Kevin Gates

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Kevin Gates
File:Kevin Gates - Main Pub 1 - Photo Credit.jpg
Kevin Gates in 2014
Background information
Birth name Kevin Jerome Gilyard
Born (1986-02-05) February 5, 1986 (age 38)
New Orleans, Louisiana
Origin Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
Years active 2007–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website Official website

Kevin Jerome Gilyard (born February 5, 1986),[1][2] better known by his stage name Kevin Gates, is an American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.[3][4][5] He is currently signed to Atlantic Records along with his own record label, Bread Winners' Association.[5][6] His debut studio album, Islah, was released in January 2016 and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.[7] Prior to Islah, Gates also released numerous mixtapes including Stranger Than Fiction, By Any Means, and Luca Brasi 2, all of which peaked in the top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.[5]

Early life

Kevin Gates was born Kevin Jerome Gilyard on February 5, 1986 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He and his family relocated to Baton Rouge soon after his birth.[1] Gates had an often tumultuous upbringing and was arrested for the first time in 1999 at the age of 13 for "joyriding" as a passenger.[8] When he was 17, he briefly attended Baton Rouge Community College.[5]

Career

2007–2012: Early career, setbacks, and Young Money

Gates began his career alongside fellow Baton Rouge natives Boosie Badazz and Webbie in the mid-2000's. The three collaborated on Gates' first mixtape, Pick of Da Litter, in 2007. Another mixtape, All or Nuthin', was released in 2008 and featured what Gates described as "a lot of pain...a lot of true stories."[9][10] In 2008, both Gates and Boosie were incarcerated in separate cases, effectively pausing Gates' music career.[9] He spent 31 months in prison between 2008 and 2011.[8][11] During this time, he earned a master's degree in psychology through a prison program. He was released early from prison for good behavior.[5]

After his stint in prison, Gates began working on music again almost immediately.[9] In 2012, he earned some buzz with the mixtape, Make 'Em Believe.[12] He also caught the attention of Lil Wayne's record label, Young Money Entertainment. Gates was signed to the management wing of the label later that year.[9][10] Although he was signed to the management wing, Gates never signed a record deal with Young Money. He noted, however, that it was Birdman who gave him the idea to start his own record label later on.[13]

2013–2014: Atlantic Records and mixtape breakthroughs

In early 2013, Gates released the mixtape, The Luca Brasi Story, via his Bread Winners' Association record label. The album received critical praise with Pitchfork saying the album, "imbues trap’s claustrophobic bleakness with an emotional nakedness, capable lyricism, and melodic certitude many of its recent breakout stars have lacked."[14][15] Rolling Stone named the mixtape's single, "Wylin'," the 40th best song of 2013.[16] On the heels of the success of that mixtape, Gates was signed to Atlantic Records.[10] He would then release his first major label mixtape, Stranger Than Fiction, in July 2013.[17][18] The album deals with issues ranging from depression to Gates' time in prison.[19] The album also received favorable reviews despite generally being shorter than Gates had originally hoped.[20] Stranger Than Fiction also marked the first time one of Gates' albums charted on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 37.[5][21]

In support of the album, Gates embarked on a 4-week tour in October across the United States called the "Stranger Than Fiction Tour." The tour also featured Starlito and Don Trip.[22] After the tour, Gates again found himself in prison for parole violations. He was sentenced to 4 months, but only served 3 and a half of those. Upon his release in early March 2014, he again focused on music and, in particular, his new mixtape project, By Any Means. The mixtape was released on March 18, 2014.[15] The album featured guest appearances from artists including 2 Chainz, Plies, and Rico Love.[4] The mixtape also made it to the Billboard 200, peaking at number 17.[21]

In May 2014, Gates was named a member of XXL's Freshmen Class[23] He also announced the "By Any Means Tour" which would run from July 15 to August 30, 2014 and feature Chevy Woods.[24] In August 2014, Gates announced the creation of a new energy drink called "I Don't Get Tired" or "#IDGT."[25] The drink is based on Gates' 2014 single of the same name that also featured August Alsina.[26]

