.

PLAYORA: Welcome to Playora Allen!

ALLEN: Well thanks for having a young handsome player like myself.

PLAYORA: Winning the Dr Jays 2010 Fresh Faces of Spring modeling contest is a great achievemnt. Did this help with your music promotion efforts?

ALLEN: Yes it really did, it more so helped with showing people that I could be a multi level talent. I didn’t have to just stay in one lane. I got in every paper and plenty of tv shows here at home. I wish I could have been more creative with building on that buzz but it was a great experience.

PLAYORA: Its great that you take time out to speak to the youth. What made you take this step and how do the youth respond to what you have to say?

ALLEN: Its been apart of who I am well before I started getting noticed for doing it. I believe the most important thing I can do in my life is Inspire. I was always the dude that put people together or motivated people. My first job was a student counselor at the age of 14. I’ve coached High School basketball and helped with lead leadership conferences. I live to Inspire and PROVE that you can come from the bottom and take the scenic route to the high plane.

PLAYORA: Your song ‘Movie Star’ got to number 9 in the Mediabase Indie Charts in the United States, was this by record sales or was you voted to that position ?

ALLEN: To my knowldge it was from radio play and hardwork lol. But I’m not sure honestly. I do know when I saw that in the paper I was EXCITED!!!

PLAYORA: Thats a great achievement. Do you apply for many competitions? If so would you recommend other artists to follow this method or do you think it could also be damaging?

ALLEN: I have participated in plenty showcases and competitions and won but I would not do those again. They are usually expensive and the prizes are stuff you can get by your own hard work. NOTHING BEATS HARD WORK AND SWEAT.

PLAYORA: Have you already collaborated with a mainstream artist? If not if you could, who would it be?

ALLEN: No, I haven’t had that chance yet but if I could hand pick a artist right now I honestly would pick Lupe Fiasco. He cares about what he says and the affect that may have. Also he’s DOPE so it would pull a lot out of me and to know I’m on a track with a ARTIST that can spit as good as he can.

PLAYORA: For those people who are going to look your music up after reading this interview, what song would you recommend they listened to?

ALLEN: “NOT NEVER”. Its a song with the passion I am known for and its very motivational.

PLAYORA: So Allen do you write your own songs?

ALLEN: Of course. I take too much pride in my words to let someone else take credit for them. That’s my life you hear on my songs.. MY LIFE.

PLAYORA: What’s your creative process when you write songs,? Where are most of your songs written?

ALLEN: No real process because I will NEVER rush a song. My songs are Proof of my emotions, and feelings and passion for the subject. Anywhere I get that feeling.

PLAYORA: Have you done any music videos?

ALLEN: Yes, it was weird at first but I’m getting the hang of it.

PLAYORA: I speak to bands/artists who have not had much success with digital distribution but more with physical. Do you find this is the case also?

ALLEN: Kind off, it’s still so many people who crave that physical connection. There is no replacing that.

PLAYORA: Have you many gigs Allen? Tell us a bit about your gigs and what we should expect.

ALLEN: Yes I have been performing for 8 years. You will undoubtedly see high energy passionate rawness. What IT SHOULD BE.

PLAYORA: Can you tell us about your worse gig ever?

ALLEN: When I was in grade school I was asked to sing the school song… IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE SCHOOL and parents . Needless to say its a reason I’M JUST RAPPING now.

PLAYORA: Do you have any upcoming gigs?

ALLEN: Yeah, I’ll be in Chicago at the “RAP FACTORY” on Decmember 1st. It’ll be Turnt UP!!

PLAYORA: Anything you would like share, from new merch to upcoming shows/tours or songs/albums?

ALLEN: Yes, go to your favorite hip hop site and search for THE PROOF, i am accepting any and all DONATIONS and support the ARTIST you actually like. STAY SEXY STAY SAFE BUT NEVER STAY IN PLACE… KEEP IT MOVING.

PLAYORA: Thank you for your time Allen

ALLEN: My PLEASURE. ITS BEEN REAL.

