Kevin Gates

With an unapologetic attitude and an undeniable talent, Louisiana native Kevin Gates has rapidly become one of the most prominent voices in modern rap. Known for his raw lyrics, Gates has amassed a devoted fan base who eagerly anticipate each new release.

About Kevin Gates

Kevin Gates was born Kevin Jerome Gilyard on February 5, 1986, in New Orleans, Louisiana but was raised in Baton Rouge. He began his rap career in 2006 as an artist on Dead Game Records. Following a brief time spent in prison, Kevin began to gain recognition as an independent artist and eventually caught the eye of Atlantic Records who signed him and his own record label, BWA (Bread Winner's Association) in 2013.

Despite the brief setback he faced due to his time behind bars, Kevin Gates has since gone on to experience an astronomical career as a rapper. His discography includes numerous studio albums and his music has been streamed millions of times across various platforms.

What sets Kevin Gates apart from other rappers is his unique style of rapping. His lyrics are often introspective, delving deep into his personal life experiences and touching on topics that are often considered taboo in the rap community. Beyond that, he has a distinctive voice that is often imitated but never duplicated.

Early Life and Career

Kevin Gates was born and raised in Louisiana. Despite growing up in a poverty-stricken area, he managed to find solace in music from a young age. As a child, Kevin was introduced to music by his mother, who exposed him to country, blues, and R&B.

Kevin Gates began his professional music career in 2006 at the age of 19, as an artist on Dead Game Records. Over the next few years, he gained recognition as an up-and-coming independent artist, creating a buzz with his mixtapes and live performances.

Unfortunately, Kevin was sent to prison in 2011 after being convicted of a felony charge of gun possession. Despite the setback, he continued to work on his craft while behind bars, writing lyrics and honing his flow. During his time in jail, he began to garner a larger following thanks to the release of his mixtape The Luca Brasi Story, which was highly praised by both fans and critics alike.

Career Highlights

After being released from prison in 2013, Kevin Gates burst onto the music scene with a newfound sense of urgency. He released his mixtape The Luca Brasi 2: A Gangsta Grillz Special Edition in December of that year, which was well received by fans and critics alike. The following year, he released his debut studio album, Islah, which generated widespread critical acclaim and reached platinum status, selling over one million copies in the United States alone.

Following the success of his debut album, Kevin went on to release a series of other studio albums. In September of 2017, he released his album, By Any Means 2, which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200. He followed that up in 2018 with the release of two more albums, Chained to the City and Luca Brasi 3, both of which received critical acclaim.

Personal Life

Beyond his talent as a musician, Kevin Gates has also had an interesting personal life. Kevin is married to his longtime girlfriend and business associate Dreka Gates. Together, they have two children, Khaza and Islah, who were the inspiration behind his 2016 album of the same name.

While Kevin Gates is known for his blunt honesty, he has also been open about his struggles with mental health. In interviews, he has discussed his battle with depression and bipolar disorder, and how these struggles are reflected in his music.

Legacy and Impact

Kevin Gates has established himself as one of the most prominent voices in modern hip-hop. His talent as a rapper and songwriter has been recognized not just by fans, but by the industry as a whole. In 2014, he was named one of XXL Magazine's Freshman Class, which recognizes the most promising newcomers in the rap game. In 2020, he was given the honors of both Billboard Music Awards' Top Rap Song and Top Streaming Song (audio) for his hit single "I'm Him".

While some have criticized Kevin Gates for his controversial comments in the past, it's impossible to deny his impact on the rap game. He has paved the way for up-and-coming independent artists and established a loyal fan base who eagerly await his next release.

The Bottom Line

Kevin Gates is a talented rapper and songwriter who has made a name for himself in the highly competitive hip-hop industry. His unique style of music and raw, introspective lyrics have earned him legions of fans who appreciate his honesty and authenticity. While he has faced controversy in the past, Kevin Gates continues to be a force to be reckoned with and a trailblazer for up-and-coming artists in the rap game.