I Am

Published: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 5:00 am

Lexa Gates Launches New Album with Unusual Performance

Rapper Lexa Gates, also known as Ivanna Alexandra Martinez, has released her sixth album, "I Am," following a unique promotional stunt. In the hours leading up to the album's release, the 24-year-old artist spent ten hours walking on a giant self-propelled wheel inside a gallery. The performance, streamed live on Twitch, was watched by fellow streamers and fans.

This unusual approach echoes Gates' previous promotional strategies. In 2024, she gained attention by locking herself in a glass box in Union Square to promote her major-label debut, "Elite Vessel." Gates has stated that the wheel performance was about responsibility and curating her circumstances.

"I Am" is described as a higher-gloss version of Gates' signature hip-hop soul style. The album incorporates samples from various artists, including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Patti Drew, and the Intruders. Despite the higher production value, the album's themes are familiar, focusing on perseverance and defiance.

Gates, who began releasing music in 2019, is known for her distinctive vocal tone and her ability to blend early-aughts East Coast rap and R&B influences. The album's standout track, "I Don't Even Know," showcases her neo-soul style with a New York swagger. However, some critics find the album's overall execution to be monotonous.

BNN's Perspective:

While Lexa Gates' promotional tactics are certainly eye-catching, the album itself seems to fall short of its potential. The reliance on familiar themes and a lack of innovation may leave some listeners wanting more. However, Gates' unique voice and undeniable talent still offer a glimmer of hope for future projects.

Keywords: Lexa Gates, I Am, album release, rapper, hip-hop, music, performance art, Twitch, streaming, Ivanna Alexandra Martinez, Elite Vessel, samples, neo-soul, New York, music review, album promotion, music industry, art, marketing

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