The song "Behind Gates" by E-40 is a collaboration with Ice Cube that highlights their success and addresses the challenges they faced growing up in the hood. The lyrics touch upon various themes such as wealth, the struggle for success, and the harsh reality of life in urban neighborhoods. In the song, E-40 expresses pride in his roots and embraces his background. He mentions how he may speak a different language (slang) but underscores that he is not Scottish, indicating that he is proud of his African-American heritage. He also emphasizes his connection to the streets and his ability to navigate through tough situations. E-40 and Ice Cube contrast their lavish lifestyles, symbolized by "behind gates" (referring to their mansions and wealth), with those who are less fortunate and live in "rent houses" or struggle financially. They assert that they are making millions and have achieved success through their hard work and hustle. The song also touches upon the challenges they face due to their fame and wealth. They criticize those who imitate their style or steal their language (lingo), claiming that they are the original creators. They also address their experiences with law enforcement, referring to encounters with the LAPD and drawing parallels between themselves and the police, both being skeptical of what they see. Overall, "Behind Gates" showcases E-40 and Ice Cube's pride in their success, resilience, and determination to rise above their circumstances. The song reflects their journey from the streets to becoming influential figures, but they also acknowledge the need to stay focused and maintain their status in an ever-changing and challenging environment.
