Kevin Gates

Kevin Jerome Gilyard (born February 5, 1986), known professionally as Kevin Gates, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He rose to prominence with a series of mixtapes in the early 2010s, including Stranger Than Fiction (2013), By Any Means (2014), and Luca Brasi 2 (2014), all of which charted in the top 40 on the Billboard 200. His debut studio album, Islah, released in January 2016, peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 and solidified his mainstream success. Gates began his career in 2007 with the local label Dead Game Records, releasing early mixtapes such as Pick of Da Litter and All or Nuthin’, which showcased his raw storytelling and emotional depth. His rising career was interrupted in 2008 when he was incarcerated, serving 31 months in prison, during which he claimed to have earned a master’s degree in psychology. Upon his release, he quickly reentered the music scene with the 2012 mixtape Make ‘Em Believe, catching the attention of Young Money Entertainment’s management wing. Although he never signed a full record deal with the label, guidance from Birdman inspired him to launch his own imprint, Bread Winners’ Association, through which he later partnered with Atlantic Records. Known for his gritty lyrics, melodic delivery, and deeply personal narratives, Gates has remained a prominent figure in Southern hip hop.