Overview

Kevin Jerome Gilyard, known professionally as Kevin Gates, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Born on February 5, 1986, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he later moved to Baton Rouge. He began his music career in 2007 after signing with Dead Game Records. Gates gained recognition in the early 2010s, releasing mixtapes and developing a unique blend of autobiographical lyrics and Southern beats. In 2013, he founded the Bread Winners’ Association record label. Gates’s debut studio album, ‘Islah,’ was released in January 2016, peaking at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and achieving platinum status. Known for his raw and introspective storytelling, Kevin Gates often explores themes from his own life, including struggles with poverty, incarceration, and personal growth. He is married to Dreka Haynes, and they converted to Islam in 2016. Gates has also launched the energy drink ‘#IDGT’ (‘I Don’t Get Tired’). He continues to release music and engage in entrepreneurial ventures.

Bread Winners’ Association

Founder

What Is Kevin Gates’ Net Worth?

As of March 11, 2025, Kevin Gates, the American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, has a net worth estimated to be around $2 million. This valuation is compiled from his earnings in the music industry, including revenue from album sales, streaming, concerts, merchandise, endorsements, and his entrepreneurial ventures. However, other sources estimate his net worth to be around $1 million to $1.5 million.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Kevin Jerome Gilyard, known professionally as Kevin Gates, was born on February 5, 1986, in Louisiana. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Baton Rouge. Gates’s early life was marked by challenges, including the absence of his father and involvement in criminal activities from a young age, leading to his first arrest at the age of 13. Despite these difficulties, he briefly attended community college. His father passed away shortly after they reconnected when Gates was a teenager. He signed with Dead Game Records in 2007, marking his formal entry into the music industry. Collaborations with local artists like Boosie and Webbie helped put Baton Rouge on the hip-hop map. Although his career faced a setback due to incarceration in 2008, he returned to the music scene in 2011 with renewed determination.

Breakthrough and Musical Success

By 2013, Kevin Gates established the Bread Winners’ Association record label, releasing mixtapes through this venture. His growing popularity led to a four-month tour across the United States. Despite facing further incarceration, he continued to release mixtapes, maintaining his presence in the music scene. In January 2016, Kevin Gates released his debut studio album, “Islah,” which means “to make better” in Arabic and is also the name of his firstborn daughter. The album’s success was significant, selling 112,000 copies in its first week and peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. “Islah” was one of the first albums to go platinum with no features. It is currently certified triple platinum, with over 3,000,000 copies sold in the United States.

His single “I Don’t Get Tired” became his first song to make the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Gold.

Gates has sold over 6,000,000 albums in the United States.

  • Islah (2016): 3,000,000 copies
  • Luca Brasi 2 (2014): 1,000,000 copies
  • I’m Him (2019): 1,000,000 copies
  • By Any Means (2014): 500,000 copies
  • Luca Brasi 3 (2018): 500,000 copies

From 2016 onward, Kevin Gates continued to release mixtapes and EPs, further solidifying his reputation in the hip-hop community. In 2019, he released his second studio album, “I’m Him,” and in 2022, he released “Khaza.”

Business Ventures and Other Income Streams

Beyond his music career, Kevin Gates has demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial drive. He co-founded his record label, Bread Winners’ Association, which allows him to maintain control over his music and support emerging artists. The label has released several albums and mixtapes, including Gates’s own albums “Islah” and “By Any Means.” He also has his clothing line, called Bread Winners’ Association. Additionally, Gates has created an energy drink. He has also invested in tech startups, his music catalog, and real estate.

Kevin Gates’ income is derived from several key sources:

  • Music Sales & Streaming: Revenue from album sales, digital downloads, and streaming platforms plays a significant role.
  • Concert Tours & Live Performances: Gates’ live shows and tours generate substantial revenue.
  • Merchandise and Endorsements: His brand allows him to profit from merchandise sales and endorsements with brands that align with his image.

Legal Issues

Kevin Gates has faced several legal challenges throughout his life. He was first arrested at age 13 for being a passenger in a stolen vehicle. In 2003, he was arrested for stabbing someone outside a movie theater. In October 2013, a Chicago arrest led to gun charges, resulting in a 30-month prison sentence at an East Moline, Illinois, correctional facility. He was released on parole in January 2018. In 2016, he served three months in jail for kicking a fan during a concert. In April 2018, he filed a lawsuit against his parole officer for denying his requests to travel for performances and family visits. Although initially dismissed, the case was resolved when his parole was terminated early.

Personal Life

Kevin Gates married his longtime girlfriend, Dreka Haynes, in October 2015. Together, they have two children, Islah and Khaza. Gates has stated that he has children from prior relationships as well. Gates and his wife are practicing Muslims and made a pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj in September 2016.

Assets and Possessions

Kevin Gates owns a house in Ohio worth USD 360,000. The 4-bedroom house has high ceilings and is 2 storeys high. He also owns a Rolls Royce Wraith and a Corvette Z06.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved