Challenges Faced by Kevin Gates: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Kevin Gates. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

1999: First Arrest

In 1999, at the age of 13, Kevin Gates was arrested for the first time for joyriding in a stolen vehicle as a passenger.

2003: Jailed After Altercation

In 2003, Kevin Gates was jailed after being involved in an altercation outside a movie theatre, in which he stabbed his opponent multiple times.

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.

October 2013: Arrest in Chicago Leading to Gun Charges

Kevin Gates was arrested in Chicago in October 2013, which led to gun charges and a warrant for his arrest.

2015: Charged with Battery for Kicking a Fan

In the summer of 2015, Kevin Gates was charged with battery for kicking a female fan while performing on stage in Lakeland, Florida. He used Florida's stand-your-ground law in defense.

October 26, 2016: Conviction and Sentencing for Battery

On October 26, 2016, Kevin Gates was convicted of battery for kicking a female fan in Florida and sentenced to 180 days in jail.

December 2016: Reissuance of Warrant

In December 2016, while Kevin Gates was serving his battery sentence, his warrant for gun charges stemming from an October 2013 arrest in Chicago was reissued due to his failure to appear in court in Illinois.

April 2018: Lawsuit Against Parole Officer and DOC

In April 2018, Kevin Gates filed a lawsuit against his parole officer, the director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC), and its chief of parole for denying his requests to travel outside of Cook County, Illinois.

May 2, 2018: Dismissal of Lawsuit

On May 2, 2018, Kevin Gates' lawsuit against his parole officer and the DOC was dismissed following a summary hearing in the USDC for the Northern District of Illinois.

May 7, 2018: Emergency Petition Hearing

On May 7, 2018, Kevin Gates filed an emergency petition requesting injunctive relief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, which heard the case.