Kevin Gates, born February 5, 1986, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Signed to Bread Winners’ Association with a partnership with Atlantic Records, he gained significant success with his debut studio album, Islah, released in January 2016, which peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
Before that, Gates released successful mixtapes such as Stranger Than Fiction (2013), By Any Means (2014), and Luca Brasi 2 (2014), all of which also charted in the top 40 on the Billboard 200.
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Kevin Gates Net Worth
Kevin Gates has a net worth of $2 million. He gained fame with mixtapes like Stranger Than Fiction and By Any Means, known for his raw, introspective lyrics. His 2016 debut album, Islah, topped the Billboard 200 and featured hits like “2 Phones” and “Really Really.”
Gates has collaborated with many notable artists and released critically acclaimed projects like I’m Him and Khaza. Drawing from his life experiences, he is known for his personal storytelling, often addressing struggles with poverty, incarceration, and growth.
Early life
Kevin Jerome Gilyard, born to a Puerto Rican mother and an African American father, grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after relocating from New Orleans. His early life was troubled, marked by an arrest at 13 for joyriding in a stolen vehicle. Gates lost contact with his father but reconnected as a teenager.
His father died from AIDS complications when Gates was 14. At 17, Gates briefly attended Baton Rouge Community College before fully pursuing his music career.
Career
Kevin Gates began his career in 2007 with local label Dead Game Records, collaborating with Baton Rouge natives Boosie Badazz and Webbie on his first mixtape, Pick of Da Litter.
After serving 31 months in prison from 2008 to 2011, Gates returned to music with the mixtape Make ‘Em Believe in 2012, gaining attention from Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment. He later founded his own label, Bread Winners’ Association. In 2021, Gates released Only the Generals, Pt. II and teased his upcoming album Khaza.
Personal life
Kevin Gates married his longtime girlfriend, Dreka Haynes, in October 2015. The couple has two children. In a 2013 interview, Gates hinted at having additional children, expressing his close relationship with them while keeping their identities private.
Gates and Dreka practice Islam, and in September 2016, they traveled to Mecca for Hajj, fulfilling a significant religious pilgrimage for Muslims. Gates values his family’s privacy, ensuring that his children remain out of the public eye.
What happened to Kevin Gates when he was 13?
Kevin Gates had a difficult upbringing, marked by early legal trouble. At the age of 13, he was arrested for joyriding in a stolen vehicle as a passenger. His father, who he lost contact with at a young age, reentered his life during his teenage years, but tragically passed away from complications related to AIDS when Gates was 14 years old. These early experiences significantly shaped Gates’ life and music career.
Conclusion
Kevin Gates’ journey from a troubled youth to a successful rapper and entrepreneur is a story of resilience and talent. His net worth of $1 million, while significant, only scratches the surface of his impact on the music industry and his influence as a public figure.
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FAQs about Kevin Gates Net Worth
- How did Kevin Gates build his net worth? Through his successful music career and business ventures.
- What is Kevin Gates’ most successful album? “Islah” is considered one of his most successful albums.
- Has Kevin Gates faced legal issues? Yes, he has faced multiple legal challenges throughout his life.
- What business ventures has Kevin Gates pursued? He has started a record label and created an energy drink.
- What sets Kevin Gates apart from other artists? His deep, meaningful lyrics and his ability to overcome personal and legal obstacles.