2015–present: Success with "I Don't Get Tired" and Islah

With the release of his 13th mixtape, Luca Brasi 2, Gates earned his third Billboard 200 listing in a row. The mixtape peaked at number 38.[27] The mixtape featured the single "I Don't Get Tired" which became Gates' first song to make the Billboard Hot 100[28] and his first song to be certified Gold.[29] In February and March 2015, Gates embarked on the "I Don't Get Tired Tour" throughout much of the South.[30] In May 2015, Gates released another mixtape, Murder for Hire, which was said to be the third installment in the Luca Brasi series.[31] In July 2015, he released the song, "Kno One," which would become the first single off his debut studio album, Islah.[32]

In late August 2015, Gates was the subject of some controversy after a video surfaced of him allegedly kicking a female fan in the chest at a show in Lakeland, Florida.[33] Gates responded to the allegations shortly thereafter in the form of a song called "The Truth," noting (among other things) that the fan had been tugging on his shorts.[34] In October 2015, Gates married his longtime girlfriend, Dreka Haynes. The couple has two children together, one son and one daughter.[35] Later in October 2015, Gates announced the title and release date of his debut studio album, Islah, which means "to make better" in Arabic and is also the name of his firstborn daughter.[36] The album was originally slated for release on December 11, 2015.[37]

The album would eventually be pushed back to January 29, 2016. It would also feature a total of five singles including, "Kno One," "La Familia," "The Truth," "Really Really," and "2 Phones."[38] Both "Really Really" and "2 Phones" charted on the Billboard Hot 100 (#54 and #17 respectively).[28] The album sold 112,000 copies in the first week of its release and it also peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.[3][21] The album had almost no guest appearances with the exception of Trey Songz, Ty Dolla Sign, and Jamie Foxx who are all featured on the bonus track, "Jam."[38][39] Islah received largely positive reviews with Inverse calling it the "Best Album of 2016 So Far."[40] Pitchfork noted that it was "by far the best single release of his career."[41]

On May 26, 2016, he announced that sequel to Murder for Hire will be coming on May 27, 2016.[42]

Artistry

Kevin Gates is known primarily for his "confessional anthems" that blend often autobiographical lyrics with refined Southern beats.[3] In a review of his debut album Islah, Consequence of Sound noted that "autobiography and honesty have always been central to [Gates'] artistry."[43] Spin has noted that Gates often combines "melodic tunefulness" and "clenched-teeth street rap."[39] In recent releases, he has incorporated more singing, having trained with the singer, Monica. Gates' lyrics often deal with subjects like depression, poverty, and prison time.[3][19] He has listed numerous artists among his influences including Nas, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Tupac Shakur, Eminem, and others.[5]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
US
[21]		 US R&B/HH
[44]		 US Rap
[45]		 CAN
[46]
Islah 2 2 1 16

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[21]		 US R&B/HH
[44]		 US Rap
[45]		 CAN
[46]
Pick of Da Litter[9] — — — —
All or Nuthin'[10] — — — —
All In[48] — — — —
Behind Enemy Lines[49] — — — —
The Leak[50] — — — —
I Don't Know What 2 Call It (Vol. 1)[51] — — — —
Make 'Em Believe[12] — — — —
In The Meantime[52] — — — —
The Luca Brasi Story[14] — — — —
Stranger Than Fiction[17] 37 11 7 —
By Any Means[15] 17 5 3 —
Luca Brasi 2[27] 38 5 3 —
Murder for Hire[31] — — — —
Murder for Hire 2[53] — — — —

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[54]		 US
R&B/HH
[55]		 US
Rap
[56]		 CAN
[56]
"Satellites" 2013  —  —  —  — Make em Believe
"Don't Know" 2014  —  —  —  — By Any Means
"Posed to Be in Love"*  —  —  —  —
"Amnesia"
(featuring Doe B)		  —  —  —  —
"I Don't Get Tired"
(featuring August Alsina)		 90 29 20  — Luca Brasi 2
"Kno One"[57] 2015  — 59  —  — Islah
"Really Really" 54 14 9 93
"2 Phones" 17 3 2 52
  • RIAA: Platinum[47]
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or receive certification.

