This is such a different topic than I would usually write about, but lately, I've gotten a lot of hate for it so here it is: Kevin Gates is my spirit animal. And before you say anything, no I'm not in love with him. No, I do not want to marry him. No to every other insane question I've been asked.

A lot of people hear his name and equate it with your stereotypical "thuggish" rapper, and to an extent, I guess he is. Many people can't get behind his music because they think it's stupid when really they just don't understand it. His music speaks volumes if you take the time to listen to his lyrics. The language may be harsh, but it tells a story and shows true emotions. Many will say he's "uneducated," but did you know he has a Master's Degree in psychology? I bet you didn't.

About 4-6 years ago, I was going through a very difficult time in my life. I was roughly a junior in high school, and I started realizing that I didn't feel "normal" or "happy" with my life. Fast forward to my freshman year of college. My second month into my first fall semester, I was diagnosed with depression and severe anxiety. Things had gotten to the point where just existing became too much for me.

Now, to clarify, I've been a fan of Kevin Gates since about 2011, and I started college in the fall of 2014. I'm a music lover. Music lives inside me; it speaks to my soul, and I can't live without it.

Kevin Gates went through mental health issues very similar to mine, so his music spoke more to me than I ever thought it would. It honestly changed my life, and I know that sounds crazy, but his lyrics are so deep, and every single song tells a story, whether good or bad.

Here's a short list of songs that got me through the hard days and really hit home for me:

• Angels

• Can't Make This Up

• Arms of a Stranger

• Counting On Ya

• Hero

• Roaming Around

• Smiling Faces

Kevin Gates is a lyricist and my spirit animal. He raps/sings about deep, personal things, he's a good person, and I will proudly argue with ANYONE who tries to tell me otherwise.