The Ceremony (album)

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, Kevin 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, Kevin Gates released the debut single of the album "RUMORS".

On October 6, 2023, Kevin Gates released the second single of the album "God Slippers". On November 9, 2023, he released the third single of the album "Yonce Freestyle". On January 12, 2024, he released the fourth single of 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 The writing is all about moving forward, but the sonics keep Gates frozen in time, fused to an outdated Hot 100 sound that's incongruous with his matured, quieter stylings".