Career Timeline of Kevin Gates: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Kevin Gates built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kevin Gates, born Kevin Jerome Gilyard, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is signed to Bread Winners' Association in partnership with Atlantic Records. Gates gained prominence through his mixtapes, including "Stranger Than Fiction," "By Any Means," and "Luca Brasi 2," all achieving top 40 Billboard 200 rankings. His debut studio album, "Islah," released in 2016, reached number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his position in the music industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2007: Signing with Dead Game Records and First Mixtape

In 2007, Kevin Gates began his career by signing to local label Dead Game Records and collaborated with Boosie Badazz and Webbie on his first mixtape, Pick of Da Litter.

2008: Release of 'All or Nuthin' and Incarceration

In 2008, Kevin Gates released the mixtape All or Nuthin'. Later in 2008, he was incarcerated, pausing his music career.

2012: Signed to Young Money Entertainment (Management Wing)

In 2012, Kevin Gates gained attention with the mixtape Make 'Em Believe. Later in 2012, he signed with the management wing of Lil Wayne's record label, Young Money Entertainment.

July 2013: Release of 'Stranger Than Fiction'

In July 2013, Kevin Gates released his first major label mixtape, Stranger Than Fiction, via Atlantic Records. It peaked at number 37 on the Billboard 200.

March 2014: Release from Prison and Focus on New Music

In early March 2014, Kevin Gates was released from prison after serving 3 and a half months for parole violations and immediately focused on music, including the mixtape project By Any Means.

March 18, 2014: Release of 'By Any Means' Mixtape

On March 18, 2014, Kevin Gates released the mixtape By Any Means, which featured guest appearances from 2 Chainz, Plies, and Rico Love. It peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200.

May 2014: Named to XXL Freshman Class

In May 2014, Kevin Gates was named a member of XXL's Freshman Class.

August 2014: Announcement of 'I Don't Get Tired' Energy Drink

In August 2014, Kevin Gates announced the creation of a new energy drink called "I Don't Get Tired" or "#IDGT," based on his 2014 single of the same name.

August 30, 2014: End of By Any Means Tour

Kevin Gates' By Any Means Tour ran from July 15 to August 30, 2014, and featured Chevy Woods.

March 2015: I Don't Get Tired Tour

In February and March 2015, Kevin Gates embarked on the I Don't Get Tired Tour throughout much of the South.

May 2015: Release of 'Murder for Hire' Mixtape

In May 2015, Kevin Gates released another mixtape, Murder for Hire, said to be the third installment in the Luca Brasi series.

July 2015: Release of 'Kno One'

In July 2015, Kevin Gates released the song "Kno One", which became the first single from his debut studio album, Islah.

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October 2015: Announcement of Islah Album Title and Release Date

In October 2015, Kevin Gates announced the title and release date of his debut studio album, Islah, originally slated for release on December 11, 2015.

January 2016: Islah Album Release

In January 2016, Kevin Gates released his debut studio album, Islah, which peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

January 29, 2016: Release of 'Islah'

On January 29, 2016, Kevin Gates' album, Islah, was released, featuring the singles "Kno One", "Time for That", "Really Really" and "2 Phones".

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May 26, 2016: Announcement of 'Murder for Hire 2'

On May 26, 2016, Kevin Gates announced that the sequel to Murder for Hire would be coming on May 27, 2016.

May 27, 2016: Release of 'Murder for Hire 2'

On May 27, 2016, Kevin Gates released the mixtape sequel to Murder for Hire.

September 22, 2017: Release of 'By Any Means 2'

On September 22, 2017, Kevin Gates' spouse Dreka released By Any Means 2 while he remained in prison. She handled executive controls of the project.

May 2018: Release of 'Chained to the City' EP

In May 2018, Kevin Gates released the three-song EP Chained to the City, which served as his first release since being released from prison.

May 31, 2019: Release of 'Only the Generals Gon Understand' EP

On May 31, 2019, Kevin Gates released his second EP, titled Only the Generals Gon Understand.

June 28, 2019: Release of "Push It" Single

On June 28, 2019, Kevin Gates released "Push It", along with the music video. The song served as the lead single from his second album I'm Him.

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2019: Original Release of 'Only the Generals Gon Understand'

Kevin Gates had released the original 'Only the Generals Gon Understand' in 2019.

February 19, 2021: Release of 'Only the Generals, Pt. II'

On February 19, 2021, Kevin Gates released his 17th mixtape, Only the Generals, Pt. II, a surprise-released sequel to his 2019 EP. It was recorded earlier in 2021 in Puerto Rico.