PLAYORA: Thank you for this great interview, with such a talented artist. We look forward to listening and reviewing your next album so please drop us a line when its recorded. We wish you all the best for t - Playora

Playora interviews Hip Hop Artist Allen ‘Gates’ Allen won the Dr Jays 2010 Fresh Faces of Spring modeling contest and was also inducted as an honorary alderman for the City of St. Louis in January 2011. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the betterment of the city. He sets aside time to perform at schools, interacting with students and encouraging them to make the most of their talents.

PLAYORA: Welcome to Playora Allen!

ALLEN: Well thanks for having a young handsome player like myself.

PLAYORA: Winning the Dr Jays 2010 Fresh Faces of Spring modeling contest is a great achievemnt. Did this help with your music promotion efforts?

ALLEN: Yes it really did, it more so helped with showing people that I could be a multi level talent. I didn’t have to just stay in one lane. I got in every paper and plenty of tv shows here at home. I wish I could have been more creative with building on that buzz but it was a great experience.

PLAYORA: Its great that you take time out to speak to the youth. What made you take this step and how do the youth respond to what you have to say?

ALLEN: Its been apart of who I am well before I started getting noticed for doing it. I believe the most important thing I can do in my life is Inspire. I was always the dude that put people together or motivated people. My first job was a student counselor at the age of 14. I’ve coached High School basketball and helped with lead leadership conferences. I live to Inspire and PROVE that you can come from the bottom and take the scenic route to the high plane.

PLAYORA: Your song ‘Movie Star’ got to number 9 in the Mediabase Indie Charts in the United States, was this by record sales or was you voted to that position ?

ALLEN: To my knowldge it was from radio play and hardwork lol. But I’m not sure honestly. I do know when I saw that in the paper I was EXCITED!!!

PLAYORA: Thats a great achievement. Do you apply for many competitions? If so would you recommend other artists to follow this method or do you think it could also be damaging?

ALLEN: I have participated in plenty showcases and competitions and won but I would not do those again. They are usually expensive and the prizes are stuff you can get by your own hard work. NOTHING BEATS HARD WORK AND SWEAT.

PLAYORA: Have you already collaborated with a mainstream artist? If not if you could, who would it be?

ALLEN: No, I haven’t had that chance yet but if I could hand pick a artist right now I honestly would pick Lupe Fiasco. He cares about what he says and the affect that may have. Also he’s DOPE so it would pull a lot out of me and to know I’m on a track with a ARTIST that can spit as good as he can.

PLAYORA: For those people who are going to look your music up after reading this interview, what song would you recommend they listened to?

ALLEN: “NOT NEVER”. Its a song with the passion I am known for and its very motivational.

PLAYORA: So Allen do you write your own songs?

ALLEN: Of course. I take too much pride in my words to let someone else take credit for them. That’s my life you hear on my songs.. MY LIFE.

PLAYORA: What’s your creative process when you write songs,? Where are most of your songs written?

ALLEN: No real process because I will NEVER rush a song. My songs are Proof of my emotions, and feelings and passion for the subject. Anywhere I get that feeling.

PLAYORA: Have you done any music videos?

ALLEN: Yes, it was weird at first but I’m getting the hang of it.

PLAYORA: I speak to bands/artists who have not had much success with digital distribution but more with physical. Do you find this is the case also?

ALLEN: Kind off, it’s still so many people who crave that physical connection. There is no replacing that.

PLAYORA: Have you many gigs Allen? Tell us a bit about your gigs and what we should expect.

ALLEN: Yes I have been performing for 8 years. You will undoubtedly see high energy passionate rawness. What IT SHOULD BE.

PLAYORA: Can you tell us about your worse gig ever?

ALLEN: When I was in grade school I was asked to sing the school song… IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE SCHOOL and parents . Needless to say its a reason I’M JUST RAPPING now.

PLAYORA: Do you have any upcoming gigs?

ALLEN: Yeah, I’ll be in Chicago at the “RAP FACTORY” on Decmember 1st. It’ll be Turnt UP!!

PLAYORA: Anything you would like share, from new merch to upcoming shows/tours or songs/albums?

