Grade: B
Five months after the release of his well-received mixtape “The Luca Brasi Story,” Baton Rouge native Kevin Gates released his first studio album, “Stranger Than Fiction” on Wednesday. The album is 17 tracks deep and contains an eclectic collection of songs ranging from vivid descriptions of life on the streets to club-bangers featuring collaborations with Wiz Khalifa, Migos, Juicy J and more. The most noticeable difference between this record and Gates’ mixtapes is his storytelling — far more descriptive than his earlier works. Overall, this is a solid first outing for the low-pitched, growling rapper who has spent a majority of his career floating right under the radar, receiving praise in local and underground circles. This album probably will not thrust him into fame, but it is an earnest project that will definitely earn him some fans and give him a wider audience.