Words by Skylar Sanders
Ahead of Lexa Gates’ highly anticipated sophomore album “I AM” and accompanying 15-date “I Am Tour,” the rising star has given fans a taste of what’s to come with the release of her newest single, “Nothing To Worry About.” The track dropped on September 26 alongside an official music video directed by Red Expanse that trails Gates and a friend around Coney Island and through New York City – her hometown and the final stop on her forthcoming tour.
With lyrics like “I never write no more / I’m usually just on tour / Looking for something to buy to / Bye bye my void,” it might be tempting to dismiss the single as a surface-level reflection on fame and consumerism. After all, Gates’ recent years have been somewhat of a generational run: co-signs from SZA and Clairo, a starring role in a KITH campaign with Fabolous and Jadakiss, a Billboard “Rookie of the Month” honor, and her first sold-out headline tour in 2024.
But Gates has always thrived on turning ambition into art. Rather than glorifying materialism, the “Nothing To Worry About” visualizer hints at a deeper narrative – one that explores the complexities of success, identity, and creative evolution. It’s a clear signal (almost as clear as waving a flag with the single’s title on it) that “I AM” will continue her tradition of authenticity-fueled storytelling, offering a nuanced perspective on the highs and lows of finding one’s footing in the music industry.
There’s a striking contrast between the song’s bouncing chorus – “Climbing up a mountain / Drinking from a fountain / Calling my accountant / Take a hundred thousand / No matter what I spend / I’m pushing it full send” – and the understated visuals that accompany it. Instead of flashy displays of wealth, the video lingers on quiet moments: Gates dozing off in the back of a cab, wandering a deserted beach with a friend, and perched on the hood of a car in an empty Coney Island parking lot. Though the setting is unmistakably New York City, there’s an unmistakable suburban undertone – a liminal, in-between feeling that’s both freeing and faintly mundane. It’s a refreshing departure from the overproduced, high-gloss visuals often favored by her peers, underscoring Gates’ ability to tell a richer, more grounded story of the “come-up.”
Gates’ laid-back but razor-sharp delivery takes center stage, with lines like “You getting paid cause I’m / Running my mouth” showcasing a confidence that’s as effortless as it is unapologetic. Her wordplay is equally impressive – “Green on my land like Iceland / Ice on my hand like Greenland” – and throughout the track, she brings an unfiltered honesty to her reflections on the trials and tribulations of her journey, balancing bravado with a self-awareness that feels both raw and refreshingly authentic.
“I AM” is set to drop this fall, featuring previously released singles “Latency” and “Past It.” Gates will bring the project to life on her North American “I Am Tour,” which kicks off October 27 in Toronto. It marks her second headlining run, following a breakout festival circuit this summer and the packed crowd at her free NYC pop-up in June – all clear signs that Gates is stepping into this new era with unstoppable momentum.
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