ALLEN: Yes, go to your favorite hip hop site and search for THE PROOF, i am accepting any and all DONATIONS and support the ARTIST you actually like. STAY SEXY STAY SAFE BUT NEVER STAY IN PLACE… KEEP IT MOVING.

PLAYORA: Thank you for your time Allen

ALLEN: My PLEASURE. ITS BEEN REAL.

PLAYORA: Thank you for this great interview, with such a talented artist. We look forward to listening and reviewing your next album so please drop us a line when its recorded. We wish you all the best for t - Playora

Now here in Worldswagg.com, we focus on two things.
Hiphop News & Artists, Today i’m excited to show you all a new upcoming artist named Allen Gates, Allen Gates is the next STAR coming about of Poppin’ St. Louis,

I’ve never been so excited to show you guys this review, right when I popped on his album, “The Proof.”
My leg started shaking, my head started bobbing his music made me feel so ecstatic and pumped, the reason I say this is because I usually don’t feel this way, the only time I’ve felt this was when I popped on Meek Mill when he first started coming up, My favorite song on his album of 16 is, “Breakdown.” It has a LL cool J Personality, it’s in your face, it’s letting you know exactly what you are capable of and proving it nothing in between, no fluff; no jokes. - World Swagg

Now here in Worldswagg.com, we focus on two things.
Hiphop News & Artists, Today i’m excited to show you all a new upcoming artist named Allen Gates, Allen Gates is the next STAR coming about of Poppin’ St. Louis,

I’ve never been so excited to show you guys this review, right when I popped on his album, “The Proof.”
My leg started shaking, my head started bobbing his music made me feel so ecstatic and pumped, the reason I say this is because I usually don’t feel this way, the only time I’ve felt this was when I popped on Meek Mill when he first started coming up, My favorite song on his album of 16 is, “Breakdown.” It has a LL cool J Personality, it’s in your face, it’s letting you know exactly what you are capable of and proving it nothing in between, no fluff; no jokes. - World Swagg

Allen Gates found his calling with words and used them as way to communicate through music at an early age. Born in St. Louis, he took his first vulnerable plunge performing for his peers on a class trip. The applause and respect from this hypercritical young crowd validated his talent. “At that point I realized I was good and I needed to take this seriously,” says Allen. Influenced by LL Cool J, DMX and Jay Z, Allen has been grinding the hip hop scene for more than eight years.

His music hit Mediabase Indie Charts at #9 in the United States with the song “Movie Star, featuring Chrishan. Allen left his day job with the 2011 World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals to pursue a championship of his own. His first mixtape, titled “The Track Meet,” debuted in 2011.

Following a robbery that left him hospitalized in August 2011, Allen was more determined than ever and in the studio the very next day. Allen won the drjays.com 2010 Fresh Faces of Spring modeling contest and was also inducted as an honorary alderman for the City of St. Louis in January 2011.

Like many Hip Hop lovers of his generation, Allen Gates has both a passion and respect for the musical element of Hip Hop. Like the legends who have come before him, Allen showcases his strong passion for the culture through his gifted lyrical prowess and emotional delivery on “The Proof.”

The album is excellent featuring clever autobiographical lyrics and a stellar musical production. I’m glad that Allen did not create some unauthentic persona or pretend to be a gangsta, his lyrics represent who he is and what he knows, which make his songs infinitely more interesting.

Allen Gates is proof that you don’t have to be hard or anti-social to make a statement as a Hip-Hop artist. He is breathing new life into the game right now with his positive attitude. Moreover, Allen proves that he is a talented rapper who can maintain a steady and catchy flow on almost any beat.

“The Proof” album is able to speak to people on many levels. Here Allen poured his heart out in every song and left it there. This album is definitely a great contribution to indie hip-hop, which is hanging on by a thread. Considering how the Hip-hop market is flooded by so many untalented dudes pushing dozens of mixtapes all over the web.

The beats are well made, and every song contains great lyrics which could work great as singles. Allen has a lyrical style, that in places is nontraditional to the standard hip-hop formula, but it works and it’s great, giving him an original edge.

