Kevin Gates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kevin Gates |
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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 | |
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| Years active | 2007–present |
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Kevin Jerome Gilyard (born February 5, 1986), known professionally as Kevin Gates, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is currently signed to Bread Winners' Association, which works with Atlantic Records. His first studio album, Islah, came out in January 2016. It reached number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, showing how popular his music had become. Before Islah, Kevin Gates released many mixtapes that also did very well.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Kevin Jerome Gilyard was born on February 5, 1986. His mother was Puerto Rican, and his father was African American. His family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, before settling in Baton Rouge. Kevin faced challenges early in his life. He lost contact with his father when he was young, but they reconnected when Kevin was a teenager. His father passed away when Kevin was 14 years old. When he was 17, Kevin briefly attended Baton Rouge Community College.
Music Career Journey
Starting Out in Music (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. The three worked together on Kevin's first mixtape, Pick of Da Litter, in 2007. Another mixtape, All or Nuthin', was released in 2008. Kevin described this mixtape as having "a lot of pain...a lot of true stories."
In 2008, Kevin faced some challenges that paused his music career. He spent time in prison between 2008 and 2011. During this time, Kevin said he earned a master's degree in psychology through a program in prison. He was released early for good behavior. After his time in prison, Kevin started making music again right away. In 2012, his mixtape Make 'Em Believe gained a lot of attention. He also caught the eye of Lil Wayne's record label, Young Money Entertainment. Kevin signed with their management team later that year. Although he didn't sign a record deal with Young Money, Birdman gave him the idea to start his own record label, which he named Bread Winners' Association.
Mixtape Success and Atlantic Records (2013–2014)
In early 2013, Kevin Gates released the mixtape The Luca Brasi Story through his Bread Winners' Association label. This mixtape received great reviews. For example, Pitchfork praised it for its emotional honesty and strong lyrics. The song "Wylin'" from the mixtape was even named one of the best songs of 2013 by Rolling Stone.
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 explored topics like overcoming difficulties and his experiences. Stranger Than Fiction was the first of Kevin's mixtapes to appear on the Billboard 200 chart, reaching number 37. To support the mixtape, Kevin went on a tour across the United States called the Stranger Than Fiction Tour.
After the tour, Kevin faced another brief period in prison for parole violations. He was released in early March 2014 and quickly focused on his new mixtape, By Any Means. This mixtape came out on March 18, 2014. It featured other artists like 2 Chainz and Plies. By Any Means also made it onto the Billboard 200, peaking at number 17. In May 2014, Kevin Gates was recognized as a member of XXL's Freshman Class, which highlights rising hip-hop artists. He also announced another tour, the By Any Means Tour. In August 2014, Kevin announced a new energy drink called "I Don't Get Tired," based on his popular song of the same name.
Breakthrough Album Islah (2015–2016)
With the release of his 13th mixtape, Luca Brasi 2, Kevin Gates had his third mixtape in a row appear on the Billboard 200 chart. This mixtape included the song "I Don't Get Tired", which became his first song to reach the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and his first song to be certified Gold. In early 2015, Kevin went on the I Don't Get Tired Tour. In May 2015, he released another mixtape, Murder for Hire.
In July 2015, he released "Kno One", which was the first song from his first studio album, Islah. The album's title, Islah, means "to make better" in Arabic and is also the name of his first daughter. Islah was released on January 29, 2016. It featured popular songs like "Really Really" and "2 Phones". The album sold 112,000 copies in its first week and reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart. Islah received many positive reviews, with some calling it one of the best albums of 2016.
Recent Music Releases (2016–Present)
On May 26, 2016, Kevin Gates announced the sequel to Murder for Hire. In September 2017, while Kevin was in prison, his wife Dreka released By Any Means 2. This mixtape reached number four on the Billboard 200. In May 2018, Kevin released a three-song EP called Chained to the City, which was his first music since being released from prison.
On May 31, 2019, Kevin Gates released his second EP, Only the Generals Gon Understand. A month later, he released "Push It" along with its music video. This song was the main single from his second album, I'm Him.
In February 2021, Kevin Gates released his 17th mixtape, Only the Generals, Pt. II. This project was a surprise release and a follow-up to his 2019 EP. Kevin recorded the mixtape in Puerto Rico to celebrate his family's heritage. It included the song "Plug Daughter 2" and a music video for "Puerto Rico Luv," showing his appreciation for his background. Kevin has also hinted at his third studio album, Khaza, which was released in 2022. His album The Ceremony was released in 2024.
Artistic Style
Kevin Gates is known for his "confessional anthems." These are songs where he shares personal stories and feelings, often set to Southern hip-hop beats. Reviewers have noted that honesty and personal experiences are key to his music. He often combines catchy melodies with strong rap lyrics. In his newer music, he has included more singing, even training with singer Monica. Kevin's lyrics often talk about overcoming difficulties and his experiences. He has mentioned many artists as his influences, including Nas, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Tupac Shakur, and Eminem.
Personal Life
Kevin Gates married his longtime girlfriend, Dreka Haynes, in October 2015. They have two children together. Kevin has mentioned in interviews that he has other children as well, saying he is very close with all of them. Kevin Gates and his wife are practicing Muslims. 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' signature
See also
In Spanish: Kevin Gates para niños
