Kevin Gates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kevin Gates |
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Kevin Gates in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Kevin Jerome Gilyard |
| Born | February 5, 1986 |
| Origin | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2007–present |
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Kevin Jerome Gilyard (born February 5, 1986), known as Kevin Gates, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is also an entrepreneur. He works with Bread Winners' Association and has a partnership with Atlantic Records.
His first studio album, Islah, came out in January 2016. It reached number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Before Islah, Kevin Gates released several mixtapes. These include Stranger Than Fiction (2013), By Any Means (2014), and Luca Brasi 2 (2014). All of these mixtapes made it into the top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Contents
Early Life and Background
Kevin Jerome Gilyard was born on February 5, 1986. His mother is Puerto Rican and his father was African American. His family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, and then settled in Baton Rouge. Kevin Gates had a difficult childhood. He first got into trouble with the law at age 13. His father passed away when Kevin Gates was 14 years old. When he was 17, he briefly attended Baton Rouge Community College.
Music Career Journey
Starting Out: 2007-2012
Kevin Gates began his music career in 2007. He signed with a local record label called Dead Game Records. His career grew alongside other artists from Baton Rouge, like Boosie Badazz and Webbie. In 2007, these three artists worked together on Kevin Gates' first mixtape, Pick of Da Litter.
Another mixtape, All or Nuthin', was released in 2008. Kevin Gates described it as having "a lot of pain...a lot of true stories." In 2008, Kevin Gates faced challenges that paused his music career. He spent time away from music between 2008 and 2011. During this time, he said he earned a master's degree in psychology through a program. He was released early for good behavior.
After this time away, Kevin Gates started making music again. In 2012, his mixtape Make 'Em Believe gained attention. He also caught the eye of Lil Wayne's record label, Young Money Entertainment. Kevin Gates signed with their management team later that year. He never signed a full record deal with Young Money. However, Birdman gave him the idea to start his own record label, which he named Bread Winners' Association.
Breakthrough with Mixtapes: 2013-2014
In early 2013, Kevin Gates released the mixtape The Luca Brasi Story. This was through his own Bread Winners' Association label. The mixtape received great reviews. Pitchfork praised it for its "emotional nakedness" and "capable lyricism." Rolling Stone named the mixtape's song, "Wylin'," one of the best songs of 2013.
Because of this success, Kevin Gates signed with Atlantic Records. He released his first major label mixtape, Stranger Than Fiction, in July 2013. This mixtape talked about topics like dealing with sadness and his past experiences. It also received good reviews and was the first of his mixtapes to appear on the Billboard 200 chart, reaching number 37.
To support the mixtape, Kevin Gates went on a 4-week tour in October. It was called the Stranger Than Fiction Tour and included artists Starlito and Don Trip. After the tour, Kevin Gates faced legal issues again. He focused on his new mixtape, By Any Means, which came out on March 18, 2014. This mixtape featured other artists like 2 Chainz and Plies. It also reached the Billboard 200, peaking at number 17.
In May 2014, Kevin Gates was named a member of XXL's Freshman Class. He also announced the By Any Means Tour, which ran from July to August 2014. In August 2014, Kevin Gates announced a new energy drink called "I Don't Get Tired" or "#IDGT." This drink was named after his 2014 song of the same name.
Major Success with Islah: 2015-2016
With his 13th mixtape, Luca Brasi 2, Kevin Gates had his third mixtape in a row on the Billboard 200. It reached number 38. This mixtape included the song "I Don't Get Tired". This became his first song to make the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It was also his first song to be certified Gold, meaning it sold a lot of copies. In early 2015, Kevin Gates went on the I Don't Get Tired Tour.
In May 2015, he released another mixtape, Murder for Hire. This was part of the Luca Brasi series. In July 2015, he released the song "Kno One". This song became the first single from his first studio album, Islah.
In October 2015, Kevin Gates announced the title and release date for Islah. The name Islah means "to make better" in Arabic. It is also the name of his first daughter. The album was released on January 29, 2016. It had four singles: "Kno One", "Time for That", "Really Really", and "2 Phones". Both "Really Really" and "2 Phones" were very popular. The album sold 112,000 copies in its first week and reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart. Islah received many positive reviews. Inverse called it the "Best Album of 2016 So Far."
New Mixtapes and EPs: 2016-2021
On May 26, 2016, Kevin Gates announced the sequel to Murder for Hire, which came out the next day.
In September 2017, Kevin Gates' wife, Dreka, released By Any Means 2. She managed the project while he was away. This mixtape reached number four on the Billboard 200.
In May 2018, Kevin Gates released a three-song EP (Extended Play) called Chained to the City. This was his first music release after being away.
On May 31, 2019, Kevin Gates released his second EP, Only the Generals Gon Understand. On June 28, 2019, he released "Push It" with a music video. This song was the first single from his second album, I'm Him.
In February 2021, Kevin Gates released his 17th mixtape, Only the Generals, Pt. II. This was a surprise release and a sequel to his 2019 EP. He recorded it in Puerto Rico to celebrate his family heritage. The mixtape included the song "Plug Daughter 2." It also came with a music video for "Puerto Rico Luv," showing his appreciation for his heritage. Kevin Gates has also hinted about his third studio album, Khaza.
Artistic Style
Kevin Gates is known for his "confessional anthems." These songs often mix his personal life stories with Southern hip-hop beats. In a review of his album Islah, Consequence of Sound said that "autobiography and honesty have always been central to [Gates'] artistry." Spin noted that he often combines "melodic tunefulness" with "street rap." In his newer music, he has included more singing. He has even trained with singer Monica.
Kevin Gates' songs often talk about topics like sadness, growing up in poverty, and his life experiences. He has said that artists like Nas, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Tupac Shakur, and Eminem have influenced his music.
Personal Life
Kevin Gates married his longtime girlfriend, Dreka Haynes, in October 2015. They have two children together. Kevin Gates is a practicing Muslim, just like his wife. In September 2016, they traveled to Mecca for Hajj, which is a special pilgrimage for Muslims.
Discography
Studio albums
- Islah (2016)
- I'm Him (2019)
- Khaza (2022)
- The Ceremony (2024)
Images for kids
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Kevin Gates in 2014