I think Allen Gates has a great career ahead of him as a rapper, and his talent is evident in this remarkable album. Standouts on this 16-track album include; “Prove It,” “It is What It Is,” “On Me,” “What You Wanna Do,” “Chit Chat,” “My Money,” “Havarti Dreams,” “Chasing Dreams,” and “Hello.”

If you love Hip-hop and are tired of hearing about big rims and fast cars, then this is the album you’ve been waiting for.

You’ll quickly become hypnotized by observing Allen Gates’s skills on “The Proof.” Finally here’s a rapper you can understand. His very crisp, sharp deliveries and great musicality will easily penetrate your senses.

Allen’s music is a mixture of all his influences and you can hear it, yet all the time he sounds very honest and humble. Those characteristics will almost certainly help forge a great artist in the making. - JamSphere

Allen Gates found his calling with words and used them as way to communicate through music at an early age. Born in St. Louis, he took his first vulnerable plunge performing for his peers on a class trip. The applause and respect from this hypercritical young crowd validated his talent. “At that point I realized I was good and I needed to take this seriously,” says Allen. Influenced by LL Cool J, DMX and Jay Z, Allen has been grinding the hip hop scene for more than eight years.

His music hit Mediabase Indie Charts at #9 in the United States with the song “Movie Star, featuring Chrishan. Allen left his day job with the 2011 World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals to pursue a championship of his own. His first mixtape, titled “The Track Meet,” debuted in 2011.

Following a robbery that left him hospitalized in August 2011, Allen was more determined than ever and in the studio the very next day. Allen won the drjays.com 2010 Fresh Faces of Spring modeling contest and was also inducted as an honorary alderman for the City of St. Louis in January 2011.

Like many Hip Hop lovers of his generation, Allen Gates has both a passion and respect for the musical element of Hip Hop. Like the legends who have come before him, Allen showcases his strong passion for the culture through his gifted lyrical prowess and emotional delivery on “The Proof.”

The album is excellent featuring clever autobiographical lyrics and a stellar musical production. I’m glad that Allen did not create some unauthentic persona or pretend to be a gangsta, his lyrics represent who he is and what he knows, which make his songs infinitely more interesting.

Allen Gates is proof that you don’t have to be hard or anti-social to make a statement as a Hip-Hop artist. He is breathing new life into the game right now with his positive attitude. Moreover, Allen proves that he is a talented rapper who can maintain a steady and catchy flow on almost any beat.

“The Proof” album is able to speak to people on many levels. Here Allen poured his heart out in every song and left it there. This album is definitely a great contribution to indie hip-hop, which is hanging on by a thread. Considering how the Hip-hop market is flooded by so many untalented dudes pushing dozens of mixtapes all over the web.

The beats are well made, and every song contains great lyrics which could work great as singles. Allen has a lyrical style, that in places is nontraditional to the standard hip-hop formula, but it works and it’s great, giving him an original edge.

I think Allen Gates has a great career ahead of him as a rapper, and his talent is evident in this remarkable album. Standouts on this 16-track album include; “Prove It,” “It is What It Is,” “On Me,” “What You Wanna Do,” “Chit Chat,” “My Money,” “Havarti Dreams,” “Chasing Dreams,” and “Hello.”

If you love Hip-hop and are tired of hearing about big rims and fast cars, then this is the album you’ve been waiting for.

You’ll quickly become hypnotized by observing Allen Gates’s skills on “The Proof.” Finally here’s a rapper you can understand. His very crisp, sharp deliveries and great musicality will easily penetrate your senses.

Allen’s music is a mixture of all his influences and you can hear it, yet all the time he sounds very honest and humble. Those characteristics will almost certainly help forge a great artist in the making. - JamSphere

This week, Tef Poe talks to artist Allen Gates about his childhood and channeling his anger and confusion into music. You can find Gates at his web site, on Twitter at @314ag or on YouTube.

Tef Poe: Tell us about your story. Talk to us about your struggles and the things that keep you going.

