Kevin Gates, born Kevin Jerome Gilyard, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born on February 5, 1986, he rose to prominence in the mid-2010s with deeply autobiographical lyrics that explore depression, poverty, and his prison experiences.
Who Is Kevin Gates? Biography and Personal Details
Kevin Jerome Gilyard
February 5, 1986 (age 39 as of 2025)
5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) – disputed
Estimated $2–4 million (2025)
Dreka Gates
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Hip hop, trap, R&B
Bread Winners’ Association, Atlantic Records (former)
Gates began recording music in 2007 at age 19 and gained traction with his 2013 mixtape The Luca Brasi Story. The following year he was named part of XXL’s Freshman Class, a mark of emerging talent in hip hop.
Key Insights
- Known for raw storytelling and emotional vulnerability in lyrics.
- Rose to prominence in the mid-2010s with the mixtape Stranger Than Fiction and the single “2 Phones”.
- Maintains a strong social media presence with millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
- Is a Baptist preacher-in-training and often references faith and struggle in his music.
- His legal history includes arrests for battery, gun possession, and driving with a suspended license.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real name | Kevin Jerome Gilyard |
| Date of birth | February 5, 1986 |
| Place of birth | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 180 lbs |
| Spouse | Dreka Gates (m. 2015) |
| Children | 2 (Islah and Khaza) |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Labels | Bread Winners’ Association, Atlantic Records (former) |
| Notable singles | “2 Phones”, “Really Really”, “Big Gangsta”, “Satellites” |
What Are Kevin Gates’ Height, Net Worth, and Wife?
Height and Physical Details
Kevin Gates’ height is commonly reported as 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m), though some sources list 5 feet 9 inches. There is no official verification from the artist himself, so the exact figure remains disputed.
Net Worth
Estimates of Gates’ net worth vary widely, ranging from $2 million to $4 million as of 2025. The lack of public financial disclosures makes a precise figure difficult to confirm.
Gates has achieved considerable chart success, including a #2 debut on the Billboard 200 with Islah. His income streams include album sales, streaming, touring, and merchandise, but exact revenue figures are not publicly available.
Wife and Family
Gates married Dreka Gates, a fellow musician and entrepreneur, in 2015. The couple has two children: a daughter named Islah and a son named Khaza. Dreka released her own mixtape By Any Means 2 in 2017 while Gates was incarcerated; it reached #4 on the Billboard 200. According to Famous Birthdays, Kevin and Dreka Gates divorced in 2025.
What Are Kevin Gates’ Most Popular Songs?
Hit Singles
Gates is best known for the 2016 single “2 Phones”, a track about juggling multiple phones for business and personal life. The song became a commercial success and remains one of his signature tracks. Other notable singles include “Really Really”, “Push It”, and “Big Gangsta”, the latter from his 2022 album Khaza.
Album Discography
His debut studio album Islah, released January 29, 2016, peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200. The second album I’m Him arrived in 2019, led by “Push It”. The third album Khaza debuted at #4 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and sold 40,000 units in its first week. Upcoming projects include Murder for Hire 2 and The Ceremony (2024).
Some fans refer to “Big Gangsta” as a potential album title, but no such album appears in Gates’ official discography. The song “Big Gangsta” is a single from Khaza, not a separate project.
Mixtapes and Earlier Work
Before his album releases, Gates built a following through mixtapes such as Stranger Than Fiction (2013), By Any Means (2014), and Luca Brasi 2 (2014), all of which charted in the Top 40. His first mixtape, Pick of Da Litter, dates to 2005.
Why Is Kevin Gates Associated With Seattle?
The connection between Kevin Gates and Seattle is not widely documented. It may stem from a concert performance, a music video location, or a mention in a track. No confirmed event or tour stop has been publicly verified. Gates announced the Big Lyfe Tour alongside the release of Khaza in 2022, but Seattle was not specifically named as a stop.
Key Milestones in Kevin Gates’ Career
- 1986 – Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- 2005 – Released first mixtape Pick of Da Litter.
- 2013 – Mixtape The Luca Brasi Story gains traction.
- 2014 – Signed to Atlantic Records; released By Any Means.
- 2016 – Debut studio album Islah hits #2 on Billboard 200.
- 2018 – Released album Luca Brasi 3; legal issues emerge.
- 2020 – Released Only the Generals Part II mixtape.
- 2022 – Released Khaza album on independent label Bread Winners’ Association.
- 2024 – Ongoing releases, tours, and social media activity.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Unclear About Kevin Gates?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Real name is Kevin Jerome Gilyard. | Height is often reported as 5’8″ but some sources say 5’9″ – no official verification. |
| Born February 5, 1986. | Net worth estimates range from $2 million to $4 million – depends on source and currency. |
| Married to Dreka Gates and has two children. | The Seattle association may refer to a concert, a lyric, or a rumored incident – not widely documented. |
| Hit singles include “2 Phones” and “Big Gangsta”. | Exact financial details and asset values are not publicly known. |
Analysis: Kevin Gates’ Musical Style and Influence
Kevin Gates blends Southern hip-hop with introspective, often confessional lyrics. His music frequently explores themes of poverty, violence, faith, and relationships. He is noted for his melodic delivery and use of auto-tune. Gates has cited influences like Tupac Shakur and his own life experiences. His independent label, Bread Winners’ Association, gives him creative control. Despite legal controversies, he maintains a loyal fanbase and continues to release music regularly.
Notable Quotes and Sources
“I’m a real n***a, I don’t play no games – I’m a dog.”
Lyrics from “I’m a Dog”
“Music is therapy for me. It’s how I express everything I feel.”
Interview with Billboard (2016)
Primary sources for this article include Wikipedia, Billboard, AllMusic, Spotify, and Instagram.
What’s Next for Kevin Gates?
As of 2025, Kevin Gates continues to release new music and engage fans via social media. He has hinted at a new album and ongoing tour plans. For the latest updates, check his official Instagram and Spotify profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kevin Gates’ real name?
His real name is Kevin Jerome Gilyard.
How tall is Kevin Gates in feet?
He is reported to be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall, though some sources list 5’9″.
What is Kevin Gates’ net worth in 2025?
Estimated between $2 million and $4 million.
Who is Kevin Gates’ wife?
He is married to Dreka Gates.
When was Kevin Gates born?
February 5, 1986.
What is the song “Kevin Gates – 2 Phones” about?
“2 Phones” is a hit single about juggling multiple phones for business and personal life, released in 2016.
What is the song “Kevin Gates – Big Gangsta”?
“Big Gangsta” is a single from his album Khaza (2022), showcasing his street-oriented lyrics.
Why is Kevin Gates linked to Seattle?
The connection may stem from a concert performance, a music video location, or a mention in a track – no widely confirmed event reported.
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Adam Pryor is Managing Editor at StoryNative.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.