Kevin Gates Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Kevin Gates’ Net Worth Revealed

In the world of American rap and singing, Kevin Gates is recognized for his $1 million net worth. Kevin Gates rose to fame through his mixtapes like “Stranger Than Fiction” and “By Any Means,” displaying his distinctive style and candid, introspective lyrics. His debut studio album, “Islah,” released in 2016, claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart with hit tracks like “2 Phones” and “Really Really.” Throughout his journey, he collaborated with numerous renowned artists and dropped other well-received projects such as “I’m Him” and “Khaza.” Famed for his authentic storytelling rooted in personal experiences involving struggles with poverty, imprisonment, and personal development.

Early Life Background

Originating on February 5th, 1986, in Louisiana, Kevin Gates’ family relocated to Baton Rouge shortly after his birth. His childhood wasn’t smooth as his father was absent in his life, leading him into early involvement in criminal activities. His first encounter with the law was at 13, though he did manage a brief spell in community college before reconnecting with his father, who passed away soon afterward.

Initial Steps in Career

Kevin Gates demonstrated a keen interest in music early on and inked a deal with Dead Game Records in 2007. Alongside personalities like Boosie and Webbie, Gates played a significant role in putting Baton Rouge on the hip-hop map. Despite a brief pause in 2008 due to incarceration, Gates emerged in 2011 equipped with a psychology master’s degree and a fresh resolve to flourish in the music industry.

Following the release of his first mixtape, Make ‘Em Believe, Gates’ talent gained the attention of Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment label, leading to his signing with them for management purposes, not as a rapper. Nonetheless, Gates used this opportunity to learn the ropes for running his future record label.

Key Career Milestones

By 2013, Gates founded the Breadwinners’ Association record label and released another mixtape under this banner. Subsequent mixtapes garnered high critical acclaim and popularity, prompting a nationwide four-month performance tour. However, another brush with the law resulted in Gates’ incarceration yet again. Despite this, he managed to drop another mixtape in 2014.

Debut Album and Ongoing Projects

In 2015, Gates released his 13th mixtape, prompting fervent demands from his fan base. Responding to this, in 2016, he unleashed his debut studio album, Islah. The album achieved notable success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Top 200 and selling over 110,000 units in the debut week. Subsequently, Gates continued dropping more mixtapes and multiple EPs from 2016 onwards. “I’m Him” was released as his second studio album in 2019, followed by “Khaza” in 2022.

Engagement in Business

Beyond his musical endeavors, Kevin Gates showcased strong entrepreneurial acumen over the years. Apart from establishing his record label, he ventured into creating an energy drink.

Encounters with Legal System

Kevin Gates’ legal saga began at 13 when he was apprehended as a passenger in a stolen vehicle. In 2003, a violent altercation outside a cinema resulted in Gates stabbing an individual multiple times. A 2013 arrest in Chicago on gun charges led to a 30-month prison sentence in an East Moline, Illinois, correctional facility. Released on parole in January 2018, Gates faced a brief jail stint in 2016 for kicking a fan during a concert.

In April 2018, Gates pursued legal action against his parole officer and the parole chief for hindering his travel requests outside Cook County, Illinois, for performances and family visits. The suit, Kevin Gilyard v. John R. Baldwin, Ned Schwartz, and Jason Garnett, faced dismissal multiple times before Gates’ early parole termination by the Illinois DOC, enabling his return to live performances.

Personal Aspects

In October 2015, Gates tied the knot with his long-time partner, Dreka Haynes, with whom he shares two kids, Islah and Khaza, aside from children from previous relationships. Embracing the Muslim faith, Gates and his wife performed Hajj in Mecca in September 2016.