Kevin Gates

Kevin Jerome Gilyard, popularly known as Kevin Gates, was born on February 5, 1986. He is an American artist, rapper, singer, and entrepreneur. The multi-talented artist is currently signed to Atlantic Records along with his own label, “Bread Winners’ Association.” His debut studio album, “Islah,” was released in January 2016 and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 list. Gates released several mixtapes that reached the top 40 on the Billboard 200, including “Stranger Than Fiction,” “By Any Means,” and “Luca Brasi 2.” We’ll help you celebrate his special day right here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Kevin Jerome Gilyard

Birth date:

February 5, 1986

Age:

38

Zodiac Sign:

Aquarius

Height:

6' 2"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$2 million

Kevin's Social Media:

Background

Kevin Gates was born on February 5, 1986, in New Orleans. He moved with his family to Baton Rouge a few years later. Gates had a tumultuous upbringing, first being arrested at age 13 for ‘joyriding’ — that is, for temporarily stealing a car to race with. At age 14 he started rapping; at age 17 he attended the local community college in Baton Rouge.

He first gained attention with the release of the mixtape “Pick Of Da Litter” in 2007. In 2008, he released ‘Get in the Way,’ one of his most successful singles — alongside ‘Lil Boosie.’ ‘Аll оr Nuthіn,’ wаѕ also rеlеаѕеd іn 2008 but hіѕ muѕіс саrееr was grеаtlу аffесtеd аѕ hе ѕреnt 31 mоnthѕ іn рrіѕоn for being possession of a firearm. After being released from prison in 2011, he returned, and his song, ‘Make’m Believe.’

His independent album “Stranger than Fiction” was released a few months after signing his contract with Atlantic Records in 2013, and it peaked at number 37 on the Billboard 200. “By any Means,” his second independent album, was released in 2014 and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard charts. In August 2015, he was involved in a controversy when he assaulted a fan during a concert in Lakeland, Florida, and claimed it was to defend himself. In October of the same year, he married his longtime girlfriend Dreka Haynes, known as Mrs. Dreka. His debut studio album “Islah” was released in 2016 by Bread Winners’ Association and distributed by Atlantic Records. “Islah” featured the singles ‘La Familia,’ ‘The Truth’ and ‘Kno One.’

Career timeline

2013
The Emotional Lyricism

Gates releases "The Story of Luca Brasi," which is considered an emotional and melodic mixtape.

2013
The 10th Mixtape

Gates releases "Stranger Than Fiction" on July 16, 2013, which reaches number 37 on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 8,000 copies in its first week.

2017
The Debut Studio Album

“Islah”, his first studio album is up for the ‘Billboard Music Award Top Rap Album.’

2019
The Second Studio Album

Via Atlantic Records and Bread Winners' Association, Gates releases "I'm Him" (His Imperial Majesty) and it's his latest studio album until now.

Why We Love Kevin Gates

  1. He cares about his religion

    Kevin Gates is a practicing Muslim alongside his wife. The couple went to Mecca for Hajj in 2016.

  2. He has a psychology degree

    Gates attended Baton Community College but dropped out to pursue his rap career. However, when he was in prison, he studied psychology through a prison program in 2011.

  3. He has a sense of humor

    Gates has a sense of humor. He always tries to crack some jokes to get through tough times.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He makes confessional anthems

    Kevin Gates is primarily known for his often autobiographical lyrics with refined southern beats, which fans call ‘confessional anthems.’

  2. He collaborates with his countrymen

    The rapper has collaborated with fellow Louisiana countrymen Lil Boosie and Webbie, as well as Pusha T, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J.

  3. He’s launched an energy drink

    "I don’t get Tired #IDGT" is an energy drink he launched in 2014.

  4. The YouTube Channel

    In addition to working with music, Gates also has a YouTube channel, “KevinGatesTv,” which has 3.9 million subscribers.

  5. He is influenced by the best

    His list of artists that influence him are names like Nas, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Tupac Shakur, and Eminem.

Kevin Gates FAQs

Why did Kevin Gates take a break from Social Media?

Gates took a break from social media to take care of his mental health, he was depressed.

Are Kevin Gates and Sierra Gates related?

Yes, Sierra and Kevin Gates are related. They are cousins.

When did Kevin Gates have his first child?

Kevin Gates and his wife Dreka Gates welcomed their first child Islah Koren Gates on November 30, 2012.

Kevin Gates’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2025February 5Wednesday
2026February 5Thursday
2027February 5Friday
2028February 5Saturday
2029February 5Monday

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