Kevin Jerome Gilyard, known by his stage name Kevin Gates, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is signed to Bread Winners' Association in partnership with Atlantic Records. Gates' debut studio album, 'Islah,' was released in January 2016 and reached number two on the US Billboard 200 chart. Prior to 'Islah,' he released several mixtapes, including 'Stranger Than Fiction' (2013), 'By Any Means' (2014), and 'Luca Brasi 2' (2014), all of which landed in the top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.
February 5, 1986: Birth of Kevin Gates
Kevin Jerome Gilyard, better known as Kevin Gates, was born on February 5, 1986. He later became an influential American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur.
1999: First Arrest of Kevin Gates
In 1999, at the age of 13, Kevin Gates was arrested for the first time for joyriding in a stolen vehicle. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in his youth.
2003: Jailed for Stabbing Incident
In 2003, Kevin Gates was jailed after being involved in an altercation outside a movie theatre, in which he stabbed his opponent multiple times.
2007: Kevin Gates Signs with Dead Game Records
In 2007, Kevin Gates began his music career by signing with the local label Dead Game Records. He collaborated with fellow Baton Rouge natives Boosie Badazz and Webbie.
2008: Release of Mixtape 'All or Nuthin' and Incarceration
In 2008, Kevin Gates released the mixtape 'All or Nuthin'' which featured many personal stories. However, in the same year, he was incarcerated, pausing his music career.
2011: Release from Prison and Earning a Master's Degree
In 2011, Kevin Gates was released from prison after serving 31 months. During his incarceration, he earned a master's degree in psychology.
July 2013: Release of Mixtape 'Stranger Than Fiction' and Signing with Atlantic Records
In July 2013, Kevin Gates released his first major label mixtape 'Stranger Than Fiction' and signed with Atlantic Records. The mixtape peaked at number 37 on the Billboard 200.
2013: Release of Mixtape 'Stranger Than Fiction'
In 2013, Kevin Gates released the mixtape 'Stranger Than Fiction'. This mixtape received critical acclaim and peaked in the top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.
March 2014: Release from Prison and Focus on New Music
In March 2014, Kevin Gates was released from prison after serving 3.5 months of a 4-month sentence for parole violations. He immediately focused on his music, particularly his new mixtape project 'By Any Means'.
March 18, 2014: Release of Mixtape 'By Any Means'
On March 18, 2014, Kevin Gates released the mixtape 'By Any Means'. The mixtape featured guest appearances from artists like 2 Chainz and Plies, and peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200.
May 2014: Named a Member of XXL's Freshman Class
In May 2014, Kevin Gates was named a member of XXL's Freshman Class, marking a significant milestone in his career.
August 2014: Announcement of Energy Drink '#IDGT'
In August 2014, Kevin Gates announced the creation of a new energy drink called '#IDGT', named after his 2014 single 'I Don't Get Tired' featuring August Alsina.
August 30, 2014: Conclusion of 'By Any Means Tour'
On August 30, 2014, Kevin Gates concluded his 'By Any Means Tour', which ran from July 15 and featured Chevy Woods.
2014: Release of Mixtape 'By Any Means'
In 2014, Kevin Gates released the mixtape 'By Any Means', which also performed well on the Billboard 200 chart.
March 2015: I Don't Get Tired Tour
In March 2015, Kevin Gates embarked on the 'I Don't Get Tired Tour' across the southern United States, following the success of his mixtape 'Luca Brasi 2'.
May 2015: Release of Mixtape 'Murder for Hire'
In May 2015, Kevin Gates released the mixtape 'Murder for Hire', which was considered the third installment in the Luca Brasi series.
July 2015: Release of Single 'Kno One'
In July 2015, Kevin Gates released the song 'Kno One', which became the first single from his debut studio album 'Islah'.
August 2015: Controversy Over Alleged Kicking Incident
In late August 2015, Kevin Gates was involved in a controversy after a video surfaced showing him allegedly kicking a female fan in the chest during a performance in Lakeland, Florida.
October 2015: Announcement of 'Islah' Album Release
In October 2015, Kevin Gates announced the title and release date of his debut studio album 'Islah', named after his firstborn daughter. The album was initially slated for release on December 11, 2015, but was later pushed to January 29, 2016.
October 2015: Marriage to Dreka Haynes
Kevin Gates married his longtime girlfriend, Dreka Haynes, in October 2015. The couple has two children, though Gates hinted in a 2013 interview that he had children with other women.
December 11, 2015: Announcement of Debut Studio Album 'Islah'
On December 11, 2015, Kevin Gates announced the title and release date of his debut studio album 'Islah', which was later pushed back to January 29, 2016.
January 2016: Release of Debut Studio Album 'Islah'
In January 2016, Kevin Gates released his debut studio album 'Islah'. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart.
January 29, 2016: Release of Debut Studio Album 'Islah'
On January 29, 2016, Kevin Gates released his debut studio album 'Islah'. The album received commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
May 26, 2016: Announcement of 'Murder for Hire 2'
On May 26, 2016, Kevin Gates announced that the sequel to his mixtape 'Murder for Hire' would be released on May 27, 2016.
May 27, 2016: Release of 'Murder for Hire 2'
On May 27, 2016, Kevin Gates released 'Murder for Hire 2', the sequel to his previous mixtape 'Murder for Hire'.
September 2016: Pilgrimage to Mecca
In September 2016, Kevin Gates, a practicing Muslim, went to Mecca for Hajj with his wife.
October 26, 2016: Convicted of Battery
On October 26, 2016, Kevin Gates was convicted of battery for kicking a fan during a summer 2015 performance in Lakeland, Florida. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail.
September 22, 2017: Release of 'By Any Means 2' by Dreka Gates
On September 22, 2017, Kevin Gates' spouse Dreka released the mixtape 'By Any Means 2' while he remained in prison. She handled executive controls of the project, which reached number four on the Billboard 200.
January 10, 2018: Release on Parole
Kevin Gates was released on parole on January 10, 2018, after serving a prison term for gun charges.
May 2, 2018: Lawsuit Dismissal
On May 2, 2018, Kevin Gates' lawsuit against his parole officer and Illinois DOC officials was dismissed. Gates had sued them in April 2018 for denying his travel requests, which resulted in missed shows.
May 7, 2018: Emergency Petition Filed
Kevin Gates filed an emergency petition for injunctive relief in the US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit on May 7, 2018. The case was dismissed by a three-judge panel on May 9, 2018, and was scheduled to be heard at a later date.
May 2018: Release of EP 'Chained to the City'
In May 2018, Kevin Gates released the three-song EP 'Chained to the City', marking his first release since being released from prison.
January 10, 2019: Projected Parole Expiration
Kevin Gates' parole was originally projected to expire on January 10, 2019. Despite missing the JMBLYA music festival, he was able to return to live performances in Los Angeles in June 2018.
May 31, 2019: Release of EP 'Only the Generals Gon Understand'
On May 31, 2019, Kevin Gates released his second EP titled 'Only the Generals Gon Understand'.
June 28, 2019: Release of Single 'Push It'
On June 28, 2019, Kevin Gates released the single 'Push It' along with its music video. The song served as the lead single from his second album 'I'm Him'.
February 19, 2021: Release of Only the Generals, Pt. II
Kevin Gates returned with his first project since 2019 on February 19, 2021, releasing his 17th mixtape, Only the Generals, Pt. II. The mixtape, recorded in Puerto Rico, celebrates his family heritage on the island. It includes the single "Plug Daughter 2" and was accompanied by music videos for "Puerto Rico Luv" and "Cartel Swag".