Allen Gates: I was born and raised in downtown St. Louis -- grew up in one of the city's many "Red Zones," which is the phrase used by Law enforcement to describe very dangerous areas.

I grew up an only child with few friends raised by a single mother and a semi-distant family. Growing up in the hood but being sent to a Catholic school made life a little confusing, so I usually dealt with that by fighting and getting into trouble.

To say the least I had a lack of self control, but after seeing how similar behavior was affecting others around me I decided I didn't wanna fall into that world. So every time I felt like I wanted to fight or hurt someone I would write a little short story or poem about it. This is actually the first time I ever admitted that.

Needless to say thats how I started writing. I have always been inspired by emotion. My first project I ever did was "Direct Contradictions." It Came about after a friend of mine did me wrong ,a uncle pissed me off, my girl cheated on me, I got arrested, cut from the football team, almost missed being able to graduate, had problems with my mom and she put me out the house. So I made a desicion and that choice was to channel all that angered passionate emotion. In a span of six days, I recorded a 31 track mixtape and thats how the snowball was created. The struggle and pain in my music is real so is the good stuff but the passion could never be fabricated.

Talk to us about your current project and any future releases you are planning on pushing in the future.

My current project The Proof is special to me. Not just because it's what I'm pushing right now, but because its the first project that is a direct reflection of who I am and who I should be. Past projects were truthful but none had the professionalism and appeal of this one.

I sense alot of heart inside you. I hear it in your delivery. How has this shaped the way you approach writing a song?

Its weird because it actually makes it harder. What I mean by that is unfortunately we live in a time where honesty and passion doesn't sell. When I was freestyling everything it was particularly tricky, but I re-trained myself to write songs that could fit any type of vibe for any type of listener.

Can you share with us a personal moment of triumph or maybe even defeat?

On August 8, 2011, close to 3 a.m. I was leaving my second job bartending. After work I walked to Flamingo Bowl most nights to grab a burger with my co-workers. I started walking home and heard a car pulling up behind me. Four guys approached me, three with automatic rifles and the driver had a pistol.

They jumped me pretty bad, left me in the middle of the street in a pool of blood. I dont have any enemies so it was clearly a wrong place, wrong time situation. But when I had to walk home from the hospital because I had no way to contact a ride since all my contacts were in my phone that was stolen, I snapped... all that was on my mind was killing anybody that I thought knew anything about it. The next day I contacted a big homie about buying a HK45 that I had recently turned down because I didn't want to have to use it. But here I was a week later with blood in my eyes and revenge in my heart.

So the big homie asked me about the stitches in my chin and the bruise on my eye, after telling him the whole situation he told me he wouldn't sell me the weapon. Which pissed me off but then he explained, "You're better than this crazy shit. I know you want to get whoever did this to you but are you willing to throw away your career on some thirsty scary thugs?" I wasn't in the mood to be talked down but he said, "Your music is proof that better things are out here."

For months I was talking about doing another project and wanted to name it The Proof so when he said that I just start crying. Here I am a grown man trying to buy a gun to kill somebody and crying. I got over it and put together a GREAT PROJECT.
- Riverfront Times

This week, Tef Poe talks to artist Allen Gates about his childhood and channeling his anger and confusion into music. You can find Gates at his web site, on Twitter at @314ag or on YouTube.

Tef Poe: Tell us about your story. Talk to us about your struggles and the things that keep you going.

Allen Gates: I was born and raised in downtown St. Louis -- grew up in one of the city's many "Red Zones," which is the phrase used by Law enforcement to describe very dangerous areas.

I grew up an only child with few friends raised by a single mother and a semi-distant family. Growing up in the hood but being sent to a Catholic school made life a little confusing, so I usually dealt with that by fighting and getting into trouble.

To say the least I had a lack of self control, but after seeing how similar behavior was affecting others around me I decided I didn't wanna fall into that world. So every time I felt like I wanted to fight or hurt someone I would write a little short story or poem about it. This is actually the first time I ever admitted that.

