Music Minute: Kevin Gates

 Kevin Gates is a world-renowned rapper whose music has skyrocketed to the top of the charts, and he has performed for packed stadiums across the country. The Kevin Gates who shot to fame several years back is not the same man who is on a new mission today. But what changed?

 

In December 2020, Gates was depressed and planned to end his life. But, as he recalls in a recent interview, a chance encounter with a fan at the gym made him decide to at least wait a few days. The fan expressed how Gates’ music “was the only thing that made sense in this crazy world,” and that made Gates aware of how many people he has impacted.

 

“It shows you how God works through people,” Gates said. Ultimately, Gates didn’t go through with his plan. He decided to live. He learned that suicide was never the answer to his pain.

 

Now, Gates wants to use his voice to reach as many people as he can, hoping that anyone who is going through the same thing will hear his story and know that their life is worth living, too. Gates has been very open to speaking about his experience with depression and suicide because he believes mental health struggles shouldn’t be taboo.

 

Another way Gates is using his voice for this cause is through his music. His single, “Scars,” from his third studio album, KHAZA, released in 2022, explores the pain of losing loves and the pain of life.

 

What hasn’t changed about Gates is his dedication to releasing new music. To start off 2023, he released a mixtape, The Luca Brasi Story (A Decade of Brasil), and continues to thrill listeners with new singles. On April 7, he was surprised on stage in Baton Rouge and received a proclamation from his hometown for his groundbreaking work in music and philanthropic initiatives.

 

“If I only help one person with my story, with everything I’ve been through, then I’ve served my purpose,” Gates said. He credits his Muslim faith for his discipline, perseverance and ability to stay on track.

 

About Kevin Gates

Kevin Gates is a rapper from Baton Rouge. He’s one of the most impactful and inimitable rappers in the industry, and he’s gotten here by just being himself. Nearly 15 years into his unbelievable career, he doesn’t chase trends, censor himself or hold back. He speaks his mind and fulfills promises. It’s why his music has racked up over 6 billion streams, 6 billion views, and dozens of multiplatinum, platinum and gold certifications. It’s why his 2013 song “Thinking With My DXXX” reached Billboard’s Hot 100 for the first time in 2022 and became the number one sound on TikTok. It’s why he has logged four top five entries on the Billboard Top 200 and seven top five entries on the Top Rap Albums Chart and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts. It’s also why he has sold out headline tours, delivered show-stopping sets at Rolling Loud and JMBLYA, and ignited arenas with Cardi B.

 

Gates continued his reign with the release of his third full length album, KHAZA. The album was supported by his KHAZA national tour with several sold-out shows across the country. He kicked off 2023 with the release of his debut mixtape, The Luca Brasi Story (A Decade of Brasil). He followed up with the release of his “Breakfast” single with the visual featuring his longtime partner, Dreka, as the leading lady. Gates is currently performing across the nation. His next stop is the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on May 21.