Kevin Jerome Gilyard, popularly called Kevin Gates is an American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur. He is currently signed to Bread Winners’ Association with a partnership with Atlantic Records.
Gates is of Moroccan and Puerto Rican descent.
Gates began his career in 2007 by signing to local label Dead Game Records.
In early 2013, Gates released the mixtape, The Luca Brasi Story, via his Bread Winners’ Association record label. The mixtape received critical praise with Pitchfork saying it, “imbues trap’s claustrophobic bleakness with an emotional nakedness, capable lyricism, and melodic certitude many of its recent breakout stars have lacked.” In May 2014, Gates was named a member of XXL’s Freshman Class. He also announced the By Any Means Tour, which would run from July 15 to August 30, 2014 and feature Chevy Woods. In August 2014, Gates announced the creation of a new energy drink called “I Don’t Get Tired” or “#IDGT.” The drink is based on Gates’ 2014 single of the same namethat also featured August Alsina.
Gates married his longtime girlfriend, Dreka Haynes, in October 2015. The couple have two children, Islah and Khaza.
Gates is a practicing Muslim along with his wife, and went in September 2016 to Mecca for Hajj.