Other charted songs

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[28]		 US
R&B/HH
[55]		 US
Rap
[56]
"Jam"
(featuring Trey Songz, Ty Dolla Sign and Jamie Foxx)		 2016 97 29 17 Islah

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Bout That" 2009 Dumaine, Savage I'm Who They Waitin'
"I'm Clean" 2010 Max Minelli The Leak
"Dream Team" Max Minelli, Malachi X
"Bow Flex" 2011 9th Ward Earnka N/A
"Drug Dealer Potential" JT The Bigga Figga Drug Dealer Potential
"Every Little Thing I Do"
"Friends To The End"
"My Runner" JT The Bigga Figga, Fresh
"Murder" T-Bo Dat White Dude
"Ink Bleed" (Remix) 2012 Flow, Bonka, G. Wilson Wolf
"Burnin'" French Montana, Akon, Chinx Drugz Coke Boys 3
"Hustle All Day" Gudda Gudda, Flow Guddaville 3
"All I Want" Juvenile, Skip Juvie Tuesdays
"Hit Dat" Remix Level, Hurricane Chris Club Banga King
"Nasty" Lil Cali Against All Odds
"Bills" Lil Chuckee The Cypher
"Shut Up And Get Money" Rodnae Da Boss, Ruccas, Yung Duke I'm Not A Rapper
"What You Doin Here" Young Salo N/A
"Wild Out" Young Troll, Kaotic Y.T.E 4 Life
"What U Think About That" Young Troll, Keenan
"Everytime You See Me" 2013 1 Shot Dealz Ambitionz Of A Ryder
"Long Haul" Alley Boy, Starlito War Cry
"Beat It Up" Bloody Jay Blatlanta II: Brazy
"Catch That" DJ Bay Bay, Big Poppa, Lil Snupe Bay Bay Day 2013
"Movie" DJ Bay Bay, DJ Khaled, Juvenile
"Back In The Day" DJ Kay Slay, Big K.R.I.T., Trae Tha Truth The Last Champion
"Came From Nothin'" DJ Spinatik, Gunplay, Verse Simmonds Came From Nothin'
"Leash On Life" Starlito, Don Trip Step Brothers 2
"All About My Paper" Dorrough Shut The City Down 1.5
"You Gonna Love Me" Jim Jack Solo Grind
"Empty World" Figg Panamera, Gucci Mane Fillmoelanta, Pt. 3
"Never Will I"
"When I'm Grindin'"
"I'm Realla"
"Hit The Books And Pray"
"Snake Niggas" Migos Streets On Lock
"Trust You" Pusha T Wrath of Caine
"She Ain't Right" Rod-D, Daone No Days Off 2
"Gudda" Shy Glizzy Law 2
"Facedown" Shyst Red, Wale Black Migo Shyst
"America's Nightmare" SL Jones Way of Life No Hobby
"What U Mean To Me" Slim Thug, Muggs Boss Life
"Summ Serious" Starlito Cold Turkey
"Dark Angel" Trae Tha Truth I Am King
"Can't Fall In Love" Trump Da Don N/A
"In It 2 Win It" Yo Gutta Low Key
"Anybody Can Get It" Yung Mazi Murdarati
"Red Light, Green Light"
"Come Up" Zed Zilla Time 2 Eat
"No Patience" 2014 Alley Boy Alley Shakur
"You Don't Love Me" Alvin Ray Trally Boy Heat
"Lambo" B.o.B, Jake Lambo No Genre Pt. 2
"Nasty" (remix) Bandit Gang Marco, Young Thug You Don't Know Me
"Childhood" BWA Kane Ain’t Nothin Bigga Than The B
"Dis Pack" Chill Will, Fat Trel Live from the Bando
"Court" D Dash, Percy Keith Trap Music: Popular Edition
"I Be" Dreco Abnormal Way of Life
"You Sleep Out Here" Devious You Sleep Out Here
"The Deal" Gotti Green, Johnny Moog Bank Money