Needless to say thats how I started writing. I have always been inspired by emotion. My first project I ever did was "Direct Contradictions." It Came about after a friend of mine did me wrong ,a uncle pissed me off, my girl cheated on me, I got arrested, cut from the football team, almost missed being able to graduate, had problems with my mom and she put me out the house. So I made a desicion and that choice was to channel all that angered passionate emotion. In a span of six days, I recorded a 31 track mixtape and thats how the snowball was created. The struggle and pain in my music is real so is the good stuff but the passion could never be fabricated.

Talk to us about your current project and any future releases you are planning on pushing in the future.

My current project The Proof is special to me. Not just because it's what I'm pushing right now, but because its the first project that is a direct reflection of who I am and who I should be. Past projects were truthful but none had the professionalism and appeal of this one.

I sense alot of heart inside you. I hear it in your delivery. How has this shaped the way you approach writing a song?

Its weird because it actually makes it harder. What I mean by that is unfortunately we live in a time where honesty and passion doesn't sell. When I was freestyling everything it was particularly tricky, but I re-trained myself to write songs that could fit any type of vibe for any type of listener.

Can you share with us a personal moment of triumph or maybe even defeat?

On August 8, 2011, close to 3 a.m. I was leaving my second job bartending. After work I walked to Flamingo Bowl most nights to grab a burger with my co-workers. I started walking home and heard a car pulling up behind me. Four guys approached me, three with automatic rifles and the driver had a pistol.

They jumped me pretty bad, left me in the middle of the street in a pool of blood. I dont have any enemies so it was clearly a wrong place, wrong time situation. But when I had to walk home from the hospital because I had no way to contact a ride since all my contacts were in my phone that was stolen, I snapped... all that was on my mind was killing anybody that I thought knew anything about it. The next day I contacted a big homie about buying a HK45 that I had recently turned down because I didn't want to have to use it. But here I was a week later with blood in my eyes and revenge in my heart.

So the big homie asked me about the stitches in my chin and the bruise on my eye, after telling him the whole situation he told me he wouldn't sell me the weapon. Which pissed me off but then he explained, "You're better than this crazy shit. I know you want to get whoever did this to you but are you willing to throw away your career on some thirsty scary thugs?" I wasn't in the mood to be talked down but he said, "Your music is proof that better things are out here."

For months I was talking about doing another project and wanted to name it The Proof so when he said that I just start crying. Here I am a grown man trying to buy a gun to kill somebody and crying. I got over it and put together a GREAT PROJECT.
- Riverfront Times

Allen Gates - Of all the people on my personal radar for next year, Allen Gates is definitely the one who would best be described as a "newcomer." You probably haven't seen him perform before. You're probably unfamiliar with his catalogue. But I believe he has enough of the "it" factor to become a contender for this town's hip-hop title belt if he chooses to do so. His music is overflowing with passion and his stage show is flooded with over-the-top energy. If partnered with the right producers, he's more than capable of making waves -- certain artists are intriguing enough for the public to fall in love with effortlessly. All Gates needs is a solid ground-level awareness campaign and this year will be huge for him. He makes honest music about his life experiences and has confidence oozing out of his pores. As a fan I'd love to see him put ten toes in the dirt and mash on these sucker MCs. Gates could definitely become a forerunner for bringing the realness back to Saint Louis music. - Riverfront Times

Allen Gates - Of all the people on my personal radar for next year, Allen Gates is definitely the one who would best be described as a "newcomer." You probably haven't seen him perform before. You're probably unfamiliar with his catalogue. But I believe he has enough of the "it" factor to become a contender for this town's hip-hop title belt if he chooses to do so. His music is overflowing with passion and his stage show is flooded with over-the-top energy. If partnered with the right producers, he's more than capable of making waves -- certain artists are intriguing enough for the public to fall in love with effortlessly. All Gates needs is a solid ground-level awareness campaign and this year will be huge for him. He makes honest music about his life experiences and has confidence oozing out of his pores. As a fan I'd love to see him put ten toes in the dirt and mash on these sucker MCs. Gates could definitely become a forerunner for bringing the realness back to Saint Louis music. - Riverfront Times