Kevin Gates
Kevin Jerome Gilyard
Kevin Gates is an American rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana active since 2007.
- Profession
- Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
- Born
- February 5, 1986
- Years active
- 2007–present
Early life
Born Kevin Gilyard and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, of Moroccan and African American heritage, Kevin Gates developed a deeply confessional, melodic style shaped by a turbulent early life that included multiple incarcerations and an embrace of meditation and self-improvement philosophy.
Career
After a string of acclaimed mixtapes including "The Luca Brasi Story" and "By Any Means," his 2016 debut album "Islah" reached the top of the charts, blending raw emotional vulnerability with hard-edged street narratives and producing platinum singles like "2 Phones."
Major achievements
His debut "Islah" debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and went on to platinum certification, and he has sustained a devoted national fan base through his candid, introspective music.
Legacy
Kevin Gates brought an unusually raw, self-examining vulnerability to Southern street rap, influencing the genre's turn toward emotional candor.
References
Frequently asked questions about Kevin Gates
- What is Kevin Gates known for?
- Kevin Gates is an American rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana active since 2007. Kevin Gates is recognized as a rapper, singer, and songwriter.
- Where is Kevin Gates from?
- Kevin Gates is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- When was Kevin Gates born?
- Kevin Gates was born on February 5, 1986, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- What kind of music does Kevin Gates make?
- Kevin Gates's music spans Hip-hop, Trap, and Southern hip-hop.
- Is Kevin Gates still active?
- Yes — Kevin Gates has been active since 2007 and continues to work today.
- What record labels has Kevin Gates been associated with?
- Kevin Gates has been associated with Bread Winners' Association and Atlantic.
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