"Diamonds" Hatch Boy Bigger Than Rap 2
"Addicted To Money" (remix) Jigg, Zed Zilla N/A
"Amazin' Story" K.E. on the Track, Yung Mazi I Am Music
"Mud" LaTre' Mud
"Strippers Bop" (Remix) Laudie, Jim Jones N/A
"We Are Strong" Lil Bibby Free Crack 2
"By Myself" Lil Keke, 8Ball Money Don't Sleep
"Feenin'" Lyrica Anderson King Me 2
"Don't Make Em Like Me" Mouse On Tha Track Air Time
"Sex, Drugs & Money"
"2 Rounds" (Remix) Propain, Rich Homie Quan N/A
"Lose Control" Percy Keith Crazy on Tha Outside
"Highway"
"Ride Around" Richie Wess Wess Side Story
"Sick" Rico Love I Sin
"Head Honcho" Rod-D, Baby E, Playamone No Days Off 2
"50 Grams" Roy Demeo N/A
"Ballin'" Starlito, Juicy J
"Don't Do It" Black Sheep Don't Grin
"For Sale" Tana Shit Done Got Real Reloaded
"Black On Black" The Game, Young Jeezy Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf
"Nothing" Tre Pierre Mixtape Maniac II
"Pay Off" Tre Pierre, D Eazy
"Get 2 It" Willie Joe, Shay Sanchez I'm From The Bay Bruh
"Pussy Nigga" (remix) Woop, Plies, Yo Gotti Woop Nation
"Drugs" (remix) Young Scooter, Rich Homie Quan Street Lotery 2: Remix Edition
"Money Of Cocaine" Yung Mazi, Young Thug Trapanomics
"Make It Or Take It" Yung Mazi, Bloody Jay
"Ova Now" Yung Mazi Trapz N Trunkz
"All The Way" 2015 Big Head, Bugsy Calhoone In My Feelings
"Live" Big Mota N/A
"Let Me Find Out" Bluff City 4 Play
"Bet That Up" Boldy James, Snootie Wild Trapper's Alley 2
"Our Life" C-Steeze World So Cold
"Day 1's" Cool Amerika No Taxes 2
"Stripes" DC Young Fly Supplyin Pressure
"Right Now" DJ Bay Bay, Ant Banks, Kirko Bangz Right Now
"I Know It" Fdamusic Fame
"Paper, Steak & Shrimp" Freddy G, King J, Pimp C The Unexpected
"Keep Gettin' Money" Fredo Santana Ain't No Money Like Trap Money
"No Sleep" GeeQue N/A
"Straight Drop" JE Da Substance God's DNA
"She Know" Jeezy Gangsta Party
"Payback" Juicy J, Future, Sage the Gemini Furious 7
"On Me" K Check, Juicy J, Problem N/A
"Cut Up" Lil Cali, Nunu James Work Call
"No Sleep" Lil Shown 1000 Don Stati2
"Earn Your Keep" Loaded Lux, Fat Trel Beloved 2
"Fall" Maino, Money King of Brooklyn
"News" Mistah F.A.B. Welcome 2 Da Dope Era
"How Can I" Need Bucks Here For A Reason
"Murda Game" OG Boobie Black N/A
"Doin Numbers" Randy Bee Beezy Porter
"She Ain't Right" Rocko, Rod-D Strictly 4 The Traps N Trunks 94
"Don't Do It" (remix) Starlito, Young Dolph Black Sheep Don't Grin
"Responsibility" Tjourney Arrae N/A
"Solid" Trae Tha Truth All-Star Weekend 2015
"Bullshit" Vee Tha Rula RULA 2
"Ion Feel Em" Yo Gotti Concealed
"Destroyed" Young Thug, Birdman, MPA Duke N/A
"In Your Dreams" Yung Mazi Strictly 4 The Traps N Trunks 92
"She Knows" Young Jeezy Gangsta Party
"Boss Shitt" Stevie Stone Malta Bend
"I Feel Like" 2 Chainz Trap-A-Velli Tre

References

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